TESTIMONIALS: MEDICAL, STUDENT & CREATIVE

MEDICAL ENDORSEMENTS

"Early in my medical practice I spent time in the Indian Medical Service on a Navaho reservation where I performed numerous deliveries.  Amongst indigenous tribes, birth is perceived as a natural part of the cycle of life and a sacred ritual.  Frequently a Medicine Man attended the birth offering a blessing of music, song and dance for the wellbeing of the mother and child. Birthdancing offers numerous exercises to prepare for the marathon endurance event that women experience when giving birth, but more importantly, it offers emotional and spiritual support through meditative movements and breathing practices done to soothing music. I am impressed with Laura LeRoy’s integrity, professionalism and ability to effectively bridge the artistic and scientific worlds. I recommend Birthdancing to anyone interested in promoting fitness, health and wellness during pregnancy for mother and child."
 - Robert K. Spiegel, MD, Well Woman Health Resources & Consulting Service

"Laura's Birthdancing® program is a wonderful creation. It brings together the ancient wisdom of moving in harmony with one's changing body and modern research on safety and effectiveness in pregnancy fitness. Laura has developed a unique and lively approach to enjoying pregnancy rather than enduring it. Pregnancy and birth are powerful events that only women experience, and Birthdancing is a clear path through this amazing time." 
- Ann F. Cowlin, MA, CSM, CCE, Founder, Dancing Thru Pregnancy®

STUDENT ENDORSEMENTS  

"I didn't want to do belly dancing at first. I had big self-esteem/confidence issues, especially regarding my post-childbirth body. But I love it and my self-confidence has grown greatly! I feel for the first time in 32 years that I can be graceful. It has had an effect on many aspects of my life. Not to mention that my husband loves it!!" -Dori, RN 

"I came to the workshop with a lot of prejudice. I expected a sort of "party entertainment". My friends and I were pretty tense before the class, so I wasn't at all prepared to see in this dance such an expression of female dignity, grace and confidence. Now I want my 13 year old daughter to learn what we learnt here. This has been a great experience. I thank you!" -Monika

"Middle Eastern dance has provided me with breathing and relaxation techniques that help me to refocus after a stressful workday. It gives me 60 minutes to concentrate on myself, to better my body, my spirit and my soul. It is a release of energy like no other form of dance or exercise I have ever experienced!"
-Stacey, Software Product Manager 

"I love the way belly dancing makes you move your body - it's so sensual, ancient and goddess-like. While teaching gracefulness and coordination, it opens you up in a way that regular daily activity does not."
-Margaux, College Student

"I think Middle Eastern dance is a beautiful mind, body, spirit "workout". I love belly dancing music. The movements are beautiful with a meditative quality. It's a workout that's fun, different, interesting, good for toning, sensual and feminine!" -Linda, IBM Contract Administrator 

CREATIVE ENDORSEMENTS

"Zohar (Laura LeRoy) has the gift of bringing Spirit into Matter. Our program called 'Mysticism and The Feminine Journey' featured a performance by Zohar. We were all deeply moved by the melding of spirituality, grace and sensuality in her dancing. Truly this dance is a celebration of the Divine Feminine all women hold within their bodies and Zohar helped us connect with that awareness and delight in a new depth of knowing our own aliveness."

 - Rev. Ann Emerson, Director, The Sanctuary of Sophia 

"To see Zohar (Laura LeRoy) dancing is to experience some divine force moving through you. Her mysteriously beautiful and elegant movements stir up something deep inside of us, something original and powerful, perhaps the very life giving creative force."
 - Chun Kim-Levin, Director, LifeSpring Holistic Living, Inc.