“A lucid and interesting history” of ballet—from sixteenth-century French Royalty to contemporary masters—“that reads like a novel” (Kirkus Reviews). In this engaging history of dance, readers are introduced to the major performers, choreographers, and composers who influenced the development of ballet. Beginning with the birth of the art in the sixteenth-century French court of Catherine d’ Medici, this informative text traces ballet as it evolved in Europe and Russia, and subsequently in England and then the United States. Included are details about the creation of such classics as Giselle, Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and Serenade, as well as the contributions of such prominent figures as Pavlova, Nijinsky, Balanchine, and Ashton. Fascinating facts include inside looks at contemporary ballet companies, how toe shoes are made, and what a professional dancer’s day is like. All in all, a delightful, enjoyable, and informative historical overview that will delight anyone who enjoys the art of dance.

Poet, artist, composer, author, and international emissary for peace Sri Chinmoy has compiled a book of simple yet profound meditations and guidelines for finding peace and joy within our hearts. Evocative visual images provide inspiring focal points for the practice of personal meditation.

Joy Harjo's play Wings of Night Sky, Wings of Morning Light is the centerpiece of this collection that includes essays and interviews concerning the roots and the reaches of contemporary Native Theater. Harjo blends storytelling, music, movement, and poetic language in Wings of Night Sky, Wings of Morning Light—a healing ceremony that chronicles the challenges young protagonist Redbird faces on her path to healing and self-determination. This text is accompanied by interviews with Native theater artists Rolland Meinholtz and Randy Reinholz, as well as an interview with Harjo, conducted by Page. The interviews highlight the lives and contributions of Meinholtz, a theater artist and educator who served as the drama instructor at the Institute of American Indian Arts from 1964–70 and a close mentor and friend to Harjo; and Reinholz, producing artistic director of Native Voices at the Autry, the nation's only Equity theater company dedicated exclusively to the development and production of new plays by Native American, First Nations, and Alaska Native playwrights. The new interview with Harjo focuses on her experiences working in theater. Essays on Harjo's work are provided by Mary Kathryn Nagle—an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee nation, playwright, and attorney who shares her insights on the legal and historical frameworks through which we can better understand the significance of Harjo's play; and Priscilla Page—writer, performer, and educator (of Wiyot heritage), who looks at indigenous feminism, jazz, and performance as influences on Harjo's theatrical work.

One of the most authoritative and comprehensive books on the subject-a major resource. One prominent feature is this meditation master's simple and clear answers to 150 questions asked by seekers over the years.

Have you ever wondered about the universe, your purpose here on earth, or what might await you in the afterlife? Author and life coach Cynthia Lynch Bischoff has often reflected on those questions in her transformational work with her clients. On Wings of Hope: Leading Lily Home explores those questions through a poignant recollection of Bischoff’s experience in assisting a young client through her journey with breast cancer and untimely death. Based on a true story and filled with wisdom and life lessons, this account describes Lily’s inspiring passage from despair to enlightenment as a result of Bischoff’s unconventional therapy and compelling and inspirational view of the afterlife. Her story, a journey from heartache to peace, demonstrates that the world is illusory and that we create our own reality. It offers an integration of Bischoff’s varied areas of expertise—life coaching, spiritual psychology, philosophy, and energy healing—to present a unique approach toward understanding the meaning of life, relationships, and mortality. Heartfelt and unforgettable, this memoir brings you face-to-face with important insights about life as it shares one woman’s true experience with death and the afterlife. “... Approached with love and sensitivity and honor, this is a book to be savored.... The precious beauty of Life itself is found in every line. Absolutely lovely.” - Nonfiction Authors Association, Gold Winner Award “Told with gentle grace, On Wings of Hope powerfully illustrates how compassion and deep listening can create trust so that understanding and growth can take place.... Bischoff’s exceptional spirituality guides us all to understand how love is what wins in the end.” - Michael S. Glaser, PhD, Poet Laureate of Maryland 2004-2009

Searching for happiness in our modern world of stress and struggle is common; finding it is more unusual. This guide explores and explains how to find joy through a time-honored, creative—and surprisingly practical—approach based on Kabbalah and the teachings of Jewish mystics. The very core of the Jewish mystical tradition is centered on the belief that if our focus is spiritual, then true appreciation of our lives, and true joy, are possible. Step by step, Finding Joy describes the basis of happiness in the context of Jewish mystical tradition and shows, in an easy-to-understand way, how we can use its concept of the 10 divine “rays of light,” the Sefirot, to remedy the everyday unhappiness in our lives. Clear, creative, personal, and down-to-earth, Finding Joy introduces the ancient insights of the Jewish mystics, and offers practical week-by-week exercises for the soul which bring them into our daily routines. Finding Joy is not an instant cure for modern life’s burdens. Instead, it’s a guide to a time-honored method for thinking and living ... and finding real joy.

Lauren Sullivan shares her own story and the wisdom of Seven Stepping Stones to guide you on a soul-satisfying journey to new beginnings and a rich and robust quality of life.