Love Potion: The Bellydance Workout, with Neon: Belly dance fitness class, Beginner belly dance instruction

I have had experience in belly dancing, and wanted to see how a "workout" like this one would be in terms of authenticity to the art form. I did not try the "Luscious" precursor to this DVD, as I figured I could jump to this intermediate-level belly dance workout because of my previous experience. I can say that it is a professionally-done instructional video that integrates many of the basics of belly dance technique, then applies them to choreographed sequences set to music. I am glad that this is more of an authentic dance experience versus an actual "workout" per se; if I wanted a real cardiovascular workout, I'd do a kickboxing or dance conditioning video that is targeted primarily toward fitness. I consider this DVD something of a respite from the conventional and pragmatic goals of a workout, as this is more of an artistic, femininely aesthetic experience than anything else. I does work one's core muscles, especially those of the lower back and abdominals, and definitely tests one's coordination and rhythm. There is a tutorial that breaks down the movements slowly and microscopically, then a practice flow that gradually builds on the basic movements that are to be used in the "Love Potion" workout. The "Love Potion" 40-minute segment itself goes at a good clip, and so if one is not quite familiar with stringing together the movements in succession, one can always refer back to the practice flow. This is a workout with which one can grow and master over time, which makes it a great deal; it is almost like being in a real belly dance class, where one can easily go at one's own pace and repeat sections as needed to perfect one's form. The music is appropriate, and true enough to the ethnic sounds and rhythms of Middle Eastern music to be a nice accompaniment to the dancing. I have only tried this workout once so far, and have yet to be able to fluently follow the choreography to the expert cuing of the instructors. I'm sure with practice it will be possible to look as fluid, sensual, and lovely as the professionals teaching this art form. Highly recommended for those interested more in a genuine belly dance experience than a heart-pounding workout (although I did work up a respectable sweat in both the practice flow and the "Love Potion" workout).

Love Potion provides great non-stop drills for intermediate dancers. There are also tutorials and "practice flow" for beginners. I don't think a pure beginner could learn to dance only from this DVD, but it would make a great practice for "between" classes. The style is "classic" bellydance. Nothing specialized - just graceful universal moves suitable to all styles. This DVD gets 5 stars for a menu that is easy to navigate. The camera angles and voice-overs are well-done and you even have the option to skip the voice-over once you learn the routine/s. The costumes are lovely, but not "overdone" so you can see the dancers' movements. All 3 dancers are in synch and all have a pleasant style. The choreography is excellent for a beginner-intermediate DVD. Simple & elegant - not dumbed-down. This DVD is one of the few that actually delivers exactly what it says on the box. Happy Dancing!

I find this an intermediate belly dance workout: Practise flow - 51 minutes - easy enough Workout - 41 minutes - intermediate level Tutorial - which she teaches all the moves I like this dvd it is all belly dance moves, no specific warm-up or cool-down (I do my own) I feel like I have had a good workout doing this. Enjoy

NOT a good instructor - especially for true beginners! Only bellydance beginners that have had previous dance style instruction or at least have a very good natural dance ability & coordination.

Although I have a vast library of belly dance instructional videos ranging from Egyptian to Turkish, this video is by far my favorite! The dance is very sensual, yet it is an effective workout. The plus is that you actually end up with a dance that can be performed once you've learned all the moves and choreography. The movements are flowy and feminine and are quite enjoyable to watch. I viewed the performances several times before starting the actual instruction. A swing dancer first, I have only been belly dancing for a couple of years, so I always enjoy the opportunity to refresh myself on the basics of posture, frame, etc. The style seems to be somewhat eclectic, and I believe the variety of moves can be adapted to any specific genre. I especially appreciated the section on arm work (and not just snake arms), as well as the facial expressions and head placement, as we don't often remember to consciously think of these things during exercise or performance, especially if you are a newbie. Overall, a great buy for content, fitness, and fun!!! I would definitely recommend...

I really love Blanca. Her every move is so sensuous. Wow! And Sarah Skinner is the consummate teacher. She really looks feels and becomes the sultry dancer, and shows us how to get the look and feel of the dance. I don't really understand the complaints from other viewers. I have plenty of DVD's that demonstrate the how to of each move, and they actually complement each other but what I have been looking for are some dances--or combined moves to learn to create my own dance, and this DVD has several great dances. I think my problem with Neon, as she is sultry and beautiful too, is that her dance routines are more difficult. I would buy any of Blanca or Skinner's DVD's. Definitely not just for beginners, but best for beginners.

