"Passion,compassion,femininity,grace,humility,love, an eye for excellence,accepts human imperfection,creative,not afraid to speak her mind, has a genuine interest in bringing out the best in you.Her aura,welcoming presence,invites you to join,participate,who you are in the moment.She has a kind, generous heart,exudes warmth, poise, grace wherever she goes. My teenage daughter and friend have been taking belly dance with her for a year and have grown in so many ways--self-esteem, assertiveness, poise, health, centeredness, light, responsibility, . . . .R. M, 2012

                  “Have you met Barbara? Many come away (I count myself as one of the "converted") with that special feeling she creates of infectious creativity, passion and warmth. Barbara is an artist of sincere dedication, both caring and connected. Seeing her dance and teach is to watch a transformation that brings a smile to all who attend her classes and performances.Ted, March 30, 2011

              “Barbara is one of the hardest working women in the belly dance arena. She is passionate and cares about dance, belly dance and the people she brings into belly dance. When she shares this dance whether in a performance or class she does it with her heart and a really beautiful smile. Barbara has put belly dance on the map in Tiverton, R.I.! Go check her classes out and you'll see why she is is truly a dancing spirit!” March 22, 2011  Angela Lambru, Owner/Designer, Decotach

             “Barbara is an artistic soul, always developing more research in the field of belly dance, and innovating her art. A talented performer, she never misses an opportunity to produce outstanding shows.” February 15, 2011  Sandrine Anterrion, Artistic Director, Begin the Biguine, dancewear.

              “Barbara is an inspirational teacher whose personal grace and beauty has transformed many students into confident women aware of their own beauty and grace and goddess nature.” August 6, 2010  Domenic D'Addio, Dr. of acupuncture

              “I recommend Barbara Donahue of the Dancing Spirit in Tiverton, RI. I have been participating in her  2x per week for over one year and I am hooked. It is wonderful combination of pilates and bellydance moves, sometimes with weights. This exercise has improved my body, form, posture, and confidence. The class is eclectic, fun and affordable. Thankyou Barbara!  November 10, 2009. Great Results, Good Value, Creative , Robin Furze

              “Barb Donahue is the most consistently adventurous, engaged and determined student of the dance that I have ever had the pleasure to work with. I have watched her grow from Martha Graham heiress to premier Producer of American Bellydance in her own authentic, original and compelling way. Barb sets standards and proves that rules are meant to be understood, memorized and broken with as much grace a a Goddess can muster.” October 1, 2009  Kimberly Skeen-Jones

              “Barbara's dancing spirit is a refreshing addition to the Rhode Island dance community. Her classes are fun and she offers lessons in a variety of styles of dance. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxing. Whether you are an experienced or novice dancer you will enjoy her classes. There is something there for everyone. I highly recommend stopping by her studio located on Main Rd in Tiverton, Rhode Island.” February 3, 2012 JaNell Henry,

               “Barbara's Dancing Spirit, "Temple by the Sea" is the most serenely inviting place a person could hope to find as their place of dancing solace. As an instructor, Barbara is amazing, taking a dancing novice from a flustering, stumbling amateur to someone who finds herself standing taller, and even practicing footwork in the library! Barbara's patience is incredible and I am thankful for her both therapeutic and fun belly dance lessons in Tiverton.I consider Barbara not only a teacher, but a friend, and would recommend her as an instructor or as a talented dancer to anyone. The Dancing Spirit is, truly, a gift to our community!” November 22, 2010, Lana Georgiou, Student, Brandeis University

               “I study with Barbara at her Dancing Spirit studio in Tiverton RI. She is so full of life, color and spirit. I would recommend anyone to attend her dance classes. They will bring joy to your spirit. She dances from her heart and soul. Something we all need to experience.” February 25, 2010  Bonnie Blue, Owner, Sea Star Treasures from Out of the Blue

                When I first walked into the Dancing Spirits Studio; I was welcomed by the faint sent of incense, vibrant colored costumes, and Barbra's fun free spirited personality. It didn't take long for me to feel very at home and excepted at the studio. Barbra is a very genuine person who loves to express herself through dance. Even greater then that she wants to share her knowledge and passion with the people around her. Barbra understands that art, or dance, is not something that can always be taught, but is more so felt and embodied by the person. In my short time at Dancing Spirits I have learned about individuality, expression, confidence, femininity, elegance as much as I have about belly dance its self. Not only is the dance fun physical exercise, it is also a connection between mind, body, and emotion. In short, belly dance teaches you much more than just shimmies and hip circles. It is a truly beautiful art form that many people have not had the chance to appreciate.
By Karen on September 12, 2011

              BARBARATES - Dance/ Pilates w/Barb "Best shape of my life,increased strength of core,arms,legs,Improved posture,awareness of good posture,feel happier,better coordination,balance, flexibility, fluidity,more confidence,feel encouraged,personal attention......B W

