Customer Reviews

The Belly Dance Book : Rediscovering the Oldest Dance

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is an excellent opening for anyone into the past, present, and future of Middle Eastern Dance, or Belly Dance. Not only does it have helpful beginning movements, costume making tips, and makeup suggestions, but the book also gives an accurate, and detailed, description of the various types of Belly Dance that are prevalent in the world today, from American Tribal to Egyptian Folkloric. It is this description that I personally have not found anywhere else. Also included is a section on the various props used in the dance - including snakes.

This book succeeds where many do not in that it effectively portrays Belly Dance accurately and not as fetish or fantasy as many have come to believe the Dance is. It contains informative essays from some of the most successful, experienced dancers themselves, enlightening readers on folk roots, ritual dances of various ethnicities, and even the connection of the spiritual to the dance. The indexes in the back are also very helpful. It is a must own for all Belly Dancers and Dancers-to-be, and a highly recommended read for all others.

The main thing I liked about this book was it acurately represented what bellydance today is all about. I would feel confident handing this book to a non-dancer and saying 'This should summarize it for you.' Our dance has so many stereotypes out there today, our community would greatly benefit if the misinformed read this book! It really is a collection of articles rather than a 'book' but it was divided up well and flowed nicely. The costume section is written by Dina the Costume Goddess and if you have her books already its the same information contained in them, but even though I have her books I still enjoyed reading over it in a different format. Plus it puts the information in one place as the information is snipets from several of her books (she currently has 6 out) There were a few sections I wish were longer, like the section on henna but I realize henna isn't belly dance specific and that each section deserved a book in its own right. I've been dancing for 5 years and I still came across information that was new to me, or things I've only heard of were explained in detail such as the lives of the Egyptian dancers of the 'Golden Era'. A very interesting and informative book. Also has great pictures sprinkled throughout so its even nice to just flip through and look at those, though it would have been even better if they were in color of course. I would say this book is a 'must have' for any dancers library.

OK...this book doesn't contain EVERYTHING that you ever wanted to know about belly dancing, but it does a REALLY good job in trying to do just that!
Aside from the fact that this is the only book I've ever SEEN with wonderful modern pictures of belly dancers from all walks of the dance (tribal, cabaret, snake dancers), there is wonderful information in here about basic dance stuff, music, costumes, make up, props and much more.
I found the endless chapter on snake dancing a bit much for me (as I am not at all interested in dancing with a snake...and I think MORE time could have been devoted to using a prop that more other dancers use...such as a cane, sword or candles)and I also thought that there was a much greater emphasis on the Tribal style of dancing than cabaret in coverage...still...this is a MUST HAVE book for anyone who is persuing a career as a belly dancer or simply enjoying the splendor of Raqs Sharqi as a hobby!
I TRULY hope that follow-up editions are in the works!!! I'd love to see more!
Gia

Great for beginners -- full coverage of history, background, definitions, costume information. Excellent for all belly dancers -- covers everything. Much better than many previous belly dance books of the past. This one is scholarly, fun and easy to read. Recommended if you're not a belly dancer -- if you're interested in the dance or are another genre of dancer, this is an excellent way to learn what belly dancing really is (dispels myths). This book is worth it!

Richards and the other writers cover all the details, including a thorough history of the origins of the dance and costume, as well as great tips for make-up and costumes. I especially like how each writer provides his/her own insight to their chapter including personal experience. This insight serves as useful tips for the beginning and advanced dancer.

THIS BOOK SHOULD BE CALLED THE BELLY DANCERS' BIBLE, AS IT HAS SO MANY WONDERFUL RESOURCES, INCLUDES INSTRUCTORS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD, DESCRIPTIONS AND STYLES OF DANCE, VENDORS INFORMATION, COSTUMING...PRETTY MUCH ANYTHING THAT YOU COULD POSSIBLY THINK OF. I FEEL ALL BELLY DANCERS, BEGINNERS ESPECIALLY AND ANY ONE JUST INTERESTED IN MIDDLE EAST DANCE SHOULD HAVE THIS WONDERFUL TOOL!!!

As a novice to both bellydancing and sewing, I bought the book for the simple costume patterns it had. I've also enjoyed reading the history, different disciplines of the dance, and the technical facts of being a dancer. I would recommend it to others.

This would have to be the gem in my collection of belly dance books. It covers everything you might be interested in from history to costuming, styles of dance to make-up and props. My well-thumbed copy accompanies me to all my classes for hints and help. A great resource for beginners to advanced dancers.

The beauty of this book is how it brings together all the different ideas and thoughts surrounding this exquisite and controversial dance form. I personally love the validation of the art form and expression of spirit that surrounds it. There are so many different ideas/facts about how belly dance originated, but when you get right down to it it's all about the dance!! Good Job!! There is no reason why any one who dances should not own this book. I encourage my students to have their own copy and explore all the facets of the book and dance.

I'm a bellydancing beginner and this book was extrememely helpful. It covers everything that a beginner needs to know in terms of style, costume, accessories, history, etc. If you have a question about bellydancing, this book probably has the answer for you. It even helps you with choreography in relation to different styles of bellydancing. Highly recommended!!!