Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #534272 in Books
• Published on: 1994
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 103 pages

Customer Reviews

Well researched
This book covers a highly specialised subject: what happened at the world fair when belly dancers from North Africa and the Middle East were seen for the first time in America, as part of the national attractions. The book is meticulously researched and goes far deeper than anything I've read, uncovering a lot of myths and prejudices. There are plenty of photos, many of which are not widely known. So belly dancers (like myself) with an interest in the history of their dance form will find not only thought provoking information about the clashes between Eastern and Western cultures and expectations, but also historical costuming ideas. However, this is a highly specialised book, looking at only a tiny aspect of the history of belly dance. I recommend it to serious researchers of dance or social history rather than to those who are looking for a more general introduction to the history of belly dance.