This workout is divided into four sections. The first is “Slow and Sensual,” which is both an instructional and a warmup for the cardio section. Kathy dances between two pillars, with four dancers demonstrating the moves behind her. One move is introduced at a time, and Kathy’s explanations are clear. The best demonstration of the moves, however, are demonstrated by Ansuya and the other dancers behind Kathy. The last set of hip circles are performed only to one direction, but since they’re the last thing in this section, it’s easy to do the other side on your own. At about 20 minutes, I find this to be a lengthy warmup, but I’ve often used this section by itself on a lazy day.

The second section is a dance that you are supposed to learn and follow on your own. Ansuya dances alone, using the moves learned in “Slow and Sensual,” but there is no cueing or voiceover. I usually skip this section.

The third section is “Heat it Up,” which builds on the moves already introduced, and adding a few new ones. Kathy builds them into combinations. The pace in this section is faster, providing a light cardio workout. As a previous reviewer noted, although the costumes in this segment are beautiful (with the exception of the hot pink number that’s rarely in frame), Kathy’s solid skirt means you cannot see her legs well. Fortunately, Ansuya’s skirt is made of a different fabric and has slits that allow you to see what her legs are doing; I find it easy enough to watch the dancers rather than Kathy.

The last section, “Flex Appeal,” is a 10-minute stretch with some yoga moves. Kathy demonstrates this section alone, and the instruction is via voiceover.

Ansuya finally gets to “teach” in the bonus tutorial section. She provides a lot of instruction that doesn’t get covered in “Slow and Sensual”—further breaking down moves like the camel and explaining exactly what our hands should be doing.

Bonus features include a solo dance by Ansuya, a minute or so of “behind the scenes” clips, Kathy’s bio, and ads for other Kathy Smith DVD’s.

I suspect that this is probably not a great introduction to the art of bellydance, but I’ve had a lot of fun with it. I find it to be a nice light day workout, and it does have a certain amount of “fun factor.” Kathy’s “whooping” level is extremely low in this workout (especially when compared with, say, Cardio Fat Burner), but those who are usually bothered by Kathy will probably be bothered in this one, too. Kathy’s not the best dancer, but all of her background dancers are good; there’s even one woman who’s not super-skinny (proof that you don’t have to be rail thin to be a beautiful dancer!)

Instructor Comments:
I like Kathy Smith, though part of that may be because the first workout video I purchased was one of hers. Her instructions are always clear and her form is usually good (she’s not the best bellydancer in the workout, but that doesn’t bother me since it’s easy enough to see the dancers behind her).

KerryF