Customer Reviews

Oriental Belly Dance

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

There are some really outstanding photographs in this book, but the scope is somewhat limited to Turkish belly dance. The wonderful photos and illustrations are accompanied by text that seems to indicate a single theme as the author's focus: sex. In my opinion, he's a little single-minded on the idea that belly dance is a sexy dance. Also, don't expect anything but Turkish dance to be discussed in any detail.

If you are interested in history of this form of dance, skip this book. There are better ones. If you're interested more in the photos, you will not be disappointed (some of the costumes are quite inspiring!). I rate this book 5 stars for the photography, and its breadth. For the written part of this book, 2 stars. That averages to 3 1/2 stars, but I really love the photos and illustrations, which I feel outweighs the unsatisfactory writing.

This is an interesting book. I think some of the other reviewers are putting their values on the book and its content. The author states that Turkish dance is very different from other styles of belly dance, even in the middle east. I think the pictures are worth the price, but it is also worth the text, to give a different view of belly dance. From what I have heard from people who have been to Turkey, the representation of the dance as performed in Turkey that is given is valid. Everyone knows that a costume described as "Turkish" means it will generally be more revealing. I have been around belly dance for a long time and I found this author's openness refreshing. I may not like what he says but I am certainly in no place to say he is wrong. Afterall, his book has the endorsement of at least one Turkish belly dancer. The translation is not very professional and is very stilted in some places. Otherwise it is very enjoyable.

Beutiful photographs of historical and current dancers enhance this reference book about the evolution of the art of Oriental belly dance. Althogh the text is somewhat hard to follow chronologically, it does a good job explaining the evolution of the discipline.
The colour photos of the dancers are gorgeous, especially of the very photogenic Princess Banu. Costumers will appreciate their clarity because there are very few visual references available that show a variety of costume styles.
The list of master dancers should be better explained. How dancers are rated would also be useful.
Consider this a nice addition to your resources on this very old and provocative form of self-expression.

First of all, I love belly dancing and collect old books and albums, so this was a must-addition to my collection. The book centers on Turkish dancing and Turkish dancers and you will not get a lot of history or any information on ethnic or regional dances. The costumes are elaborate and many of the dancers are considered local stars, but the photos are not for the prudish. The language is very flowery (a friend who spoke English did the translation for the author)and may distract as you attempt to read it. Serious scholars of the dance may not like this and feminists will be outraged, but this is their culture and provides an interesting look into Turkish dance culture.

I thoroughly enjoyed recently reading "Oriental Belly Dance". It gave a great history of belly dance in Turkey and a very enlightening overview of the meaning of belly dance to the people of Turkey. It focused on the sensuality of belly dance and gave a refreshingly simple message; women are sensual beings. Our bodies and sensuality are to be embraced, not hidden or feared. Belly dance is a celebration of womanhood and life! The photos of Turkish belly dancers new and old were a feast for the eyes! Great book!

This book is an insult to Oriental Dance. Mr. Ozdemir reduces the dance to its sexual component. A few quotes from the book: "Sexuality is overtly offered in Turkish belly dancing and the dancer cannot help being regarded as a sexual object." "[Belly dance] costumes have something in common: They tickle men's feelings." "This kind of dancing is just a very delicate, feminine and voluptuous call to sexuality."
Although the book contains some interesting historical information, it is overshadowed by the degrading text and trashy photographs.

Pretty pictures...but questionable text. Particularly the explanation of why only young dancers perform in Turkey, versus older women in Egypt. He seems to make the assumption Turkish belly dance is too rigorous for "mature" women.