Anette Paffrath Reviews

Added June 14, 2005

Belly Dance: The Sensual Art of Energy and Spirit

Author: Anette Paffrath
Publisher: Park Street Press, an Imprint of Inner Traditions
Available At: www.innertraditions.com
Publishing Date: February 2005
Genre: Nonfiction: Dance/Exercise
Format: Paperback
Price: $19.95
ISBN: 159477021-2
Reviewer: Ayden Delacroix
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Beautiful, enchanting, and liberating are only a few words that come to mind when describing belly dance. More than a wonderful and fun way to tone your body, it helps rebuild a woman's self-esteem. It is not possible to belly dance and feel ashamed of your body. Authors Pina, Anette and Jean explore both the mythical and historical origins of belly dance, including its connections to the ancient goddesses.

Belly dance connects women to the earth, forging spiritual connections to our ancestors and renewing the call of the ancient goddesses. It offers women a way to reclaim their sensuality and self-esteem. The authors explore these connections and the interactions the dance creates between body and soul. One aspect I found particularly interesting was how belly dance mirrors the natural rhythms in a woman's life.

Detailed instructions for beginning steps are included, made more helpful by the addition of colorful photographs. Physical benefits of the dance are covered; with notes from the authors explaining conclusive proof has not been found as to all the benefits. Ideas and suggestions for choosing costumes and music range from the very simple to moderately elaborate. Throughout the book, reference is made to belly dance being a dance of the senses, so the inclusion of scents and a tempting array of Middle Eastern recipes was no surprise. I felt this completely rounded out the book.

As a beginning dancer, I loved everything about Belly Dance. Informative, fun, eye-opening lavish photographs provided a visual feast for the eyes, while spiritual aspects provide way to reconnect to the divine. Empower, uplifting and hard-to-finish as you just want to get up and dance, Belly Dance is a book I cannot (and haven't) stopped recommending. Accomplished, longtime dancers, beginners and even authors will benefit from this fantastic book.

Belly Dance will help women reclaim their power, build self-confidence and inspire other women.

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