Books
Dance Ethnography
Buckland, Theresa J., ed.
New York: St. Martin's Press, 1999.
Fraleigh, Sondra Horton and Penelope Hanstein, eds.
Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 1999.
An Overview of Belly Dancing
Richards, Tazz (editor)
The Belly Dance Book: Rediscovering the Oldest Dance.
Concord, CA: Backbeat Press, 2000.
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.
Historical and Cultural Perspectives on Belly Dancing
Al-Rawi, Rosina-Fawzia.
Trans. Monique Arav. New York: Interlink Books, 1999.
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.
Berger, Morroe and La Meri, (pseud.)
Brooklyn: Dance Perspectives, inc., 1961.
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.)
Buonaventura, Wendy.
New York: Interlink Books, 1994.
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, Donna.
Bloomington, Il: IDD Books, 1994.
"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."
Salem, Lori Anne.
Philadelphia: UMI Dissertation Services, 1995.
Fascinating, well written work. The title says it all, but author focuses on belly dance in her dissertation.
Van Nieuwkerk, Karin.
Austin : University of Texas Press, 1995.
Note:
This is not a comprehensive bibliography. Rather, it is a select list of commonly cited books that have significantly contributed to the scholarship of belly dance.