Hossam Ramzy Presents Visual Melodies® - DVD Review
Internationally known Middle Eastern percussionist Hossam Ramzy and his wife Serena have teamed up to create an entertaining and educational DVD that will appeal to those who enjoy watching bellydance and to those who enjoy partaking in the dance. The collaborative project, Visual Melodies®, features 3 choreography routines/performances set to the music of Hossam. 
What I enjoy about this DVD, aside from the excitement of hearing the music of one of my favorite Middle Eastern musicians, is the way the DVD offers 3 different camera angles for the 3 performances. It also offers choreography break down information. This feature is something I have not seen done with other DVD’s I have, so this was refreshing and very helpful and educational. This DVD was designed to be a workshop format which adds to my appreciation to Hossam & Serena for the forethought to create and design this DVD with the bellydance performer in mind. I have never been fortunate enough to participate in an actual workshop given by Hossam and/or Serena but I’m sure it is an intense yet eye-opening experience so this DVD featuring Serena’s dancing was a treat for me as she looked amazing and at one with the music.
Hossam's philosophy of Egyptian dance as it relates to music equates to a “formula” he calls "E=E". It is with his quote “The true art of Oriental dance is to visually hear the music” [©2004 Hossam Ramzy] that this philosophy makes logical sense. In my opinion, dancers who have a background in playing musical instruments have a better understanding of musical timing, changes and rhythms. This is not to say that a dancer who DOESN’T have that same background in music can’t/won’t grasp Hossam’s concept and be an outstanding performer, it just helps.
With me personally having a background in production & currently producing a local TV show on bellydance where I live in Seattle, good camera angles, sound quality and lighting are some of the first things I notice in ANYTHING I view but especially in bellydance products and I’m pleased to say I had NO complaints with this DVD in that aspect. The set was also nicely decorated. I viewed the DVD the first time on my PC’s internal DVD drive on a 17 inch monitor on my desk (taking notes like I always do initially when I get a product to review). On my subsequent viewings, on a 27 inch TV, I found that I didn’t use the break down section of the DVD because it was a little difficult for me to read, so I had my trusty assistant (my 11 yr. Old daughter Jordan) handwrite the info down for me. Hindsight, if there was either a “screen print” option if viewing on a PC available or even a printed insert with the breakdown info, Jordan wouldn’t be complaining about writing cramps due to my instance and pleas of “Write faster! I’m anxious to go to the next section…”
It is obvious in the DVD, his music and information contained on his official website that Hossam is passionate about his craft, this dance art & the culture of which it all comes from. With his extensive experience and longevity in this genre his knowledge & his desire to share that knowledge should be appreciated.
I also enjoyed watching the vintage clips of the dance greats of the past in the advertising section of the DVD where info on his “Stars of Egypt” series (like Samya Gamal dancing and looking fab even while wearing a regular dress!) and his discography info is also available in this section.
What I enjoy about this DVD, aside from the excitement of hearing the music of one of my favorite Middle Eastern musicians, is the way the DVD offers 3 different camera angles for the 3 performances. It also offers choreography break down information. This feature is something I have not seen done with other DVD’s I have, so this was refreshing and very helpful and educational. This DVD was designed to be a workshop format which adds to my appreciation to Hossam & Serena for the forethought to create and design this DVD with the bellydance performer in mind. I have never been fortunate enough to participate in an actual workshop given by Hossam and/or Serena but I’m sure it is an intense yet eye-opening experience so this DVD featuring Serena’s dancing was a treat for me as she looked amazing and at one with the music.
Hossam's philosophy of Egyptian dance as it relates to music equates to a “formula” he calls "E=E". It is with his quote “The true art of Oriental dance is to visually hear the music” [©2004 Hossam Ramzy] that this philosophy makes logical sense. In my opinion, dancers who have a background in playing musical instruments have a better understanding of musical timing, changes and rhythms. This is not to say that a dancer who DOESN’T have that same background in music can’t/won’t grasp Hossam’s concept and be an outstanding performer, it just helps.
With me personally having a background in production & currently producing a local TV show on bellydance where I live in Seattle, good camera angles, sound quality and lighting are some of the first things I notice in ANYTHING I view but especially in bellydance products and I’m pleased to say I had NO complaints with this DVD in that aspect. The set was also nicely decorated. I viewed the DVD the first time on my PC’s internal DVD drive on a 17 inch monitor on my desk (taking notes like I always do initially when I get a product to review). On my subsequent viewings, on a 27 inch TV, I found that I didn’t use the break down section of the DVD because it was a little difficult for me to read, so I had my trusty assistant (my 11 yr. Old daughter Jordan) handwrite the info down for me. Hindsight, if there was either a “screen print” option if viewing on a PC available or even a printed insert with the breakdown info, Jordan wouldn’t be complaining about writing cramps due to my instance and pleas of “Write faster! I’m anxious to go to the next section…”
It is obvious in the DVD, his music and information contained on his official website that Hossam is passionate about his craft, this dance art & the culture of which it all comes from. With his extensive experience and longevity in this genre his knowledge & his desire to share that knowledge should be appreciated.
I also enjoyed watching the vintage clips of the dance greats of the past in the advertising section of the DVD where info on his “Stars of Egypt” series (like Samya Gamal dancing and looking fab even while wearing a regular dress!) and his discography info is also available in this section.
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