Hiya!  Welcome to the “addiction!” ;D  

There are a few different ways you can go about studying online, if you don’t have anybody local:  

One, you can take online classes from badass places like Datura Online, RaqsTV, and Suhaila Sailimpour’s website.  Both Datura & RaqsTV feature lessons in varying styles from a number of teachers, whereas Suhaila’s is more geared toward her and her mother’s style. (But even then, Suhaila offers guest teacher appearances. ;))  Plus there are also other little places like eHow which offer decent bellydance bits (for example, Howcast.com features mini lessons w/the marvelous Irina Akulenko- who ROCKS), but usually these are pretty short.

If you wanna go entirely through Youtube on the other hand, there are 2 main folks I’d recommend:  Anthea Kawakib, and Tiazza Rose (formerly Wilson).  Anthea specializes in bellydance w/a focus on finger cymbals (at least online, but does TONS of other awesome stuff outside of her instructional goodies on YT- which her performances will surely show you while you’re there).  Plus Anthea is a SUPER sweet lady, whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting through the interwebs. ^_^)  Tiazza on the other hand, runs her own free bellydance instruction site (w/videos through YouTube), and she offers vids w/all kinds of bellydance stuff; but focuses primarily on solo dancer (i.e. prop-free) goodness.  (And no doubt she’s a really nice lady too. ;))  She can tend to speak a bit fast on occasion though.  But don’t to let that deter you.  Rewinding any instructional videos is par for the course, and she’s actually pretty darn good. ^_^  

Another instructor I’ve enjoyed on YT is Aslahan (for more cymbals), but if you’re up to snagging a few DVDs, I -highly- recommend Belladonna.  She does Tribal-Fusion style dance, and is a deity of sword dancing. ^_^  Another video I’ve enjoyed is Asharah (who also does Tribal-style dance).  While Bella’s videos are centered around sword, Asharah’s are general dance technique, and she really knows her pewp.  She’ll have you naming muscle groupings n’ stickin’ those sharp moves in no time. :)  

Beyond that, I haven’t seen a jillion dance DVDs m’self.  (Though given that I’m in the same predicament as yourself, and am often a resident of Booneysville USA, that should seriously change!)  Do y’all out there in Tumblr-Land have any suggestions for people like Doc-Thor and I, in the way of good YT, online or DVD options..?  I’m not sure if Doc-Thor has any style preferences (i.e. Tribal, Cabaret, Romani, Turkish, etc.), but -any- great teacher is worth looking into, imo. ^_^

Oh!  One last thing, Doc-Thor:  If you’re looking for technique how-tos, I’d generally suggest you veer away from anything that says “for fitness” or “workout.”  While these vids can be awesome solely for getting your groove on or wetting your tootsies in the well of a given dance form, they’re not often what folks are looking for when it comes to pursuing genuine dance skills.  However, if you ARE wanting to explore, I’d -highly recommend the divine Samira Shuruk and her DVD, RaqFit.  Her DVD covers bellydance AND Bollywood styles; as she’s not only a talented bellydancer, but also a stunning Bollywood performer to boot. ^_^  

Annnd that’s about it fer me!  I know it’s not much, but mehopes that helps!  (And thank y’all in advance, for any help or ideas you might be able to proffer. :D)  Let us know how it goes, Doc-Thor!  I’d love to share a video of YOU dancing here, someday! ^_^  

♥