Gothic Bellydance Revelations with Multiple Dance Artists

Gothic belly dance combines a range of contemporary belly dance styles and flavors with the themes, music, and edge of Goth subculture. Dark fantasy imagery of many shades comes alive through evocative movement, emotive intensity, spectacular costuming and the theatricality of the dance.

The artists and troupes featured in this program come from across the US and each is renowned for their unique style of dance, innovative beyond the technical characteristics of the larger style of movement they represent, such as cabaret, tribal, or other genres of contemporary belly dance. It is this distinct, trend-setting uniqueness, and interest in dark fantasy realms, the mystical, ethereal, and otherworldly, that brings together the cast of Gothic Bellydance - Revelations.

Adrienne, Ariellah, Ayshe, BellyEssence (Kazja, Zoe, Peishan, Jaida), Blanca, Elsa Leandros, Jeniviva, Isis, Laura Rose, Maiiah, Mavi, Neon, Sarah Skinner, Sa Elayssa, Sarah Murphy, Sashi, Sera, Shakra (Na'la, Hilary and Bronwen), Sherene-Vismaya, Solstice (Sera, Laura Parker, Melissa Randazzo), Tempest.

The diversity of dance styles represented in this program is complimented by the expansive range of music - gothic, industrial, metal, contemporary bellydance, tribal bellydance, medieval, club, and worldbeat music. The artists and bands you will hear include:

Clan of Xymox. Collide, Corvus Corax, Die Form, Djinn, Enduser, Jehan, Jill Tracy, Knossos, Maduro, The Retrosic, Slidecamp (Freek Factory), Shiva in Exile, Solace, Wumpscut, Velvet Acid Christ. Zentriert ins Antlitz.
Review

5.0 out of 5 stars Varied and Entertaining, October 10, 2007

The variety of dance styles presented in this DVD, and the sheer length of it (105 minutes) give you your money's worth in entertainment, though if you are looking for a bellydance-only presentation, be aware that some of these numbers are dramatic and owe more to Isadora Duncan and Theda Bara in their heritage than traditional middle eastern bellydancing. There are also different levels of skill in the performances, but even the lesser ones are enjoyable, and watching the DVD with an artist's eye, I find something visually interesting in all of them. What makes this a 5 star DVD is not only having this pastiche of marvelous dance and musical styles, but also the 11 superb numbers by 8 performers that are standouts, as well as several more that would be in the 4 star category.

The standouts are:

1: Neon is a shimmering knockout in her 2 numbers (tracks 12 and 17), with stunning costumes, her long blonde hair, and the precision of her movements. Track 11 has her dancing with a lit candelabra on her head, with such amazing ease.

2: Anything danced by Arielah is captivating. Here in tracks 10 and 22, she delights us with the musicality of her undulating movements, and her totally unique style.

3: Tempest is a favorite of mine. There is a sensuality and beauty in her arms that is exquisite, and I never tire of watching her. She does 2 numbers, tracks 13 and 23.

4: Blanca does a stellar dance in track 4 (she is also in track 6, but this is a number that has little dancing).

5: Sera and Solstice (Laura Parker and Melissa Randazzo) are sensational in a synchronous piece.

6: Maiiah is riveting in her cape and snake dance! (track 14)

7: Jeniviva's second piece (track 16) is excellent (her first, the opening number, is dramatic sequence at a masked ball, and is mostly atmospheric with little dancing)

8: I thoroughly enjoy the elegance of Isis in the final number (track 24)

Among others that are good are Sa' Elayssa (track 7), and Mavi's dance in which she deftly twirls and balances a huge sword (track 18). Most of the dances are presented on a bare stage, and are well lit. For a look at the many facets of contemporary bellydancing, this is a great DVD to watch. With so many different styles offered, some if not most of it will delight anyone interested in diverse forms of dance, and the music that accompanies it. --amazon