Joneeba! The African Dance Workout [Hardcover]

A. Djoniba Mouflet (Author), Mali M. Fleming (Contributor), Lara Anasaze MS (Contributor), Misani (Contributor), Djoniba Mouflet (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 22, 2001

This book bridges the gap between exercise and dance, integrating stretching and toning as well as fluid, energetic dance movements from Guinea, Senegal, and the Congo to the Caribbean. Making the mind-body connection through rhythmic drumming, the lure to exercise is irresistible. Incorporating body, mind and spirit, the traditional African dance movements provide the perfect holistic workout. It will show the novice how to develop and get in touch with their own sense of rhythm, how to breathe properly, how to listen to a drumbeat, the five basic hand clapping rhythms, and the proper body moves. Detailed photos and diagrams will demonstrate the easy-going movements of Sounou, the sensuous movements of Soukous, the funky rhythm of Koukou and the explosive power of Manjiani and Dundunba.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Joneeba is not only about movement and exercise but about connecting to the rhythm of the music. Mouflet, a dancer and professional drummer, feels that from conception we are connected to rhythm, comparing the beat of the drum to the heartbeat we heard in our mothers' wombs. Later, some of us lose that rhythm, and Mouflet proposes a way for us to rediscover it. In the first chapter, he explains how his relationship to movement and music changed on his travels through Africa. There he discovered what he calls Joneeba, or the spirit that "allows all to dance with their own accentuation, flavor, and soul." Mouflet's dance and exercise program strives to connect mind, body, and spirit to the music. In addition to explaining the cultural background of the movements, Mouflet demonstrates warm-up exercises, dances, and cool-down activities. These movements are illustrated in black-and-white photographs. The explanations are easy to follow and fun, but a video would probably be easier to use. Still, this would be a good addition for public libraries. Debra Mitts Smith, Dover Town Lib., MA
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

A serious workout. -- Philadelphia Tribune

A workout that touches the essence of our being. -- African Sun Times

Bridges the gap between exercise and dance. -- Dance Spirit Magazine

Drum up some fun...dance off the pounds. -- Woodland Hills Daily News

Easy to follow and fun. -- Library Journal

Makes exercising almost irresistible. -- Detroit News

The ultimate fun in fitness! -- Philadelphia Tribune --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Hatherleigh Press (February 22, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578260493
• ISBN-13: 978-1578260492
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #445,609 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun Fitness, July 13, 2001

By 

Susan (Pheonix , AZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Joneeba! The African Dance Workout (Hardcover)

My adolescent daughter has been feeling awkward lately because of her changing body. I wanted to portray the right message about exercise; that it is about emotional as well as physical wellness and having fun, rather than shedding pounds and keeping trim. After looking for less destructive ways of helping my daughter feel good about her body, we found Joneeba! Joneeba is the most fun I have had in a long time, and I can do it with my daughter. We really get into it. The exercises and dances are easy to follow, because of the anatomic illustrations. As time went by, my daughter and I no longer needed to have the book right in front of us, we let the rhythm guide us to a wonderful and spiritual workout!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exercise with Life !, July 12, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Joneeba! The African Dance Workout (Hardcover)

I have always been attracted to unconventional ways of doing things, including staying fit. JONEEBA is an eccentric and unique fitness workout that provides me with the mental and physical wellness I look for in an exercise regiment. The Joneeba workout has replaced my Yoga and Aerobic routines. If anyone is tired of the same old exercises, and are looking for a mind/body experience, I absolutely recommend this book. I've never had this much fun exercising!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Metamorphosis of Mind, Body and Soul!, June 11, 2001

By 

Jacqueline Frances Santiago (Money Making Manhattan, NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Joneeba! The African Dance Workout (Hardcover)

This book is written in a witty and eloquent way filled with many funny anecdotes. I have been dancing with Djoniba for two and a half years and I wholeheartedly believe in his program. The "Joneeba" work-out has changed my way of life in so many positive ways. It's therapeutic because it unifies and balances all five chakras...when you really listen to the drums your spirit soars on a higher level. There have been times when I actually feel like I'm flying not just dancing! There is a real sense of community among his students and everyone is extremely supportive, especially when it's time to dance solo in the circle. Sometimes, it can feel a bit intimidating to do your own thing in front of everyone, but Djoniba and his Djimbefolas(master drummers)are encouraging. The book is interesting because it provides a new way of approaching the work-out and the illustrations are quite attractive. I love the way I feel in class, I'm not a classically trained dancer but in Djoniba's class I feel like a beautiful dancer. My body just looks and feels great and my husband can't keep his hands off me! Combined with a healthy diet this work-out will shed inches off your body instantly, as well as boost your self-confidence. I highly recommend this book and work-out routine to anyone who is tired of battling the ten pound bulge. If you dance atleast three times a week...you'll be ready for a sexy thong by August. West African Dance is not just about losing weight...it's ceremonial, each movement has spiritual meaning. When a community get's together to celebrate life through dance and music many magical things occur.