Reading Material

I'm having a hard time getting good dance practice in with a house guest here, but at least I'm getting some dance-related research and learning in! It was perfect timing that the latest issue of Fuse and Princess Farhana's new book "The Belly Dance Handbook" both arrived earlier this week.

I've already torn through Fuse. It was jam-packed with great interviews and articles, with a focus on adornment. I really enjoyed reading about henna and tattoos. There's also some good product reviews. One thing that I like about Fuse is unlike the beading magazines I used to read, it's not jam-packed with advertisements, the ads are worked in with a mind towards not interrupting the flow of the writing, and they're pretty much all for things I would like to buy or events I would like to attend, so I can look at them and daydream. Now I'm waiting for the back issues I ordered to arrive so I can go on a magazine reading binge.

So far, I've only read the first little bit of the Handbook, but it was really hard to put it down! From flipping through, it looks to be jam-packed with information to help you all the way from being a newbie looking for your first teacher to becoming an international workshop instructor and jet-setting superstar. There's sections on caring for your costumes, and avoiding injury, and choosing dance shoes, and all sorts of things. I really love the fact that Princess Farhana is a treasure trove of knowledge and that she shares it with the world instead of hoarding it to herself. I'm really looking forward to diving into this book, reading it cover-to-cover, and bookmarking the best parts so I can return to them time and again. I'll be sure to post a full review when I'm done!

I'm looking to really build up my dance-related library. What are your favorite dance books?

Arms!

Day 123 of practice.

I've been really into arm and hand drills lately! I guess they're the new belly roll. Tonight I did a whole bunch of them while catching up on Princess Farhana's excellent series of blog posts on the various styles of belly dance (and related dances). I'm a big ol' geek, so I love being able to read up on the history of dance and the evolution of different styles.

I was supposed to go practice in the park tonight, but I think I'm developing allergies in my old age. I've been fighting some sort of sinus thing since yesterday and I didn't really feel up to actual dancing. Heck, I didn't even feel up to the 2 minute drive to the park. I sure hope I feel better tomorrow so I can go to class!