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TAJDEED A collection of live performances by Margo Abdo O'Dell Reviewed by: Jamara At the beginning of this video is a story of a dancer that dances for a prince. This story encompasses the whole essence of our precious art form. Margo Abdo O'Dell also captures the essence of belly dancing in these six performances. She is truly poetry in motion and a captivating performer. A lot can be learned about the heart, soul, passion and hard work that goes into the dance. The running time of this video is 60 minutes. It is not enough time if you ask me. I could watch this again and again; in fact I did watch it again. I realized that there was a lot that I missed the first time. I have to say I enjoyed it even more the second time I watched it. The first three dances are in an auditorium, with a live band. The lighting is perfect and the ambiance is set with the lights dimming and the sound of Middle Eastern music played by traditional and modern instruments. Then the dancer enters.
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 Tajdeed © 2003 All rights reserved. | |
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The first performance entitled "Oriental Suite" is a delight. Margo enters in a flash of reds, yellows and oranges. The fringe on her belt alight like flames from a fire. This dance is full of emotion. The graceful flowing entrance is captivating. Then a slow taxim, with layers on top of vibrations and hands that flow in a continuous undulation of their own. It is all wrapped up with a perky piece that has you bouncing in your chair right along with the dancer. I was left wanting more for sure. The second performance entitled "Tajdeed" was riveting. A dramatic beginning with the lights out and a spotlight slowly brought to full brilliance on Margo. A dark emerald green, sequin covered dressed danced in the light and enhanced the movements perfectly. This piece was passionate and had me on the edge of my seat throughout the many mood swings set in the music. Margo looked like a fairy as she spun and the points on her dress flared out around her. The set was ended with the spotlight dimming down to darkness. The third performance entitled "Wa Hast Aini" was a great change of pace. It began with a male dancer entering the stage and performing a very brief stick routine, then when you thought he was leaving someone hands him a microphone and you realize he is a singer! He began the routine by singing the first quarter of the song and just when you thought, "Hey I thought this was performances by Margo. It didn't say anything about singers." Margo enters the stage dressed in a black and silver Egyptian style dress that is stunning. How wonderful it would be not only to have live music but also to have your own personal vocalist right there front and center with you. There was great interaction between the two even when the singer lost the grip on his stick. Yep, it went sailing across the floor, now we all have to laugh because we have all done it a time or two. What a fun and very enjoyable performance this was. The fourth performance entitled "Desert Dreams" was wonderful. It was a festival type setting, with the feel of a comfortable, public show. The camera for this performance must not have been manned, because you loose the dancer on the sides from time to time. Margo has a beautiful burgundy and gold costume. The bra and belt are heavily fringed and enhance every movement (not that they need to be enhanced they are so well done and with amazing control). The fifth performance entitled "In the fringe" has drama and intensity. This performance is set in an auditorium and again the lighting was a huge factor in helping set the mood for this spectacular dance. Adorned in just a simple costume of a coin belt, handkerchief skirts and a soft, scooped-front shirt. There is no need for fancy beaded fringe or glitzy garments to command your attention for this performance. Margo enters the stage with her veil trailing behind her from her shoulder. She uses the veil in many unique ways that have you guessing what is to come next. She then leads into a spellbinding dance that keeps you on the edge of your seat breathless the entire time. The sixth entitled "Raksat Margo" is in my opinion the best. It is set in a dance studio in front of friends and/or students. This is a very personal and intimate performance. It has the feeling of a dress rehearsal. This is very special to me because we all do this. We all try to have dress rehearsals in front of our friends, students, and mentors when you are preparing for a big competition or performance. This is the time where we first put all our hard work out there for people to see. The recording quality is not that great, but I think that it makes this performance even better. Margo enters wearing the most beautiful green Egyptian dress heavy with fringe and loops and a beautiful leaf motif that gives it a very earthy feel (like a forest pixie). She performs a wonderful Egyptian routine that interprets the music perfectly and follows it up with a killer drum piece. This performance, for me, was the most inspiring routine. It makes me want to go and practice for hours. This video is a definite must have for your library. You will not be disappointed.
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