Belly Dance . . . A Dance Ethnology Research Guide  

The Belly Dance Book edited by Tazz Richards is an anthology of articles writen by prominent members of the belly dancing community. It offers an all-inclusive look into the world of the Middle Eastern artform, covering history, technique, costuming, a who's who in the field and more than 100 contacts for dancers, teachers and products.

GV1798.5 .A5 1999 (UL) Originally published in German, this book is a blend of memoire with history and theory of the origins of belly dance. Dance in life passages, rituals and the possibilities for healing and empowerment through dance are covered in addition to descriptions of basic technique.

The first article, by Morroe Berger, is more analytical and research oriented. It deals with the history of la danse du ventre, its introduction in America, its execution, and the tension between east and west. For a view of American cultural attitudes in the early 1960's read the second article.

This is a volume from a serial. However, I am including it in the books section because Dance Perspectives is an analyzed series at Davis Library at UNC. (Meaning: each volume is distinct in subject and therefore treated as a book.)

This book celebrates the female dancers of Egypt and the Arab world, and the impact of the art on the West. It explores the customs of female dance in the Middle East, the history and development of the classical solo dance and the influence of Western ideas of art and entertainment.

"Carlton investigates the mysterious identity of the real "Little Egypt," the dancer who caused such a stir at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. No definitive answers, but lots and lots of facts and photos."

Fascinating, well written work. The title says it all, but author focuses on belly dance in her dissertation.