              Barb,one of a kind artist, committed to dance,passion as way of life, unequalled. What sets her apart is her drive & commitment. Remy,my 11 yr old,dancer since 2, is a very strong dancer. Barb expanded her expression in a special new way. Barb sees talent,works with strengths,introduces new ideas.The mix of the styles is stunning. Barb understands making dance with fun & creativity. She is a patient ,knows when to push or to have humore to bring out the best in you. Derek Escher

             I have been studying classical dance (modern, ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical) for 9 years (I’m 10 years old).  A big part of Belly Dance is being proud and feeling like a princess. From what I have learned Belly dance should not have its’ name, it should be called Body dance because you use your entire body. The dance that I’m going to perform is a mix between Oriental Belly dance and Modern dance. Barb and I will perform a drum solo together. Both Barbara and I have worked really hard but it was really enjoyable! - Remy Escher  

            I am lucky to have Barbara as my teacher. She has introduced me into a world of a lot more than dance, it is not just about learning movements, it is about letting the goddess in me come out and dance. This feels soothing to the spirit and my body learns new more graceful ways to move. Barbara is very passionate about allowing women to find the princess and dancer in them (and she is defini tely a talented dancer and teacher). Barbara is able to carve an entryway into the art of bellydance for us, people with two left feet.The effect of her class is like candy for my self esteem, after her class I feel more attractive and walk and feel taller. And this feeling better about myself carries on long after the class.Barbara is truly passionate about the dance in a deeper way than a bunch of movements, but dance as a way to hand to others a way to express themselves and their own femininity.I highly recommend her classes to people any age as a means to better ourselves, and to better undestand ourselves. she is patient and able to work with anybody. barbara offers classes for children as well. My kids have enjoyed her classes, and will take more. What they learn is not mechanical dance, they have fun and learn that they all look and dance in their own way and all have something different & special to offer.Ursula

          Barbara truly is a dancing spirit. Her generosity is boundless. Her love of the dance is admirable. Her passion is contagious... and her studio is beautiful. Take a class with her and get in touch with your beauty. Blanca

           BARBARA IS WELCOMING AND VERY INSPIRING- HER LOVE OF DANCE IS TOTALLY INFECTIOUS, AND VERY COMFORTABLE.SOME TEACHERS HAVE A GIFT TO ELEVATE THE WORK, THE EXPLORATION.I HAVE SEEN THIS MANY TIMES WITH MUSIC AND DANCE WITH BARBARA.YOU WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR HEART , ABOUT JOY AND YOUR BODY. I HEARTILY RECOMMEND HER EVENTS AND CLASSES . TIM DUFFY composer

          
         When you enter Babara Donahues Dance studio on Main Rd. in Tiverton, R.I you enter a different dance world of color ,drama , fantasy, full of warmth, spirit and beauty. Beautiful shawls/ veils of all colors, an oriental rug and framed mirrors combine to make a special environment. On a chair or on the carpeted floor you are welcomed to watch the most beautiful dancers, including of course Barbara, The Dancing Spirit with her friends from Providence and N.Y. The dances are full of variety but one is struck especially by the fluidity, elegance ,grace and variety of movement interpreting the very enchanting middle eastern music.
Jane Sanford

            My sister Barb, the dancing spirit embodies so much joy and light when she dances it is infectious to every one in the room. She loves to share her joy with the world as a huge invitation to come and play with her, with the spirit that unites us all, to love our bodies exactly the way they are and love how it feels to move them to music, the pure joy of it. She has helped so many to begin the tender journey of loving being embodied, a spirit in a body moving around in the joy of existence. To have her dance for you, teach you, perform for and with you is a delight in every way. May her radiant presence ripple out into your world so that you may touch some of the spirit that she invokes for us all to behold.Lizzy.September 29, 2011 by Elizabeth Derecktor in East Boothbay, ME
 Check out Lizzy's beautiful spirit wear - hand painted silk chiffon - my favorite dance skirts www.spiritwear.ws and great drumming music to dance www.inanna.com ox" - September 29, 2011

           "When I first walked into the Dancing Spirits Studio I was welcomed by the faint sent of incense, vibrant colored costumes and Barbra's fun free spirited personality. It didn't take long for me to feel very at home and accepted at the studio. Barbra is a very genuine person who loves to express herself through dance and wants to share her knowledge and passion with the people around her. Barbra understands that art, or dance, is not something that can always be taught, but is more so felt and embodied by the person. In my short time at Dancing Spirits I have learned about individuality, expression, confidence, femininity, elegance as much as I have about belly dance its self. Not only is the dance fun physical exercise, it is also a connection between mind, body, and emotion.Belly dance teaches you much more than just shimmies and hip circles. It is a truly beautiful art form that many people have not had the chance to appreciate."  Karen of Tiverton, RI, September 12, 2011      

          Lizzy - http://www.spiritwear.ws ( Best dance skirts on the planet)  My sister Barb embodies so much joy and light when she dances it is infectious to every one in the room. She loves to share her dance with the world inviting you to join her. She has introduced many to the dance life  journey. Her dancing, teaching and performing are a delight. May she ripple into your world so that you may dance the spirit she invokes and invites us all to enjoy.