Tamalyn Dallal

Living 40 days in a different culture helps you understand the culture. These are small vignettes of Tamalyn Dallal living in five countries that are with large Islamic populations. Within each culture, Islam has been changed to take in the local customs that existed when Islam came into the area. I thought she would live with one family for the whole 40 days but she lived in hotels, apartments, rented rooms, etc. instead of spending all her time with one family. She met many different people. I learned much about the cultures and countries, such as where some are and where they are near. It is interesting and worth reading. I just wish she had lived with one family 40 days and immersed herself in their daily lives.… (mere)

This is a great book for someone who has never belly danced before. There are step by step instructions with pictures for each of the moves (1 move per page, sometime 1 move per two-page spread). There is a also a schedule that shows, over an 8 week period, which sets of moves to try so that you don't get discouraged working up to the more complicated moves.

The book also mentions specific CDs that have the type of music suitable for the movements, but gives enough recommendations that you can likely track at least one CD down and give it a listen.

Bellydancing is very gentle but powerful. It is great for increasing flexibility and for loosening neck, shoulder, and back muscles. After only a few sessions of working through the exercises I have found that I am less tense.

This book is a great addition to any class or DVD on bellydancing because it lets you see how the dancer's body is moving.

Visit me at my book blog: Booklorn.… (mere)