Sacred Women Sacred Dance [Paperback]

...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

Although a wealth of research is behind the text it is conveyed in a very digestible form. -- Frances Fawkes, The Grapevine Magazine

Exceptional. -- Today's Books, August 2000

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

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

Stewart has provided a multitude of lovely pictures and illustrations to underscore her discovery of the existence of earlier sacred. -- Anne Apynys., Ph.D., Habibi, A Journal for Lovers of Middle Eastern Dance & Arts, Vol. 18, No. 3, 2000

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

This book is the first to explore women's spiritual expression in the study of dance. A wonderful book! -- Catholic Women's NETWORK, January/February 2001

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

Shows how dance, the highest expression of spirituality in cultures and traditions all over the world, is being integrated into the lives of women today. * The first book to explore women's spiritual expression--women's ways--through a study of dance * Investigates how dance came to be excluded from worship, and reveals how dance is once again being brought into spiritual practices. * Includes resources for further instruction in sacred dance.

Today we primarily think of dance as a form of entertainment or as a way to exercise or socialize. There was a time, however, when dance was considered the way to commune with the divine, a part of life's journey, celebrating the seasons and rhythms of the year and the rhythms of our lives. Dance is a language that reunites the body, mind, and soul. While the role of women's sacred dance was most valued in goddess-worshipping cultures where women served as priestesses and healers, dance was once an integral part of religious ritual and ceremonial expression in cultures all over the world, including Judaism and Christianity. In this book the author investigates how dance came to be excluded from worship and reveals how dance is once again being integrated into spiritual practices.

Sacred Woman, Sacred Dance is the first book to explore women's spiritual expression--women's ways--through a study of dance. It describes sacred circles, birth rituals, ecstatic dances, and dances of loss and grief (in groups and individually) that allow women to integrate the movements of faith, healing, and power into their daily life.

Iris J. Stewart has taught dance and lectured on women's subjects for over 20 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.