A Woman's Book of Power: Using Dance to Cultivate Energy

by Karen Andes

"Karen Andes emphasizes an integral approach to fitness - one that involves body, mind, heart and soul. She addresses different aspects of our beings with her unique combination of the physical and spiritual." - Michael Murphy, co-founder of Esalen Institute; author of Golf In the Kingdom, The Future of the Body, and The Kingdom of Shivas Irons Always at the forefront of health and physical fitness, renowned teacher-trainer Karen Andes has reinvented exercise for women by re-introducing dance as a source of both aerobic and spiritual fitness. This easy to understand, step-by-step guide explores the round, soft movements that feel more natural to the female body. By incorporating influences from Middle Eastern dance, other ancient sacred dances, as well as martial arts and yoga, Karen Andes has created a simple approach to movement which draws on our ancient past and serves our modern lives.

Genres: Nonfiction

201 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever had trouble adopting an exercise program, read this book. Even if you're not interested in belly dancing, read this book.

I was interested in belly dance when I picked up a copy for a dollar at the library sale I volunteered at maybe 6 or 7 years ago, looking for a few new moves. And I did find those - the left/right brain instructions are very helpful. I credit this book with finally getting me to do snake arms. (Sort of. With some help and a lot of practice. But it got me on track.)

But more than that, I had lots of "aha!" moments as the book wound through a history of religion and feminism and women's relationships with their bodies and exercise. The biggest one was "Aha! This is why I hate the gym!"

Sometime after reading it, after it had settled in a while, I figured out what my other workout plans had been missing. I won't do fifty situps for beauty or health, but I'll do them if it makes my layback look better. After introducing art to my exercise, I'm finally starting to stick with it.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't read this cover-to-cover but rather parts of it at a time, whatever I felt was most useful.

She talks about dance, shapes that have been sacred throughout time to different cultures (and integrating them into dance), goddesses from whom to draw inspiration (I like this part a lot because it's not about religion or spirituality, it's more like, "need to kick some butt today? get inspired by Durga" like the goddesses are your personal trainers. Hah!

All in all, a nice resource, thoughtfully written and a good viewpoint on many things bellydance.