The Sensual Art of Bellydance Fast Rhythms by Ron Wagner
Reviewed by Anala Rabari
The Sensual Art of Bellydance Fast Rhythms CD was composed and performed by Ron Wagner and is a collection of songs used in the Neena and Veena belly dance exercise series. As the title indicates all the songs on this CD are fast rhythms. The songs are simple, repetitive, and have strong regular beats. I think this makes them ideal for beginning dance students or beginning listeners to Middle Eastern music because sometimes when you are not familiar with Middle Eastern music it can be confusing. The simplicity of the songs also makes the CD nice for background music at work, driving, or around the house. Most of the songs are under five minutes which makes them a good length for exercising to or performing to. I have only a few complaints. One is that this CD is all fast music. I am aware that there is a slow rhythms CD, but I think I would have preferred that they mixed the two track lists and just call them volume one and two. The other complaint is the liner notes, or more specifically the lack of liner notes. I would love it if they had included more information about Ron Wagner, Neena and Veena as well as the songs such as instruments used or inspiration for the songs. Sadly they missed a great educational opportunity there. However, if you like the Neena & Veena exercise DVDs than you will surely like the music on this CD.