Customer Reviews

The Secret Language of Belly Dancing

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book loses 5 stars for bad publishing and formatting, and for its sheer verbocity, but gains it all back for vivacious content. Not a primary reference book for dance, but a nice addition to anyone's dance library solely based on the author's intent and the scant few exercises the author prescribes.

Look, I instantly shy away from books that have flotsam photos and illustrations as well as over-fonted re-quotes in the margins as they smack too much of a publisher's interference and attempts to market to those folks who appreciate shiny objects (like me). It also is sad to see autobiographical information taking up more than a few pages in any book that wasn't meant to be an autobiography. I was disappointed to find this book had all of these symptoms of kitsche writing styles and cheap marketing. I blame the publisher, solely and completely. If I could roll this book up like a newspaper and swat the publisher, exclaiming "BAD, BAD PUBLISHER" I would (but security won't let me in the front door anymore).

I was pleasantly surprized to see that Ms. Strova actually listed her research references at the end of each chapter as well as in a full blown bibliography section at the end of the book. Now that is truly impressive and it made me want to actually READ the book instead of just look at the pretty fonts and pictures.

The content was not ordinary at all, and this is its most saving grace. Despite the spotty-but-good attempt to justify her "her"storical assertions, Ms. Strova really, really tries hard to put across the idea that dance is sacred (no longer a marketing ploy to neo-pagans, but a true attempt to reawaken artistic self-expression). In my opinion, she succeeds. Here, this book earns all its stars back.

I found myself "getting it" - now inspired to experiment a bit more beyond the mechanics of belly dance and the choreography of others, this book helps one to actually listen to the rhythm of Life. It inspires dancers and non-dancers alike to be better at recognizing their own, internal rhythms, without being too blunt (I did mention verbocity, but how can one put in words that which is without description otherwise, short of physically being in the room with you and demonstrating it?). Yes, Ms. Strova, I get it. You get waaaay more than 5 stars.

If just for that inspiration, this book is worth every penny.

I love Maria's book because it contains my favorite aspects of Bellydance, with answers to questions that have drawn us to it for a thousand generations, yet so few teachers include with technique in class. Her vast research and perspective reveal historic and cultural wisdom that allows each woman to integrate the most precious attributes of dance: feminine knowledge and the power of creation. What an inspiring gift! -- MESMERA

I really struggled with this book. It is not well written, with fairly average (OK, bad) grammar, a few instances of incorrect word usage and lots of typos. With the amount of editorial influence in this book, with multiple extracted quotations in the margins of each page, I would have thought they would bother to proofread and copy-edit the material of the book, as well.

It is clear that the author is very passionate about bellydance, which I salute despite disagreeing with many of her viewpoints on various matters. I felt that in a number of instances, she tried using words outside her regular vocab to portray her feelings, or other aspects of bellydance, which gave the prose somewhat of a overbearing, superior tone. I would have liked to see her describe these things in her own words rather than pulling the thesaurus out at every turn.

I bought this book because I thought it would have some good information on belly dancing in it. There are so many spelling and grammar errors it drove me insane. She also had many of her facts wrong. I have a background in history and archaeology. To most readers her mis-stated facts aren't obvious. Her statements on Venus figurines are not accurate and she does not even address the other possibilities. I was literally arguing with the book.

It wasn't researched well at all. I was even more turned off when she stared channeling Maria Gimbutas, who basically says women were in charge and the world was one big happy place, till men took over.

If you want information on belly dancing there are better books. If you want to read about ancient women or society, find a book written by somebody who knows what they are talking about or check out cultural studies to see what you can find.

Well written and illustrated through photos of the history, symbolism, etc of belly dancing. Could be the best book ever written on the subject. Helps that it was written by a teacher and dancer of the medium. If you read only one book on the subject, make this the one.

How can one write a book in words that encapsulates such an ethereal visual dance? Well, Maria Strova has! I didn't want the book to end! I have many books on the subject, but Maria's is definitely a keeper. It is thorough, thought provoking, empowering, encouraging, spiritual, creative, and helps all dancers and women to understand the intrinsic value of what we do--and how to express that clearer in our dance. Through her captivating dance of words she was able to explain the roots and symbols of the dance, of the connection of women, the need and reasons to define for ourselves our own labels and definitions, and ways in which we can incorporate deeper meaning into what we are already doing. While I feel I already knew most of this "in my bones," it was wonderful and fresh to have it written down so I could just absorb it and be a part of it. I will definitely share this with my classes. She brings to words what is usually only felt and seen. A MUST READ!

Maria strives to uplift bellydance into an art form with deep roots in history that should be respected, and I think she achieves that. This book is all about the feminine experience and how bellydance can allow you to explore your body's potential and your soul's desire.

At times Maria is very wordy and a tiny bit repetitive, but her message is so earnest that I didn't mind too much. I would have liked to see more concrete examples during the discussion of the symbols (more references to specific moves and what they mean, along with the symbolism).

Overall the book is uplifting and inspires you to dance passionately.

The book has beautiful printing quality, photos and pictures. The content is logically organised. A glimpse on the content will let you have a feeling that it is a comprehensive resource book for all belly dance lovers.
I bought the book because in the preview, it shows that it will give an explanation on even why our hair, arms, belly should move in the way they do. I expect to have history or stories on the how belly dance evolve, with some historical researches and data. But I was disppointed when I saw that most of the content is about the personal feeling or experience of the author or what she "thinks", but not an objective description of the history or other substances about belly dancing. I will say it'd be more appropriate and fair if the book is described as a "personal/private experience of belly dancing".

Well researched and compiled,this book shines light on the true spiritual aspect of bellydance and the role it has played in women' lives for millennia. Recommended for any woman on a spiritual quest whether or not she is a dancer
[ASIN:8875076162 The Secret Language of Belly Dancing]]
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I liked the style of this book. And you can relate to what she has gone thru as a dancer.