The Belly Dance Book : Rediscovering the Oldest Dance (Paperback)

~ Tazz Richards (Author) "One of the first things to know is that the term "belly dance" is only used in the United States, Britain, Australia, and a few..." (more)
Key Phrases: midriff band, cabaret costume, skirt hooks, Middle Eastern, Raks Sharki, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The Belly Dance Book is a collection of articles by 17 top belly dance writers. This is the nuts & bolts of belly dance with articles on history, current events, costuming, make-up, spirit, music, product reviews and more. Great for dancers of every level, and anyone interested in dance, costuming, history or theater.

About the Author

Tazz Richards (editor) started as a flute player for belly dancers, and eventually found himself on stage and in various dance troupes. After working in the publishing industry for five years, he decided to combine two of his loves, dancing and publishing to create Backbeat Press and The Belly Dance Book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Backbeat Press; First Edition edition (October 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970024703
• ISBN-13: 978-0970024701
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #132,521 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for beginners, interesting for all, December 28, 2000

By	Lane Reader "LeReader" (Wisconsin, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good for dancers and nondancers, January 2, 2004

By	L. Weaver "seawitch0313" (Troy, Oh) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you EVER wanted to know about BD..., May 7, 2003

By A Customer

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