~ BOOK REVIEW ~
Dancing with Life : A Young Woman ’ s Quest for Art , Love , and Freedom A Travel Memoir by Dhyanis Carniglia
By Ma * Shuqa Mira Murjan
Photos provided by Dhyanis and John Kalb
Dhyanis says , “ I was born to see the world as an artist . Anything that sparkled gave me inexplicable joy ...” All the dancers in the world who are attracted to “ all the shiny things associated with Bellydance ” probably feel the same way . This book gives the reader a rare taste of life that no longer exists today during this global pandemic – the freedom to travel , experience life fully , and live local , and learn to appreciate other parts of the world .
The book is a must-have because it ’ s inspiring and that makes for — a page-turning read as Dhyanis shares her personal experiences “ on the road ” and her amazing life that led to the accomplished dancer and artist that she is today . This book is a must for any Raqs Sharqi dancer who is serious about this dance form and wishes to bring respect to it within the greater arts and dance communities . It ’ s a must-read for taking you on a fascinating journey of a dancer ’ s search for inspiration and knowledge of this dance .
The perfect book to gift to a young woman who may be contemplating a “ gap year ” before entering college or a dancer who is balancing different aspects of her life and dealing with the integration of her self-image as a professional bellydancer . Through the eyes of Dhyanis , the reader can gain a personal understanding of one woman ’ s journey to experience dancing overseas , develop her creative talents , and discover her own identity as a professional artist , dancer , performer , and mature woman .
John “ Keoni ” Kalb , Dhyanis ’ husband , says : When someone says to him “ Oh – your wife belly dances ?” ( nudge nudge wink wink ), he answers , “ No – she IS a BellyDancer ” – and one who will never give up trying to educate a dubious public about the truth of What is Bellydance ! Thus , Dhyanis ’ book is a must-read for husbands and significant others of bellydancers – to help them understand this passion that their wives and spouses have for this dance genre .
64 The Belly Dance Chronicles � May 2021