For whatever reason women come to this art form, when it gets into their blood, they can't help but be transformed. In this book you will read dozens of personal stories about how belly dance has transformed, changed and empowered lives - stories about people overcoming shyness, addiction, low self-esteem and lack of confidence and turning into self-assured and powerful women and men. These stories are touching, encouraging and compelling. "Though many are first drawn to this dance for a wide variety of reasons - some of them having to do with Oriental or Hollywood fantasies - most want truth, even those who first came for the fluff and found it was far better and much more complex than they ever imagined. Truth gives us the wings that brought us to where we are today." Morocco "In looking back over the journey (which I know is far from over), I think that it is less that belly dance has changed me, than it has allowed me to actually realize who I was supposed to be. It has been the catalyst that allowed me to become the beautiful creature I am, and I don't believe I would have gotten to this place of self acceptance and appreciation without it. There really aren't any words that can express my gratitude for this gift." Jiniri "As soon as I was done with my first belly dance class, I knew I had a real calling; I didn't know why, but I was swept up by the "Ancient Goddesses of Dance" and there was no turning back for me. I couldn't explain the feeling at the time, of this calling. It was bigger than myself; it was just a pull of my heart and soul, and I knew I would never be the same again." Dalia Carella May you be inspired "