Great Exercise for Beginners
First let me tell you that I never really exercised before I got these videos. The first one I got was Pure Sweat, which was 4 months after I had a baby. I really wanted something that would target the lower area. I loved it. It was a little difficult for me to follow at first, which didn't surprise me because I don't learn things very quickly. But after a couple tries, I got it down. After doing it for a month, I got Cardio Shimmy. Wow! That one was much more difficult. I can't do everything in it yet, but I love it. They both bring up my heart rate and work your lower body if you do it the way she tells you to. I love the extra workouts on there also. They have an ab and a waist sculpting workout. I can really feel it. But these aren't for people who want an advance workout.
I read some of the reviews and didn't agree with most of the negative ones. For those people who obviously can't read.....THE EXERCISE VIDEOS ARE "FITNESS FOR WEIGHT LOSS" VIDOES...THEY AREN'T INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS ON HOW TO BELLYDANCE GRACEFULLY. Rania does an execellent job in taking some of the moves and using it as a workout...NOT A DANCE.
The only bad things are the music and sometimes they smile too much. Other than that...they are great.

Excellent Introduction to Bellydance Moves!
I really liked this series as an introduction to bellydancing. I liked the way the moves were broken down slowly at first, then brought up to speed with the music, then repeated long enought to actually learn them before moving on. I read some of the negative reviews, and the only thing I agree with is that the music was not inspiring, but it was the same kind of music as in most workout videos, so I really didn't expect any different. Anyway, I think if you are an intermediate or advanced dancer, it will be too basic, but if you are like me, just a beginner who wants to learn, this was a great series. I have since gained the courage to join a bellydance class at my local YMCA, and everyone was impressed with my shimmies!

Also, Rania's performances at the end (there are extra ones on the DVD) are incredible and inspiring.

Horrible
These were the worst workout tapes I have owned (and I got rid of them quickly). I bought them because I loved all the Neena and Veena Videos but I found it very hard and boring to follow Ranjas tapes. Ranja herself looks like as if she dances like a robot. No flowing movements, and they way she dances looks like as if it takes a lot of effort out of her. She has no grace at all! I don't recommend these tapes!

Thumbs Down
It's something to do.
I think the library would have been half way decent if the music were better. I've tried all the tapes at least once, but Cardio Shimmy is the only tape I find myself doing (every blue moon) ... without getting bored. I would not recommend ANY of these videos if you are looking for a FUN workout. Booo. Thumbs down.

Rania's Bellydance Fitness for Weight Loss is Great!!!
I have been involved in middle eastern dance for over 24 years as a teacher, performer and choreographer. I almost didn't buy this video after reading some of the negative reviews on Amazon. But I thought I would give it a try and I am so glad I did. The videos give a fun workout. I like her teaching style and the way she gives a breakdown for the movements. Her dancing at the end is awesome. I just don't understand the negative reviews of this wonderful set. I have produced my own video tape -- and I give 10 stars to Rania's. I wonder if the people who gave the negative reviews have produced their own tape??? I have and I think Rania's video are great!!!