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Read More on the Web on these
Middle Eastern Dance eZines
For a more complete list of links, visit the
Links Page
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Give the Gift of Knowledge
One of the most fruitful gifts you can give a fellow dancer
is the gift of knowledge. Helping a budding young dancer is one
of your favorite book titles; a subscription to your favorite
magazine, or simply a list of your most often visited web-sites
in a holiday e-mail greeting. In our field, as in all aspects
of life, knowledge is power, and is one of the most enduring
gifts you can pass on to close friends, troupe mates and favorite
teachers. Here is a short list of ideas for 2002 holiday gift
giving.
Recent Publications
In the past year, there has been an explosive interest
in belly dance throughout pop culture. From Britney Spears and
Christina Aguilera to Shakira and the influence of the Middle
Eastern sounds showing up in Trance, World Beat, Fusion and Rave
music, our dance form is gaining popularity, classes are growing
and more restaurants are hiring dancers to bring this ambiance
and energy into their establishments. In the past two years,
there has been a wave of new books related to our dance form,
from memoirs to general reference publications; there are more
options for dancers looking to expand their libraries.
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 Snake Hips
- Although I have not personally read this book yet, there
is a copy wrapped and under my own Holiday tree. (At least I
HOPE there is!) It is the latest title available and several
of my friends who have read it have given this warm, chatty memoir
two thumbs up. Look for a future review once I get my hands on
a copy!
Read more reviews on Amazon.com
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 Grandmothers
Secrets - This 2000 release is a charming discussion
of the history, philosophy and meaning of our dance. While the
history portion of the book is interpretive, the rest of the
book is excellent and I really enjoyed her exploration of the
spiritual side of dance and the power of movement within a woman's
life to strengthen her body, her mind and her soul. There are
also descriptions of some of the more traditional motions and
movements. A sensitive enjoyable read!
Read more reviews on Amazon.com
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 The Belly
Dance Book - This ambitious collection of essays has
a little bit of everything. With articles by some of the most
revered members of the dance community, there is a little bit
of history, technique and style rolled up into one convenient
package. There are few comprehensive titles within our genre,
and this is one of the first books that present the myriad issues
that surround our dance.
Read more reviews on Amazon.com
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Classic Titles
For new dancers and enthusiastic hobbyists what want
to delve deeper into the history and lore of our art, there are
several classic "must have" titles. When starting a
reference library, there are some essential references that have
earned kudos from industry professionals and are even considered
required reading by some instructors.
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Looking for Little Egypt - I honestly think
this is my favorite book on belly dance history here in the US.
This book is focussed on a discussion of the arrival and hoopla
that surrounded the famed "Little Egypt." Donna Carlton
has conducted a search of the archive, sifting through published
documentation that chronicled the Chicago World's Fair, looking
for references to the Middle Eastern dancers who worked on the
midway. The book is academic in tone, but not in writing style.
She tracks the arrival of the dance on US shores through its
decent into the Burlesque "Cabaret" versions by the
1930s. This book is probably my favorite dance history book and
the one I continuously recommend.
Read more reviews on Amazon.com
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 Serpent
of the Nile - Wendy Buonaventura created a wonderful
book and I highly recommend it to any dancer who is looking for
a visually stunning coffee table stylebook. This title has the
best collection of Middle Eastern dance imagery collected and
published in one place. This book is on almost every dancer's
reading list, and most scholars of the dance have a copy in their
reference libraries. Although there are some who complain that
the author presents some of her theories on the ancient origins
of our dance form as fact, her 20th century history of the dance
is insightful. The writing is accessible and easy to read. I
highly recommend this book to anyone who is new to the dance
form.
Read more reviews on Amazon.com
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General Periodicals
There are times when more mainstream publications
can give dancers ideas, inspirations, hints, tips and techniques
that she can import into her dance. Here are a few of my favorites.
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 Allure
Magazine - This is the perfect magazine for your favorite
makeup junkie. Almost entirely devoted to makeup, this magazine
is all about beauty. From hair to nails to skin, the focus of
this magazine is on improving your image. I find this magazine
to be inspirational and invaluable. Their product reviews and
how-to articles are informative and well written. Especially
good for the dancer who likes to keep up on the latest brand
and product information on makeup, skin-care and hair care products.
Read more reviews on Amazon.com
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 Dance Spirit -
This is my favorite general dance magazine. Unlike most titles,
Dance Spirit features articles that appeal to performers
in a wide range of dance styles. From jazz to hip-hop, modern
to cheer, this magazine presents the diversity and range in the
dance-world today. They frequently publish articles on ethnic,
global and folk dances. Their columns are excellent and cover
a wide range of topics from dance safety to performance makeup
techniques.
Read more reviews on Amazon.com
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 In Style
- Looking for ideas for the perfect beladi dress? Why not
follow the hottest moves in contemporary fashion? Need makeup
tips? Costuming inspirations? In Style is perhaps one of the
hottest mainstream fashion magazine available today. In Style
is filled with images of celebrities, many of them cruising the
red carpets and being "seen" at the best parties -
but always dressed to the nines. There are many ideas to stimulate
and inspire the costume designer. But there are also makeup and
hairstyling tips that can help you update or electrify your performance
look. I love In Style!
Read more reviews on Amazon.com
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Belly Dance Magazines
There are quite a few magazines devoted to our dance
form. From international titles such as Habibi to regional
publications like Wiggle Hips, there is something for
every taste and style. Giving a subscription to a magazine is
a gift that keeps on giving all year long.
Caravan
- This is a great publication that you can depend on arriving
in the post-box right on time. The editorial perspective slants
towards "professional development" with articles by
members of our artistic elite that present helpful hints, tips
and suggestions for building a dance career. Also includes fascinating
memoirs, excellent tips and advice on image, promotion and professional
technique. Perfect for any dancer who is making the transformation
from beginner to journeyman dancer whom plans on performing Raks
Sharki.
Habibi
- This excellent periodical has the tone and content of an
academic journal. The articles are stimulating, thought provoking
and many are cutting edge, exploring tough issues and investigating
the historical archive. Rather than focussing on how-to pieces,
each issue is filled with interviews and articles on cultural
and social history. Habibi also prints well-written and
thoughtful video reviews. This magazine would be an excellent
resource for any dancer interested in dance culture and history
and a must for any dancer interested in conducting their own
research.
Jareeda
- This magazine from the Pacific Northwest is a fun read.
Modeled very much along the format of the traditional women's
magazines, it includes a lot of fun stuff, such as recipes, a
comic strip, event reviews. In each issue is a spotlight article
on a dancer. There are lots of articles with helpful hints and
techniques that are helpful for dancers at all stages in their
dance careers. The product reviews, for videos and music are
particularly useful.
Wiggles
Hips - This is one little but potent publication
with a point of view! Full of humorous articles, interviews and
product reviews, this little magazine packs a punch. Although
it reads like a regional publication, with an emphasis on events
from across the Western US, each issue includes articles about
featured dancers from across the US.
Zagareet - This is another
general reference magazine devoted to Middle Eastern dance and
culture. Unlike many of the other publications listed above,
Zagareet presents a lot of articles that would appeal
to historical re-enactors and tribal-fusion dancers. There is
a lot of really good stuff here, from dancer and troupe profiles,
how-to articles and event and product reviews. There are travel
memoirs and advice for dancers interested in travelling extensively
here and abroad. It's a great read and a good title for dancers
of all levels who want good solid information on dance and culture.
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