Laura A. Cooper

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.

Written and originally published in the UK in 2004, conveys warmth, sincerity, and a refreshing lack of ego. Laura’s writing voice is inclusive and caring and I found myself thinking of her as a friend and fellow teacher.

For those of us who have been teaching for many years, it is clear that students absorb and process learning in diverse ways. There are learning channels unique to each individual; visual, auditory, kinesthetic, intuitive. Ideally, as teachers we are skilled at presenting material in various ways to inspire students of every learning type.

One of the advantages of a good instruction book is that one can easily carry it and review each section while visualizing the movements and feeling the effect the on the body. This type of rehearsal through visualization while in an open and relaxed state has been shown to improve physical performance in every sport and performance art. You can be practicing and learning in this way even when it seems you are not ‘doing’ anything.

Laura has thought of everything, from a fine intro to dance history to chapters on the use of veil, wings, candles, cane, sword, and zills. I learned a few veil moves that I had never seen before. There are also three complete routines written in detailed choreography notes, for slow, medium, and fast tempos. Not one to follow choreography too closely, I still found it a nice addition for those who do love to be choreographed. Anyone who has taken on a project of this kind will appreciate the thoroughness and degree of organisation that went into this book.

I particularly enjoyed the final chapter on dance etiquette, written with true British finesse by a woman who obviously possesses self worth and dignity.

I would recommend to students of all levels for practice and review and to teachers who strive to better impart the intricate detail, richness, and beauty of our dance.

The only thing missing is information on how to join in on one of Laura’s classes when we are next in England.Similar Posts:

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• Sacred Dance of The Goddess
• The Ritual of Awakening

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.

If you are a practical dancer who does not give much credence to the Divine Feminine, The Goddess, I guarantee you will feel Her awesome presence here.  You may even begin to radiate your own inner Goddess with pride once you realize that as a woman and as a dancer, you are a part of Her great mystery.
From innocent young girl to new mother, to older wise woman, all stages of our lives as women are represented here with dignity, and reverence.  
While you will recognize many dancers that you know and love, the artistic scope of ‘Belly Dance; Celebrating the Sacred Feminine’ is much broader and deeper than personalities.

This book is obviously an act of love, ten years in the making, and is not just for dancers.  Anyone with a passion for art, beauty, color, design, and spectacular photography will be inspired and uplifted. 
This is a book to be savored slowly, kept in a special place and revisited often.
I was allowed to review the galley copy, but the completed, hard cover, gold-foiled version can be ordered now at a prepublication discount through www.BellyDanceBook.Net.Similar Posts:

• Belly Dancing Basics: Book Review
• Sacred Dance of The Goddess
• The Ritual of Awakening