Belly Dancing Basics: Book Review
book reviews August 13th, 2009
With the wide array of dance DVDs now available, one might not think to choose a book in learning the basics of the dance. After all, a moving art in static form does not seem so inspiring; that is until you open the cover and see the clear and beautiful photos. No effort has been spared in photographing the diverse and beautifully costumed dancers for this book, with each step broken down into photos at differing angles. Read the rest of this entry »
Belly Dance: Celebrating the Sacred Feminine: Book Review
book reviews, Egyptian Dance August 13th, 2009
Book Review:
By Khadija (Katrina Valenzuela) 9/21/08
Belly Dance – Celebrating the Sacred Feminine
By Martha Elena Burns
Foreword by
Christiane Northrup, MD
Published 2009
If you are searching for the perfect gift for your favorite dancer, photographer or just a special treat for yourself, stop right there! This big, lush book is a delight to the senses, a magical journey of breathtaking beauty that will leave you in tears. The moment I held the book and gazed at the cover, I was mesmerized and transported. Two hundred and twelve pages glorious pages later; I reluctantly came back to reality. The beautiful foreword by well known MD and writer, Christiane Northrup leads us into a touching preface from author/photographer Martha Elena Burns describing her personal experiences with the dance. Exquisite quotes from Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Alice Walker, Jean Shinoda Bolen and Jalaja Bonheim weave their way through photographs filled with motion, spirit and energy. Thick vellum overlays slowly reveal shimmering images, like veils being lifted into the secret, sacred world of the dancer. Not instructional, it is instead nourishment for the dancer’s soul. Read the rest of this entry »
