Yes it is a good tool for a newbie. There's a lot to work with in here, and the advice given applies to all levels from a continuing beginner up.
There were some things in the course I'd already thought deeply about; it was reassuring that other dancers are thinking these same things. A couple of things really struck me while I was reading and doing the workbook. I feel very defensive about Egyptian style dance and I never realized how strongly I felt about it and how I relate to it before. I am hyper focused on dancing like an authentic Egyptian to the exclusion of anything else.
Another thing that stood out was how self critical I am. In the part where we have to "pick a specific moment or combination you're proud of." I drew a blank. I keep thinking about how I'm not good enough, blah blah blah, and how much better I should be, and why I can't be this that or the other thing. I focus way too much on the negative when I think of myself dancing. I think these are just basic parts of my personality. Narrowly focused and self critical in all parts of my life. No idea how to combat these traits or if I should try. They can be useful, but are they holding me back in some ways? I don't know.
Has anyone ever done this course as a group? Several of my students sounded interested in it and I was curious if we could each individually purchase and listen to the workshop. Then use the our answers in the workbook for discussion? Any thoughts?