Tribal Vision reviewed again! Woo hoo...
Spring 2011…
BOOK REVIEW: Tribal Vision: A Celebration of Life Through Tribal Belly Dance by Paulette Rees-Denis
Reviewed by -Alexandra Lancette
I'll admit that the first three or four times I picked this book up I did nothing but look at the photos. Even though I own The Tribal Bible--which is a pictorial buffet itself--the numerous gorgeous pictures in Tribal Vision were so fantastic that I had trouble reading the text. Every dancer I saw seemed clothed in layer upon layer of earthy, textured finery. While the Internet abounds with photographs of dancers, printed copies are rare. And color! They're in color! Even the ones in black and white were so lush and inspiring that I picked my jaw up off the floor, grabbed for my sketch pad, and started drawing new costume and makeup ideas.
Once I was able to calm my visual center down enough to actually read the book, I was absolutely hooked. It was my first in-depth introduction to Paulette, as I come from a FatChance American Tribal Style (ATS) background. I knew nothing about her, and very little about Gypsy Caravan (her troupe) other than that it was another form of improvisational dance. The book begins with Paulette's background, and then spreads out into many other aspects of the dance, including the history of ATS, costumes, performing, music, and teaching. Rather than serving as a how-to book, this text is more a moving, growing memoir infused with useful information for anyone interested in group improvisational dance.
Alongside Paulette's words are snippets from her current and former students and troupemates. I found myself drawn into this sisterhood, feeling a connection to them even though our vocabularies are different, and wishing desperately that I could move to Portland to be a part of it all. The section on trance dancing was especially interesting. The link between movement and spirituality is undeniable, but I have always felt a personal resistance to it, not wanting to get too “hippie” with my dance. Paulette tempts me to give this a second thought, and to open myself to follow whatever path my dancing leads me to find.
I was also delighted to read about Paulette’s experiences as a teacher. This sort of firsthand account is, again, difficult to find. It was inspiring, to say the least, and made me appreciate the teachers I had worked with all the more. Tribal Vision is a wonderful book. For improvisational dancers, it provides a history as well as inspiration for the future. For non-improv dancers, it's an interesting glimpse into the sisterhood. And did I mention the photos? You can purchase Tribal Vision via Amazon.com, or through Gypsy Caravan's website at www.gypsycaravan.us
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Congratulations!
Your blog, Tribal Bellydance Blog,
was determined to be an essential part of our resources, and has received our
Top Dance Blogs award presented by Online University!
You can see your name amongst our winners here at:
www.onlineuniversity.org/top_dance/#Tribal_Bellydancing_Blog
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Gypsy Caravan Receives 2008 Best of Portland Award
U.S. Local Business Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement
WASHINGTON D.C., July 26, 2008 -- Gypsy Caravan has been selected for the 2008 Best of Portland Award in the Dance Instruction category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).
Testimonials!
Hilary writes, after being certified in Collective Soul Level Three
"Paulette,
My head has been spinning! That was such an amazing training. It seemed super-concentrated and I feel like I "have it" more than I have in the past.
This dance matters so much to me and I just feel so FULL when I come to you. Your teaching nourishes and feeds me in a way that I don't get anywhere else. Which is why I am addicted...
Thank you for sharing your gifts of teaching, dancing, thinking and discussing with us. It was fun!"
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Testimonial from a dancer after taking Collective Soul Level One!
"Collective Soul 1 was a wonderful and learning experience for me! By immersing myself in the tribal belly dancing world, I felt the essence of living in community even more...a caring and harmonious community of women connecting with each other through this beautiful dance, speaking the same language.
This workshop helped me know where I am at (belly dancing-wise), the long but amazing journey I still need to walk ...rhythmically...to become a great dancer!!! :0)
It's like going back to my roots...I feel I belonged to a tribe in another past life and loved dancing around the fire with my tribal pals...that tribal dancer in me is awakening and wants to bloom radiantly when her season comes!!!
Thank you'all for the beautiful times we share! It was a pleasure to have met you and danced with you'all.
Let's keep dancing & celebrating life!"
Patty