I've tried several of the World Dance DVDs with Neon, Bianca, etc. I found the Sensual one poorly done. For the "trilogy" Luscious - Love Potion- and (forgot the name), they are better, but have flaws. I'd say if you have a good level of coordination and want to get a workout with a bellydance flavor, this is good. It can even help you learn basic BD moves. But there are flaws: the cueing is not the best, moves quickly and cues are announced after moves are begun often. Also sometimes the cues are incorrect, saying to move Left, when it's really Right. Another criticism is that the "combinations" - used loosely - are picked up, dropped and changed too quickly. When learning, it helps to practice something over and over for several minutes to get something "down" ... I wish that was more the case here. Overall it's OK for a workout, and if you stick with it you'll start getting things in muscle memory, which is good. It can be enjoyable. But I think it's somewhat haphazard. I highly recommend Jillina Shape Up and Hip Out for a really great learning/combination beginner dance instruction and workout, which moves at a more ideal pace and drills combinations long enough to get them in the body. ***On a side, note, note that the "First Steps Bellydance" DVD from World Dance New York is an excruciatingly S L O O O O W and presentation that would probably not inspire or challenge you if you've got any movement capacity at all ***

I think this is a good investment if you already have Luscious this is a good follow up. All three of the teachers clearly know what they are doing. Blanca and Sarah are good, but I don't really think I'd get DVDs by them unless Neon is involved somehow. I just have trouble with there teaching style for some reason. Neon is an amazing teacher as far as I'm concerned, I only picked up dance and figured out how to do it because I picked up Luscious. The DVD has several options, if you are not a dancer I would try the practice flow first. I did that for something like three months before trying the workout itself. One of the other reviewers made the comment there is no warm up and cool down. There is, Neon's first section on both the practice flow and the workout is a warm up. In the workout itself Blanca follows up Neon's initial warm up with another one similar to the first circle section on Luscious. Blanca also ends the workout with a cool down. The "goddess section" at the end is extra its not part of the workout itself. I call it the "dance" part. Anyway if the above is not enough for you I would try doing the first section of Luscious first and then tackling Love Potion. The music throughout is very good I wish I could figure out what the song used for the Shimmy section was because I just love it. Although I keep wanting to improvise rather then do the moves Sarah is asking me to do. The girls all wear pants so you can see there legs when they are dancing, so if you are a true beginner you'll be able to copy the movement they are doing. All in all well worth the five stars and the money for it.

This is a good dvd but not for me only because of the style I prefer Tribal style belly dance when I bought this I wasnt shore which style suited me best ..But this is still a great dvd if you like this style it again is not for beginners you have to have exsperence of the dance as it moves quite fast from move to move ..

家でワークアウトとして使ってます。 内容としては、 ① ステップ紹介 ② ①のステップを用いた様々なコンビネーションステップ ③ 音楽に乗せて踊る（7種類？） となっています。 40分ほどステップコンビネーションの動画を見ながら練習して一週間ほどたちます。 シミーをしながらの足踏み？やアンジュレーションおよびリバースアンジュレーションはまだ全然できません。 それ以外のステップコンビネーションは大体できるようになってきました。 先日、通っているベリーダンススクールにてレッスンがありましたが、あきらかに可動域が広がっています！ 全編英語ですが、ダンスでは単語がメインとなってきますのでなんとなく行っていることがわかります。 ステップコンビネーションに慣れてきたので、最近は実際に音楽にのせて踊るパートもこなしています。 だんだん踊れるようになってくるのが楽しいです。 しばらくはこのDVDで自主練を行っていくつもりです。

I've been a dancer three years now, and have amasses a few videos over the years. This one is ok. Nothing spectacular, just ok. The I am a Goddess song at the end of the work out I think I can do without a little cheesy for me. Only few problems with this video. There is no warm up or cool down, both vitally important when dancing/working out. Also some of the explanations really aren't the best, if you've never danced before go through the tutorial, some of the names used for the moves threw me a little too, referring to a Maya as an upward infinity loop, and all figure 8's as a type of infinity loop was a little strange. The reliance in knees for some of the sharper movement was a little concerning too, technique and muscles should be used instead on knees this prevents injury. Not the best for beginners. I do like the combination and the workout portion and will use it for those reasons.

Man sollte ein wenig englisch verstehen, aber meine Schulzeit liegt 20 Jahre zurück und es war verständlich. Ein schönes Produkt. Anfangs werden sogar für absolute Anfänger die häufigsten Bewegungen und Schritte des orientalischen Tanzes erklärt und gezeigt. Die Bewegungen werden mit und ohne Ansage geübt. Danach gibt es verschiedene Choreos. Ich denke, für den Preis ist es eine wirklich gelungene DVD, dich auch für Anfänger geeignet wäre. Allerdings würde ich trotzdem zusätzlich zu einer Trainerin gehen, wenn ich noch nie orientalisch getanzt hätte. Zum Üben zu Hause ist die DVD allerdings fünf Sterne wert!

beginner or dancer, this is good for both. teachers have passion and the music's lively and costumes colourful.recommend... no quibbles