Foundations: Bellydance for the Versatile Dancer, Volume I
by
Zanbaka
Trade Paperback: 195 pages, 170 Illustrations/Photos
Publisher: ZD Publications
ASIN: B0010BF9LS
Price: $45.00 + S&H
Intended for all styles of bellydance, any instructor and/or student can benefit greatly from this wonderfully structured presentation. A mental, rational companion for a very physical activity, this work is the bridge that has been needed for bellydance students and instructors everywhere.
Zanbaka includes a 'how to use this book' section, a brief history and styles, an introduction to the importance of learning 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, injury prevention and a unique perspective on stretching and warming up followed by posture and balance. A simple technique to neutral pelvis is introduced. Then three standard bellydance rhythms are broken down and a basic counting lesson is given. A practice structure follows.
Directional orientation is included, helping eliminate verbal confusion. Foot positions, basic levels and foot patterns are defined and discussed, followed by two warm up phases. The first phase gets your body going and the second one includes light stretching and toning. Several basic turns are then discussed.
Moving on to isolations, key discussion of positioning, degrees, contradictory movement, shimmy, shape making, percussive/smooth, undulation and layering concepts is presented. Isolations are presented for each region of the body, which include: head, shoulder, hand, wrist, arm, ribcage, abdominal and hip isolations. Greater attention is paid to shimmies by showing how they 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. Appended: 10 Practice Sessions outline, words of wisdom developing presence, gaining constructive feedback, corrections, and raising the bar for bellydance. A bibliography and index are included.
All of this is written in clear, concise and well-defined language. This book cannot be recommended highly enough. 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".
To order:
Zanbaka.com - Seattle Performer, Instructor, Choreographer - Online Bazaar