Overview

A comprehensive guide to the art of belly dancing • Covers the origins, mythology, and history of the Middle Eastern dance, including its physical and mental health benefits • Contains practical instructions with easy-to-follow photographs • Includes recipes for perfumes, cosmetic creams, and food from the Middle East Belly dance is pure sensuousness and has enchanted humans since ancient times. Yet beyond its erotic aspects, belly dancing offers many physical and emotional benefits. On the physical level it helps with muscle stiffness, autonomic nervous system disturbances, mobility of the abdominal region, and strengthening the back, which in turn enhances the body’s 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 increases the libido and has enabled women to overcome self-esteem issues and regain healthy feelings of sensuality and sexuality.Belly Dancing covers all aspects of this ancient art, beginning with its origins and mythical connections to the moon goddess. The authors provide practical instructions and easy-to-follow photographs for the most important dance movements as well as guidance in costuming and related accoutrements. Additional information on foot reflexology and Indian chakras aid the further understanding of the art. The book also contains recipes for Middle Eastern perfumes, cosmetic creams, and food as well as suggestions for musical accompaniment.

Full Product Details

Author:   Pina Coluccia ,  Anette Paffrath ,  Jean Pütz
Publisher:   Inner Traditions Bear and Company
Imprint:   Park Street Press,U.S.
Dimensions:   Width: 20.30cm , Height: 0.80cm , Length: 22.90cm
Weight:   0.442kg
ISBN:  

9781594770210

ISBN 10:   1594770212
Pages:   192
Publication Date:   14 February 2005
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Out of Stock Indefinitely
Availability:   In Print  
Limited stock is available. It will be ordered for you and shipped pending supplier's limited stock.

Table of Contents

Belly Dancing The Sensual Art of Energy and Spirit Belly Dance: Connecting to the Earth Flowing Energy in a Grounded Body The Origins of Belly Dancing The Goddess as Dancer: Ishtar, Artemis, Aphrodite The Goddess and Sexuality Belly Dance as the Dance of Birth Harems and the Belly Dance Prejudices against Belly Dancing Understanding the Myth Belly Dance as Self-Experience and Self-Expression The Interactions between Body and Soul Hara: The Source of Strength below the Navel Belly Dance and the Natural Rhythms in a Woman’s Life The Sensual, Creative, and Erotic Aspects of Belly Dancing Physical Benefits of Belly Dancing The Basic Stance: Grounded, Relaxed, Full of Breath Strength and Grace: The Pelvic Floor Preparing to Dance: Warm-up Exercises Now We Dance First Steps Moving the Hips Moving the Chest The Language of the Hands The Arms as Graceful Companions Enticing Head Movements Shimmies Fundamental Dance Steps Dance Combinations Rhythms for Belly Dance Clothing That Enhances the Dance Veils Belly Dance: An Emotional, Physical, and Spiritual Exercise A Middle Eastern Feast for the Body Diving into Exotic Scents Preparing Delicious Food: A Middle Eastern Buffet Resources

Reviews

?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.?

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

Author Information

Pina Coluccia worked as a nurse for seven years before opening a belly dance school for all ages. She gives weekly seminars on belly dancing at German universities. Anette Paffrath is a belly dancer and psychotherapist who has researched the beneficial effects of belly dancing on psychological blockages, fears, and menstrual discomforts. Jean Pütz is a well-known author and television personality in Germany. He was an engineer, math and physics teacher, and political economist for 30 years before entering the world of journalism and communications.

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