American Bellydancer is a beguiling 2005 documentary film, directed by Jonathan Brandeis. Set in the vibrant world of belly dancing, the film features stellar performances from some of the industry's biggest talents, including Ansuya, Rachel Brice, Amar Gamal, and Jillina. This 95-minute film dives deep into the mesmerizing world of belly dance, exploring its shifts, challenges, and its journey to modern mainstream acceptance.

The film immediately immerses you in the rhythm and artistry of belly dance. From elaborate costumes to enchanting music, American Bellydancer provides an authentic portrayal of this dance form's essence. The film's stars, including Ansuya, Rachel Brice, Amar Gamal, and Jillina, famous for their unique styles and pioneering work, recount the passion, discipline, and dedication that this dance form demands.

American Bellydancer is not just about performances. It goes beyond the sequins and swirls, attempting to examine the dancers' lives outside their art. We get a peek into their daily struggle for recognition, societal acceptance, self-doubts, and financial pressures. Yet, it also showcases their pure love for the art form and the satisfaction they derive from expressing themselves through dance.

The film expertly captures the conflicting attitudes towards belly dancing. On one hand, it is often stereotyped as a suggestive or minor form of entertainment, fraught with socio-cultural biases. On the other hand, the dancers we meet see it as a legitimate artistic expression - a blend of skill, historical tradition and personal emotion. American Bellydancer walks a fine line, balancing these dichotomies and presenting a well-rounded view of the profession.

Jonathan Brandeis lays bare the historical context of belly dancing, tracing its origins back to ancient Middle Eastern cultures and its evolution into its current form. Throughout the film, he turns an enlightening spotlight onto belly dance's various styles and trends. From the traditional 'Raks Sharqi' to the fusion styles of 'Tribal Fusion' and 'Gothic Belly Dance', the film presents a palette of the dance's various forms in their full glory.

We see bold performances from Ansuya, known for her dynamic and expressive dancing, Rachel Brice, the face of tribal fusion belly dance who is credited with developing dance movement vocabulary and methodology, Amar Gamal, famous for her captivating Egyptian style belly dance, and Jillina, a reputed choreographer and director known for her modern and innovative approach to belly dance.

The film doesn’t shy away from addressing some of the controversies within the belly dance community, including the purists' concerns over the modernization of this dance form and the cultural appropriation issues. It also exposes the “high-school-like drama” that can often plague the bellydance circles. These aspects underscore the yearning for respectability and acceptance within the community and broader society.

Another intriguing aspect of the film is the formation and journey of the Bellydance Superstars, a professional American bellydance troupe that has been instrumental in bringing belly dance onto world stages. Viewers get to see the behind-the-scenes of this troupe as they prepare for their challenging six-month tour across the United States, battling multiple obstacles including skepticism, lack of funding, and criticism from traditionalists.

The cinematography deserves a special mention. Each performance is filmed with great care and artistry, focusing not only on the dancers but also on the accompaniment – be it the musicians or the special effects. The film also features interviews with the dancers, rehearsals, workshops, and backstage footage, providing the viewers a comprehensive look into the belly dancers' world.

In conclusion, American Bellydancer is a fascinating peek into belly dance, its practitioners, their struggles, and ambitions. It is a tribute to those who have chosen this path, their perseverance and their undying passion for their art form. Whether you are a fan of belly dance or just curious about it, this film offers an informative and entertaining watch. You may come for the dancing, but you will stay for the stories, the history, drama, the triumphs, and the sheer determination depicted in the film. American Bellydancer is not just a movie; it's a celebration of an art form that continues to mesmerize and inspire.