This is a must read for all women. Most of what is written, relates to oriental dance and the lives of dancers, instructors, and those who dream of becoming a dancer. A woman's journey is of importance and Unveiling: The Inner Journey, is a terrific guide.

Alay'nya (Alianna J. Maren, Ph. D) has a HERstory that is familiar to us. However, what she created is a wonderful text of rich knowledge and research for women to use in their pathway. In Unveiling, Alay'nya takes you on a journey to discover what is a woman's pathway.

The personal stories she shares in her book I can relate to in many ways, and I know those who read Unveiling, will agree. These personal stories are important as they become a tool in understanding why things are as such.

A woman with a science, martial arts and dance background, Alay'nya explains why her path went from one chapter to the next. The reader will understand why oriental dance is so essential to Alay'nya's path and why she recommends the dance as a loving movement to express feminine strengths.

Like most dancers, Alay'nya gives beautiful praise to the women who influenced her dance. Her words expressing her appreciation goes deep. Alay'nya expresses how her pathway is enriched because of her interactions with her teachers.

Without giving too much away, I and other dancers I know are definitely in Amazon mode. Women who are in Amazon mode, are goal oriented. We want to work hard to achieve the best. Also, we may put aside other things while in Amazon mode, such as having a family. However, Alay'nya describes the Hathor and High Priestess modes that comes natural to women, yet different than the Amazon.

From the different modes and integration of, Unveiling teaches women and dancers how to pathwork. Part of this lesson is loving our body, which is a challenge for most of us. Alay'nya gives observations of her belly dance students and of herself. She describes how women can shift from their everyday self, to a dancer who loves how her body moves to the music.

"We're Worth the Effort" is a chapter for all women. Alay'nya tells her students, "Think of yourself as the beautiful jewel within a Faberge egg". Women have to always believe that they are beautiful. As Alay'nya said, "we have to cultivate our inner wisdom and beauty".

On a personal note, there is a section in the book called "Receiving". This is my challenge, for I do feel less in control if I receive from others. I will go back to that section and work this issue. Alay'nya's words hit close to home.

After each chapter are assignments for the reader. Questions that actually help a woman understand herself.

The book is available on Amazon. Also visit Alay'nya's website www.theunveilingjourney.com