Product Review

As distinct from Western dance forms, the movement in belly dance is more internally focused and requires finer muscle control. There are many torso and hip movements that are completely unique to this dance form. Created by New York City-based star bellydance instructor and performer Irina Akulenko, Diamond Cut Bellydance - Precision Technique & Practice for Beginners will help you learn the delicate nuances of belly dance as well as build an overall strong technique from the very beginning.

This program is divided into 3 sections. In the first section, after a thorough warm up, Irina goes over foundations of belly dance movement breaking down 36 basic steps and isolations and leading a practice with music.

Section two is a series of 21 drills where two contrasting or two similar movements are paired together into a simple combination - you will love this! It s a step toward mastering precision muscle control, and a fun way to explore the nuances of the moves you learned in section one. Irina focuses on a single area of the body, such as the hips, and works with similar movements that have just one key variation, such as different kinds of hip figure 8s.

The final third of Irina's Diamond Cut Bellydance program offers breakdown and practice of the seven graceful dance combinations, varying in mood, tempo, and dance vocabulary. Irina plays with different stylizations, from an Oriental flavor to a touch of Tribal style. The combinations start off easy, but escalate in sophistication, culminating in an explosive drum solo. These dance combinations will apply the technique you learned to beautiful music, challenge your coordination and let you enjoy bellydance to the fullest!

Learning belly dance helps you rediscover and accept yourself, feel more in control, more at ease in your own skin. Enjoy!