Review by Nina Costanza

New York City dancers, Sarah Skinner, Raja, Autumn Ward, and Bashirah have joined forces with drummers, Carmine T. Guida, David Buchat, and Bashirah (she drums too) to create a DVD and accompanying CD, Belly Dance Drum Solos.

The combination of the DVD’s illustrations of a drum solos (to live music) and the CD’s respective rhythmic arrangements is crafted with student drummers and dancers in mind and is a wonderful instructional device.

Students are exposed to a variety of rhythmic patterns, different dance styles from Turkish, to Arabic, to fusion, and relevant movement possibilities.

The four dancers and three drummers collaborate in 14 solos, each lasting about two to three minutes. Considering the volume of dances exhibited, this length of time for the individual interpretations is perfect and keeps one’s attention.

The DVD is also easy to follow. The menu navigation is sensibly organized into four chapters: “All,” “Selections,” “Drummer Notes,” and “Credits.”
Each solo selection lists the rhythms applied. Rhythms include (spelling here is the same as it appears on the products): malfuf, saidi, masmoudi, ayub, baladi, khaligi, chiftitelli, maqsum, and “Gypsy.”
They are presented in various combinations with each presentation usually comprising three of the patterns. But these patterns, it should be emphasized, are danced and not broken down. In this case, this method is completely appropriate. The viewer can get a feel for each rhythm as it can be performed and learn or practice patterns more specifically by listening to the CD.

Each dancer brings something different to her solo. Their variant styles and personality are exposed, each being expressive in her own way. Sarah Skinner is softly sensual in that amiable way that is not exclusive of women. Autumn Ward is charismatic, adorable (even if a little cheeky), and suited to the Arabic genres. When Raja (a favorite for her robust naturalness) lets go, she is charged. Bashirah performs one solo. (The other compositions are shared alternately among the more experienced dancers.) Bashirah, for now, is a better drummer than dancer. While her movements are poised, she has little electricity, and her vocabulary is limited. Both products are of professional quality. From the lighting, video perspectives, the simple, attractive set (no garish, distracting decorations, thankfully, for a change) to the tasteful and elegant costuming, it is obvious great care was taken to communicate to the targeted audience.

These performers are pleasing to watch. It never feels as if they are dancing in a vacuum, the empty, production room. Conscious of the viewer, the performers engage and embrace the viewer.

It is evident how much they enjoy what they are doing, and that they enjoy doing it together. How refreshing not to feel the interference of the errant, individual ego. The collaborators have created a work that is resourceful and artistic. Belly Dance Drum Solos feels genuine.