Review:
"Belly Dancing is something of a mini-feast for the senses. Overall, it is an excellent portrait of a sensual art form that is culturally rich, inclusive, and empowering." (Branches of Light, Spring-Summer-Fall 2005)
"This introduction to belly dancing places a welcome emphasis on the spiritual roots of the form." (Branches of Light, Spring-Summer-Fall 2005)
“This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of this ancient art, beginning with its origins, mythology and history of the Middle Eastern dance, and including its physical and mental health benefits. The authors provide practical instructions and easy-to-follow photographs of the most important dance movements, as well as guidance around costuming and related accoutrements.” (Axnet News, June / July 2005)
“Beginners will welcome this clear examination of belly-dance routines and meaning.” (The Midwest Book Review)
“Dispelling the myths around this ancient art form, the authors trace the history of dance, explain its culture and health benefits, and introduce the basic movements, all in striking full color.” (Spirit of Change, July/August 2005)
"I love the idea of Belly Dancing because it is one of the only forms of dance that is made for real women. Skinny little stick women look funny doing this dance but regular sized women suddenly look graceful, elegant, and confidently sexy. It’s a great whole body exercise and it’s fun too." (Tami Brady, TCM Reviews)
"The combination of simple language, clear design, and glossy, colorful photos of contemporary dancers and ancient art makes Belly Dancing an appealing read--perfect for a rainy weekend with a little classic Turkish music playing softly on your stereo." (Eva Yaa Asantewaa, Book ‘em, May 12, 2005)
From the Back Cover:
DANCE / EXERCISEBelly dance is a form of pure sensuousness that has engaged and enchanted humans since ancient times. In Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and other cultures of the East, priestesses in service of the Goddess opened their vital energy centers through dancing, receiving divine wisdom and channeling that wisdom to others. Ancient Egyptian priests mimicked the movement of the planets through the movements of their bodies. It is thought that women of these cultures gave birth by dancing their babies into the world.Women are once again looking to belly dancing to discover the power of their bodies and to receive the physical and emotional benefits that arise from the dance. On the physical level, practicing the dance strengthens the lower back, mobilizes the abdominal and pelvic regions, tones the muscles, and enhances overall posture. Belly dancing also relieves menstrual problems and has been shown to be extremely useful during pregnancy and childbirth. On the emotional side, belly dancing has enabled women to overcome self-esteem issues by allowing them to embody myriad facets of femininity--sensuality, nurturance, independence, strength--while at the same time increasing their libido and helping them to develop or regain healthy feelings of sensuality and sexuality."Belly Dancing" covers all aspects of this timeless art, beginning with its origins and mythical connections to the ancient Goddess. The authors provide practical instructions and easy-to-follow photographs for basic dance movements along with guidance in building movement combinations, exercises for opening the body's energy centers, and suggestions for costuming and musical accompaniment.PINA COLUCCIA worked as a nurse for seven years before opening a belly dance school for all ages. She gives seminars on belly dancing at numerous German universities. ANETTE PAFFRATH is a belly dancer and psychotherapist who has researched the psychological benefits of belly dancing. JEAN PܔZ is a well-known author and television personality in Germany. He was an engineer, math and physics teacher, and political economist for thirty years before entering the world of journalism and communications.-
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