Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction: Searching for Woman's Sacred Dance

Part One: In the Beginning Was the Dance
1. The Goddess Danced
2. The Priestess Danced
3. Dancing through Theology
4. WomanDance
5. The Dancer's Costume: Symbolic and Glorious

Part Two: Modern Sacred Dance Today
6. Modern Dance: The Sacred Dance of Eternity
7. Moon Dance
8. The Sacred Circle
9. Serpent Dance
10. Lamentation Dance
11. Universal Rhythm: The Drum Dance
12. The Ecstatic and the Transcendental
13. Dance of the Elements
14. Mirror Dance
15. Keys to Accessing Spirituality through Sacred Dance

Resources

Notes

Bibliography

Index

About the Author

Iris J. Stewart has taught dance and lectured on women's subjects for over twenty years. She is the founder of WomanDance, a troupe which performs interpretive dances that explore women's spirituality. To research this book, Stewart visited archaeological sites throughout Europe, the Middle East, and South America. She lives in northern California.

Reviews

"If we seek the real source of the dance, if we go to nature, we find that the dance of the future is the dance of the past, the dance of eternity, and has been and will always be the same."
*Isadora Duncan*

"This is a marvelous and unique exploration of women's spirituality through a study of dance. It is beautifully illustrated with inspirational photos of sacred dancers. This is an excellent addition to the study of the many forms and expressions of Women's Spirituality."
*Circle Magazine, Winter 2000/2001*

"Her bibliography and notes are extensive. She doesn't leave hanging the reader who wants to learn more about or participate in sacred dance, but offers several pages of resources. The book is not only a history of women and dance, but a textbook for performing sacred dances."
*Katie Watts, Argus-Courier Online*

"This book is the first to explore women's spiritual expression in the study of dance. In reclaiming our connection to sacred dance, we regain a valuable spiritual expression. A wonderful book!"
*Catholic Women's NETWORK, January/February 2001*

"Although a wealth of research is behind the text it is conveyed in a very digestible form. Myths, history, symbolism together with ancient and modern forms of dance from all cultures are drawn together to uncover the meaning behind the dance."
*Frances Fawkes, The Grapevine Magazine*

"Stewart has provided a multitude of lovely pictures and illustrations to underscore her discovery of the existence of earlier sacred dance and her aspiration to encourage its growth. Although all of what she describes is available elsewhere, she has performed a valuable service by bringing it together under a single cover."
*Anne Apynys., Ph.D., Habibi, A Journal for Lovers of Middle Eastern Dance & Arts, Vol. 18, No. 3, 20*

"Richly illustrated with graphics and photographs from around the world (some taken at the sites by the author), this book is a record of Iris Stewart's search for evidence of the sacred-logically, historically and experientially."
*Dance Magazine, March 2001, Vol. 75, No. 3*

"I don't know of another book like this one--don't miss it."
*Mary K. Greer, Tarot Newletter, Summer 2001*

". . . includes extensive source notes, bibliography and other resources, such that it could be considered a bible of sacred dance!"
*The Midwest Book Review, May 2002*

"Dancers will find it of special interest, but it's delightful for everyone else as well. Highly recommended."
*Elizabeth Barrette, SageWoman, Summer 2002*

"Exceptional."
*Today's Books, August 2000*