Foundations (Bellydance for the Versatile Dancer, Volume I) [Paperback]

Zanbaka (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 2007

Originally intended as a handbook for her students, Zanbaka's first volume of Bellydance for the Versatile Dancer closes the gap between various styles of Bellydance. Volume I: Foundations provides a thorough overview of technique and dance theory, with emphasis on developing the "Dancing Mind". It creates a strong spring board, preparing students for a well-rounded journey throughout the world of Bellydance. Foundations includes over 190 pages (7.5 x 9.25 page dimensions), with over 170 black & white photos/illustrations, insights and tips for technique, and ten practice sessions. Content addresses ::: Injury Prevention ::: Safe Movement Practices ::: Concept Groups for Isolation Technique ::: Learning Styles ::: Imagery and Visualizations ::: Mapping out the Bellydance Body ::: Neutral Posture Alignment ::: Core Originated Isolations ::: Rhythms and Finger Cymbals Also availble in the the Bellydance for the Versatile Dancer series... Volume II: Shapes, Patterns, and Layers Volume III: More Shapes, Patterns, and Layers

Product Details

• Paperback: 195 pages
• Publisher: ZD Publications; 1ST edition (2007)
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0010BF9LS
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,898,325 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Author of the 'Bellydance for the Versatile Dancer' book series, performer, choreographer and instructor, Zanbaka's works have been described as transcending the boundaries of time-honored dance forms, while maintaining an ancient sentiment that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. She is a member of Zamani Flamenco (2006-Present), Rubina Carmona's La Peña Flamenca de Seattle (2001-2008), and was one of the founding members and principle dancers of Raqs Halim Dance Ensemble (1998-2005).

Zanbaka's instruction focuses on a strong foundation in technique and a variety of Bellydance genres ranging from traditional Folkloric and Oriental to more modern styles such as Tribal and World Fusion. Her vision of dance is a balance between the old and the new, tradition and innovation. With an emphasis on using core muscles to power isolations, she has an ability to breakdown movements into their basic components and offer alternative explanations and visualizations to suit a variety of learning styles. Known for her refinement exercises and drills, she uses a 'building blocks' approach to help students master the more challenging movements of Bellydance while perfecting the basics. She stresses the importance of studying and mastering a fundamental groundwork of Bellydance technique, rather than pigeonholing oneself into a particular style.

www.zanbaka.com

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Volume I : Foundations-- Very thorough! January 19, 2008

By Joy Herbst

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was very excited to see a new book come out on the market that discusses belly dance, especially in the manner in which Zanbaka does here. Here we find an intelligent and technically rich volume with great definitions and resources for your own personal practice, as well as a great handbook to refer to when making lesson plans as an instructor. CERTAINLY this book does not replace instruction, as Zanbaka states clearly, however if you are looking for a book with many movement concepts to wrap your head around, inside and out, for both your practice and your students', here it is!

Well done! Can't wait for the next Volume(s)!!! :)

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars must have for understanding/developing skills November 30, 2007

By snakecharmer

Format:Paperback

This book is the most comprehensive dance guide for middle eastern/bellydancers I have ever seen. By using photos, geometric diagrams,and visual comparisons of posture, the author, a well known dancer herself, has organized all the essential movement techniques in a format that is especially beneficial for the visual learner. Also included are easy to understand chapters on middle eastern rhythms and playing zills. I have never read a how to-bellydance book this valuable before-I only wish it had been available to me 30 years ago when I started dancing. I look forward to upcoming volumes.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars What a treasure!!!! January 26, 2008

By Lulu

Format:Paperback

This book is the most complete, comprehensive collection about the elements of belly dance - applicable to any style. Its detailed about body positioning, showing the proper alignment of the body in different movements as well as what to avoid to prevent injury. I agree that it certainly does not take the place of consistently working with a qualified instructor, but as a meaty practice companion - its top rate! I too wish I had this when starting out (I've been searching for a book like this since I started dancing, nearly 3 years ago) - but I'm so glad I now have it now!! Its worth every penny - thank you, Zanbaka for providing a terrific resource!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Teaching and Learning Workbook for All Bellydancers, All Levels April 10, 2008

By A. Wagnon

Format:Paperback

Where to begin... This book boggles the mind, and in a very good way! Not intended for any particular style of bellydance, any instructor and/or student can benefit greatly from this wonderfully structured presentation. Zanbaka starts out by introducing the concept of the book, and the series (which will have 7 volumes). She is a proponent of using all learning styles to convey information. The book is meant to be the mental, rational companion of a very physical activity. Zanbaka is a firm believer in first learning high quality technique and isolations before adding stylistic elements, which is why this book is a must for anyone wishing to have a bellydance workbook.

Zanbaka includes a 'how to use this book' section, a brief history and styles, an introduction to learning styles (she defines ten styles), naming conventions of moves and a way to accurately refer to each move. She maps out the bellydance body, showing the regions and individual muscles that come into play during bellydance. Next, she moves on to injury prevention and a unique perspective on stretching and warming up. Posture and balance are addressed, with a simple technique to assure your pelvis is in neutral position. Next, three standard bellydance rhythms are broken down and a basic counting lesson is given. A practice structure follows, showing the advantages of each practice section.

Zanbaka then explains how to verbally orient yourself in the physical world. This is extremely helpful and eliminates the need for phrases like: 'your right' or 'stage right'. Foot positions, basic levels and foot patterns are defined and discussed next. We move on to the two warm up phases. The first phase is a 'get your body going' kind of warm up and the second one includes light stretching and toning.... Several basic turns are discussed next.

Zanbaka moves on to isolations, which includes positioning, degrees, contradictory movement, shimmy, shape making, percussive/smooth, undulation and layering concepts. After digesting these concepts, isolations are presented for each region of the body, which include: head, shoulder, hand, wrist, arm, ribcage, abdominal and hip isolations. Greater attention is then paid to shimmies by going into more detail and showing how shimmies can be powered differently.

Flamenco clapping (palmas) and finger cymbals are introduced, followed by a two-phase cool down. Deep stretching is introduced. A brief discussion of transitions closes the instructional part of the book. At the end of the book, there is a 10 Practice Sessions outline, a closing which includes developing presence, gaining constructive feedback and corrections, and raising the bar for bellydance. A bibliography and index are included at the end.

All of this is written in clear, concise and well-defined language. This book is the bridge that has been needed for bellydance students and instructors everywhere. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It's only 195 pages long, and it has over 170 illustrations and photos, but it is so packed with information, you will refer to it again and again, whether you are a beginner, a seasoned performer, a student, or an instructor. Well worth the price. It goes on the shelf next to "The Tribal Bible".

This volume will be followed with: II. Shapes, Patterns & Layers, III. More Shapes, Patterns & Layers, IV. History, Styles, & Fusion w/ Fortitude (w/ guest writers), V. Floorwork, Veilwork, Props & Dangerous Diversions, VI. Choreography & Free Form Improvisation, VII. Zanbaka's Repertoire for Tribal Group Improvisation.

To see full PDF excerpts visit: [...] Read more ›

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough reference April 25, 2008

By Michelle

Format:Paperback

I got the book yesterday and it is GREAT! I'm a beginner dancer and I
think it will be very helpful to me in structuring my practice
sessions and as a complement to my classes. The illustrations are
great.

5.0 out of 5 stars Makes movement and deconstruction of a movement easy November 22, 2008

By Mary J. Powell

Format:Paperback

I have read this book and made my own notes in it over and over. I love the complexity of how simple it is to dissect a move and how to relay that to my students. I have purchased volume 2 and am reading this one before bedtime and making my little notes! A must have for any level of dancer.