The Belly Dance Reader

I love belly dance and this is a great reference book to have in your collection whether you are an amateur or a pro. This book has articles about costumes, styles, music and everything else a belly dancer needs to know to prepare for belly dance and then some. There are some great tips about ethics and how to market yourself in the business so if this is something you would want to do, this book could give you a great outlook. Most of the pictures are a little outdated, if you want the current glamour and glitz of belly dancers you'll need to check youtube for that. There are some great articles about becoming a professional belly dancer as well that are worth reading.

The book contains lots of what I wanted, which is, research and strong opinions by folks who have earned the right to have an opinion. Too many of the existing belly dance magazines are little more than belly-dance versions of People magazine, predictably featuring the dancer-du-jour and then filling the rest of the pages with bits of diluted information and rambling articles on topics that have been recycled for decades. This book is more like the late lamented Habibi and Arabesque magazines, capturing the insights and enthusiasms of articulate people who are Names in their field. You won't be bored. I suggest you buy it.

I am still reading the book, but I love what I have read so far. Very informative. Great pictures. I just wish that at least some of the pictures were in color, but it is still definitely a great book.

The publishers of the long-lived online "zine" Gilded Serpent have collected a stellar anthology of essays by some of the most respected names in belly dance. The breadth and depth of the topics is commendable, from transnational issues such as orientalism to nitty-gritty business issues such as soliciting tips. I'm very happy to have it in my personal library, and I suspect I will refer to it quite often. That said, despite the inclusion of more scholarly work (such as by Barbara Sellers-Young and Andrea Deagon, both PhDs), the overall presentation of the book and its inclusion of "dancer trading cards" (cartoony, but useful, clips about influential oriental dancers throughout history) and an appendix called "The Backend" (complete with a photograph of a dancer facing away from the camera and looking back over her shoulder) belies its homegrown roots. This is definitely a "by dancers for dancers" publication, and would be perfect for the beginning hobbyist looking for a comprehensive, but not overwhelming, introduction to the dance. Two things that I hope future editions include: 1) Index. This one really bothers me. I know that indexing a book is tedious and a big pain in the ass. But it must be done, especially for a book like this one that covers so many subjects that has the potential to be a paramount reference volume on its subject. Hell, I'LL index it for future editions. 2) Bibliography. Some of the articles themselves have references, but a compilation of sources at the end would also be useful and appreciated. Again, I know that writing a bibliography is time-consuming, but it's a necessary element for any non-fiction book. Overall, despite missing two very important sections, this book is an excellent addition for the hobbyist and professional belly dancer.

This book is great. It has been put together with such thought and care. It is a big read, take time to read and digest! It is definately a book you will always refer back to, so much good information in here!

Content-wise, this book may deserve a higher rating, but the copy I received is possibly the worst put-together book I've ever seen. The first page, right inside the attractive full-color cover, is 142 and the page numbering runs backward from there to the title page, which is just before, and facing, page 143. From there, the pages are numbered in the proper sequence. What appears to have happened is that the first 142 pages of the book were put in with the wrong side attached to the binding. In order to avoid constant annoyance when I try to read it, I expect to have to rip the thing apart and put the pages in sequence in a ring binder. I suppose I could send it back and demand a properly bound copy, but that's almost more trouble. And it's a shame someone wasn't paying better attention to quality control because the content seems interesting and useful. Maybe this is what you have to expect from people who're used to producing publications online instead of on paper?

This book contains a collection of thoughtfully written articles on belly dance. The articles cover a large range of topics, it's a great book for anyone who wants to be more informed about the colorful world of belly dance.

If you are a serious student of Middle Eastern Dance, an Instructor, a wannabe....this book is a must for your library. Jam packed with photos, fun facts, resources and more from some of the biggest names in the industry. I admit, I didn't get to read mine all the through.....my best friend saw it on my kitchen table and lusted after it. I'm keeping this next copy! Can't wait to resume my reading! Congratulations to all the contributors and editor!

Me compré este libro de danza oriental y es muy completo, desde luego estoy muy satisfecha con la compra y lo recomiendo.

Thank you!

I've just started reading this book and I feel so inspired. Fast delivery. Pictures are black and white. So far, happy with purchase.