VOLUME 1: Movement Recall
Approximate Runtime: 80 minutes
List Price: $29.95
When you try to improvise, do you:
- Draw a blank?
- Remember only a few movements, even though you know many?
- Take forever to think of the movement you want?
- Wish you could focus on the more creative aspects of your performance?
Drawing a blank is the result of having too many choices, not too few!
Why You Can't Find Your Keys
Your movement vocabulary is like a big tote bag: the more you put in it, the more time you spend digging around for your keys! But some purses have special pockets and compartments that make it easy to find your things.
You put the items you use most often in the easy-to-reach outside pocket, so you don't even have to think about where they are. You can just reach in and your keys will be where your hand expects them to be.
You put the rest of your belongings into the other compartments of your purse. Even though they aren't in that handy outside pocket, you can still find them quickly, because you know exactly where to look.
Organize Your Purse
We'll sort your movements into the right compartments in your brain, so you can find the one you need quickly.
Keep Your Keys in the Outside Pocket
We'll begin by establishing safety moves, and ingrain them so deeply in your muscle memory that you can do them by instinct alone. When your brain can't think of what to do next, your body steps in and provides the move. You never get the chance to draw a blank!
Pack the Essentials
We'll also train your body to use your safety moves in many different ways and transition smoothly between them. This will allow you to perform interesting and beautiful variations with just a few movements - and only minimal input from your brain! This frees up the brainpower you need to let go and think more creatively in the moment.
It's ironic: training your body in a small number of movements makes it easier for your brain to remember the rest!
Change Goes in the Change Purse
Once your safety moves are second nature, we'll use simple memory tricks to help you access the rest of your movement vocabulary. Not only will you be able to remember more movements, they'll come to you faster!
How it Works
The Toolkit eases you into belly dance improvisation using a series of practical, step-by exercises:
- Journaling
- Guided Exercises
- Plug & Play Choreography
- Order your DVD directly from me (rather than through Amazon or another retailer)
- Actually work with the DVD before the deadline and don't get any value from it
- Contact me within 30 days of the date your video is postmarked to ask for a return authorization number
- Return the video to me at your own expense (costs about $2 if you send it 1st class), postmarked within 5 business days of the date I send you the return authorization.
- Include the authorization number in your return.
Self-knowledge is the source of creativity. The journal exercises, done on paper, will help you take stock of your skills and movement vocabulary. They are deceptively simple, and may even seem trivial, but don't skip them: they are a powerful foundation for your improv journey.
These are the drills that will get improv out of your head and into your body. I'll explain each one and demonstrate on camera. Then, because you can't learn to improvise by simply following what you see on the screen, I'll use voice-over to guide you through your own practice.
We'll start you off in the improv shallow end by teaching you a partial choreography and leaving some sections open to improvisation. But even in those sections, you won't be told to "just do it". I'll give you guidelines to use as a life preserver until you're comfortable enough to let go and swim on your own.
Bonuses!
You didn't think you were getting just a DVD, were you?
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Free Bonus Downloads:For a limited time, you can use the code printed on your DVD to download bonus versions of the exercises. When you get too familiar with the exercises featured on the disk, you can download alternative versions to keep you on your toes. I'll also offer versions of some exercises without music, so you can practice them to your favorite songs. You'll find the download URL and access code printed on your DVD. |
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| Bonus Expression DVD (Premium package only)As I've spoken to dancers about their improvisation questions, I kept hearing that many of you have trouble staying expressive while you improvise. So I created this mini video for you with my favorite techniques for boosting confidence, staying connected to your audience, and making sure that your expressiveness shines through. With the purchase of the premium package, you get this program on a real, physical DVD that you can play in your DVD player, not a download. |
Personal Video Critique (Premium package only)Worth $125 With the purchase of the premium package, you can send me a video of yourself dancing to one song (up to 5 minutes) for a free critique. You can send me a performance, or just tape yourself dancing in your living room. After reviewing your video, I'll send you an initial critique by email. Then we'll follow up by email, phone, or skype and discuss any questions you may have. This is a great opportunity to work on your improvisation skills. However, we can devote your critique to another topic of your choosing, or you can leave it to me to suggest areas for development. It's up to you! This bonus is valid for six months from the date your DVD is postmarked. Please book your appointment at least two weeks in advance, so I can set aside plenty of time for you. Depending on demand, this bonus may not be offered after the pre-order period, so book early! |
Order Now
| Basic Package | Premium Package | |
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Improvisation Toolkit Volume 1: Movement Recall on DVD
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Bonuses |
Bonus Downloads
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Bonus Expression Video
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Personal Video Critique (worth $125) |
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$29.95
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$34.95 |
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| NTSC Format | NTSC Format |
Shipping charges for one DVD:
US or Canada: $2
Mexico: $3
All other countries: $4
Notes for International Viewers
All my DVDs are region-free, so they'll play on any DVD player. However, I only keep the NTSC-formatted version in stock. That means that unless you have an NTSC television (or a converter), you won't be able to watch it.
You can buy the PAL-formated version directly from the manufacturer.
Not sure which format to buy?
NTSC is the standard format in the US, Canada, and Japan.
List of countries using NTSC
PAL is the standard format in most of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
List of countries using PAL
Be sure to check your country's TV standard before placing your order. I cannot exchange your DVD for another format once it has been opened.
Still Not Sure if The Toolkit is For You?
For the time being, I'm piloting a money-back guarantee. If you work with Volume 1 of the Toolkit and don't feel that is has been of value to you, you can return it within 30 days.
Not only that, I'll even refund the shipping charge you paid me (for orders sent to the US or Canada only).
And not only THAT, but the bonus DVD and downloads are yours to keep.
Why Do That?
Because I'm a video junkie myself. I know how disappointing it is to buy a video and then discover that it wasn't what you need.
Is There A Catch?
There sure is. This return offer only applies to those of you who:
I have only your word to go on, so please be honest!
The Fine Print:
In order to get your refund, you must:
If you have any questions about the return guarantee, feel free to contact me.
I'm Trusting You.
It's virtually unheard of to allow returns of an opened video. This is an experiment, and I am taking a real financial risk here. An opened video is a used video, and a used video doesn't sell for full price. So if you return it, I lose money.
I'm trusting you to be honest, and not take advantage of my faith in the integrity of the dance community.
If your conscience isn't enough to keep you honest, think of it this way: if my return policy is abused, I won't be able offer it in the future.
This DVD features music from "Belly Dancing for Fortune and Fame" by The Mogador Band, courtesy of Stella Grey. Available on Amazon