Classical Persian Dance: Level 1

My knowledge about Persia, frankly, doesn't extend much beyond rugs. But thanks to dance instructor Shahrzad Khorsandi, I can now cut the rug, Persian-style. Eleven foot and hand movements, with technical names like "abshar", "shokufeh" and "jonbesh," are performed while voiceover narration guides viewers along. Reviews are presented at intervals and a few dances incorporating several of the demonstrated moves are included. The program points out quite rightly that the secret to Persian dance lies in shaping the hands, correctly using one's wrists and effectively mastering the transitions. In fact, the transitions are the difference between merely repeating movements and truly dancing. Although exotic Persian dance, with its silky hand movements and slinky steps, is traditionally performed by women, I couldn't resist showing off my "you sexy thing" dance skills to my wife, Anne, who promptly called our HMO's psychiatric unit (a number she knows by heart). A most welcome addition to the shelves of dance videos, Classical Persian Dance: Level 1 is warmly recommended. Aud: C, P. (R. Pitman)