The Shape of a Hundred Hips

Patricia Cumbie (Katze) is a Minneapolis Cabaret and American Tribal dancer who’s been a student and dance sister of mine since 1998. She is an accomplished writer, and the following essay was selected this past April for the Third Annual Art of Recovery exhibit sponsored by the Minnesota State Arts Board. The Art of Recovery exhibits feature visual and literary work by Minnesotans who have been victims of crime and have used art as a means to respond, explore, express, or heal.

The topic of HER ESSAY is how belly dance has been instrumental in helping her deal with the aftermath of a sexual assault.

UPDATE FEBRUARY 2007: Katze has received confirmation from HarperCollins they will be publishing her new book, "Where People Like Us Live", (forthcoming HarperCollins 2008), a powerful young adult novel of a girl who discloses disturbing secrets about her friend's homelife that forever alters both their lives.