The Goddess Workout with Dolphina - Introduction to Bellydance [VHS]

I bought this to replace another copy that my nephew destroyed. I waited so long to look for another copy and am so glad to have found it. This is one of my favorite workouts. It is not very strenuous so I like to do it at the end of the day followed by Tai Chi and bed. It's great for releasing tension in your neck and shoulders and always leaves me with a fluid and sexy feeling. Very empowering. My favorite part is the Goddess walk (at least that's what I call it) when Dolfina instructs you to "do it with attitude...it's like saying aren't I fabulous?" Some reveiwers commented on not being able to see what she's doing because of the camera angeles. I have taken a belly dance course in the past so this was not an issue for me. But I find that even if you didn't have prior knowledge if you watch the workout once first you can figure it out. She also gives you instructions all throughout so listening to what she's saying is also helpful. I also recommend the Neena and Veena series of bellydance workouts.

I do like this video, but I agree that there are parts where the camera could have focused better of exactly what Dolphina is doing. If you don't already know the moves, you might really find it hard to follow her. So this is why I think perhaps this tape is not for those who haven't taken any classes at all. But if you have, and want something that you can do at home to remind yourself of the moves you've learned already, and to keep the exercise going on non-class days, and to feel really good about yourself, then this is a great tape.The costumes are fabulous; one of the things that belly dance can do is make you obsessed with the things to wear for belly dance. The sets are interesting; not the bare bones studio sets-- it made me wonder whether these were her home, or what?Unlike some other reviewers, I actually liked the short sessions with each costume change-- focusing in on a particular part of the body is something we do a lot in class, and it felt familiar, and I didn't have time to get bored & remember that I was working out. And if you do the whole workout without stopping, then you do get quite sweaty & worked out-- especially the "shimmy" section.The caveat I must add, and a reason my review is just four stars-- Dolphina is into the kind of "new age" elements of belly dance. (Although why this is a surprise about a video named after the goddess I'd have to say). If that kind of culture bugs you, go after a different video cause she's probably going to get on your nerves talking about chakras and the like. But I still really liked it, and will continue to work out with it.But finally, if you want to learn to belly dance, TAKE A CLASS. Probably there are some in or near your home town-- you'd be surprised-- look for a Greek or Indian or Turkish restaurant and ask them there. There really is NO substitute for being in a classroom with a real, live teacher. And you'll get some great opportunities to go out and practice this stuff, live, and become a real belly dancer yourself.

WOW... I really disagree with these other reviews! This is an excellent tape for beginners. I began doing this tape while I was living in a small Ct. town, and live classes were not an option. At first, I was unable to complete the tape without taking breaks, and my arms hurt like heck afterwards! When I finally moved back to the city and took my first bellydance class, (Shoutout to Sahara Dance in Washington DC!), I found the moves very easy to master. This tape is fabulously produced. Dolphina dances on a beautiful outdoor set. The workout is divided into sections according to body part/movement: arms, hips, shimmies, and so on. Dolphina changes her outfit and location for each section. I really appreciated this-- after all, how long can you stare at one girl in a bland studio without getting bored? Dolphina's outfits are gorgeous, but not flashy. Furthermore, unlike Neena and Veena, Dolphina narrates as she moves-- there is no creepy voice coming from above. This video is complex enough to be challenging to a beginner, but also basic enough to allow the novice dancer to feel successful. I heartily recommend it!

I bought this Advanced Bellydance Goddess Workout after using Dolphina's Introduction to Bellydance which I enjoy tremendously and rated as 5 stars. I am a bit disappointed at this one. First of all, I don't understand why she didn't produce an intermediate one or slow down the pace in this "advanced" one and name it intermediate? I am barely at intermediate level but I still can use this "advanced" just not benefit as much. Even though I am disappointed but I still would say it is a worthwhile purchase.You can hardly call it a workout because you probably would not burn 50 calories. Only one third of the program (hips, upper body, undulation,) have a thorough illustration and repetition. The chest circle and hip circle are hardly illustrated step by step. Repetition itself is a great workout but there is not enough here. The illustration for "Figure Eights" in combination is somehow not clear either. You just have to follow. This combination part is mainly instructional. The hips, thighs and buns part gives some workout as I sweat at this point but it is very short. And then at the shimmy part, it all of sudden gets very difficult/advanced. The cool down is almost perfunctory.However, I still benefit from some of the movements, especially, the undulations of dolphin and camel moves which I couldn't get it from her first DVD. So I would still say it is a worthwhile purchase.The background of this program is stark, barren and boring. A contrast to her first video which is colorful and richly cultured with Eastern style. The camera angles are much better than her last one though. The workout part is really short, only 30 minutes. An ideal length should be one hour with more repetition to make perfect and sweat.