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Arabian Sands: The Art of Bellydance for Beginners with Paulina

Review by Nita Collins
February, 2005

Who is this video intended for?
This is a video intended for level 1 beginners; however, level 2 students may also enjoy the 2nd section, which is a faster-paced tutorial with dancer/instructor Jindra.

What is taught?
Segment One: Basic technique is covered in the first segment, which is taught by Paulina. Paulina begins by giving an excellent and thorough explanation and breakdown of proper posture, and reminds you to check your posture throughout the video. She teaches basics by first demonstrating and then breaking the movement down several times in several different ways. Each breakdown is done facing the front and then repeated to the side. Written tips are also displayed on the screen for those who learn by taking notes. Personally, I wish she had also used some of this time to show the movements from the back. The movements taught are flat (horizontal) figure 8 hips, hip twists (agitation shimmy), hip drops, chest slides & circles, arm & hand movements. Following the tutorial there is a “follow me” improvisational section where you can dance along with Paulina using the movements just learned.

This portion of the video is very thorough and would be excellent for brand-new students and those learning by videos, without benefit of a qualified teacher. This first portion moves very slowly. The new student can follow along without constant use of the rewind button. Students enrolled in regular on-going classes may quickly outgrow this portion of the video or tire of the repetition.

Segment Two: Faster paced, this segment is taught by Jindra and uses the same movements taught in segment one with the addition of hip circles and hip slides. Arms are also added. This is a quick review of the basics that were taught by Paulina, which are now put into dance combinations. This segment begins with stretches. I never like to see stretching done without a warm up first. However, I think that the assumption is made that the viewer has just completed segment one. If you are skipping segment one and starting with segment two, be sure you warm yourself up first before doing the stretches.

Jindra leads you through several fun-to-do combinations. Starting with one movement, she adds another and another, giving just enough repetition to allow you to follow without losing your attention. Each dance combination increases in challenge from the one preceding it. The video tutorial ends with stretches.

Would This Video Be A Good Study Tool For My Students?
Yes. The instruction is very good. There is a lot of attention given to details of posture and body placement. My own students would feel very comfortable with this video as the breakdowns are very similar to what I give in class. The second portion with Jindra is much like being in dance class and learning combinations. Students may quickly outgrow the first segment, but the second segment would remain enjoyable by dancers throughout level 1. Some level 2 dancers will also enjoy the first segment as a refresher and the second segment as a fun dance review.

The set is simple and pleasant and doesn’t distract from the teacher’s body or movements. The sound quality and videography are excellent. Paulina teaches in leggings, a bra top and hipscarf.

In addition to Arabian Sands, Paulina also has The Art of Belly Dance for Beginners: Desert Dreams and Enchanted Nile. Each video covers a different set of basic movements.

Where Can You Purchase This Video?
I bought mine from Cleopatra’s Bazaar (see shopping links). It can also be purchased from most major vendors.