Paulette Rees-Denis

First of all, I really enjoyed the many pictures scattered throughout this book. It was very well-written, and the pictures made the content seem all the more real. The author really knows what she is talking about. I also enjoyed how this book was able to allow me to understand belly dancing on a different level than what society drills into our heads about it. I can appreciate how the author talks about belly dancing from a personal and cultural level. Not just a how-to book, it also goes into detail about the overall meaning of the dance and what it all means.… (more)

I am haunted by this book. Not because of the content, which is compelling, honest, intriguing, and empowering. It is because I long so desperately to begin Tribal Belly Dancing on my own and don't know how to find a local group, if one even exists here in the reserved Midwest. I also know of no places to purchase the clothing and accessories here. Why must I live somewhere where it is so difficult to experience such a well described spiritual awakening based on the realization of your own private feminine sexuality? I will pass this book along to my female friends in an effort to spread this powerful and inspiring message, hopefully to the benefit of starting our own group here in Northern Indiana.… (more)

I received this book in a Member Giveaway, but found it unexpectedly appealing. While I have no intention of taking up Middle Eastern dancing, if I did, this would be the kind. Not a how-to book, Tribal Vision is rather a celebration of an earthy, exuberant dance form, and of the author’s journey to and participation in its development. As a historical costumer, my enjoyment of the book was enhanced by the many color plates of the dancers and their fascinating attire. I’ll be passing the book along to some of my dancing friends so that they can enjoy it as well. (I almost gave the book three stars instead of four, but that would have been due to my lack of knowledge in the subject, not to a flaw in the book.)… (more)