American Bellydancer
Available on DVD
American Bellydancer DVD is the first feature documentary on the art and practice of bellydance in the U.S.A.
Directed by highly respected documentary director, Jonathon Brandeis, historical perspectives are touched upon, but the focus is bellydance today. The male-female divide, the East-West dichotomy since September 11, and the controversy surrounding the birth of the world's first professional bellydance troupe, the Bellydance Superstars and the Desert Roses, are woven together amid interviews and performances, featuring America's icons of bellydance. Morocco, Tamalyn Dallal, Philidas, Tiffany Hanan, Rachel Galob Ortega, and the outspoken Suhaila are featured, the latter taking on producer , Miles Copeland and giving him an earful.
The Bellydance Superstars and Desert Roses' formation along with performances in Bali, Indonesia and on the U.S. Lollapalooza festival tour provide a backdrop and storyline. The characters of Jillina, Ansuya, and Rachel Brice are particularly strong. Also featured are Sonia, Amar Gamal, Kaeshi, and Petite Jamilla. Anyone interested in bellydance or even the behind the scenes workings of the entertainment business will find the film fascinating, informative, thought provoking, and, most of all, entertaining.
