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Shira's Reading List
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Introduction
Every Oriental dance (belly dance) student who decides to make this dance a serious part of her life should learn more about Middle Eastern music, dance, history, and culture, regardless of which style of dance she chooses to study and perform. It's even more important for everyone who intends to teach this dance form to learn more about these topics, again, regardless of which dance style she intends to teach.
However, for someone new to these subjects, it can be confusing to sort out which ones offer the most accurate, interesting information.
This reading list offers a place to start with suggestions for well-researched, well-written books about Middle Eastern dance, music, and culture.
History of Oriental Dance
A Trade Like Any Otherby Karin van Nieuwkerk What It's AboutDescribes the history of women singing and dancing as professional entertainers in Egypt from the nineteenth century into the present. Mini-ReviewDifficult to read because of its academic language, but provides valuable background on history of our dance. Shira's Rating
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Looking for Little Egyptby Donna Carlton What It's AboutLooks for the facts behind the legend of Little Egypt, the entertainer who brought "belly dancing" to the attention of the American people at the Chicago World's Fair in the 1890's. Mini-ReviewFabulous photos, fun to read, very informative. Shira's Rating
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The Belly Dance Bookedited by Tazz Richards What It's AboutThis is an anthology of articles about belly dancing written by a variety of contributors. The section on history is excellent. There are also sections on costumes, make-up, the business of belly dance, and other topics. Mini-ReviewSome of the contributors write better than others, but overall it's worthwhile. About 1/4 of it written by Shira. (I don't get any kind of pay or other benefit for recommending it.) Shira's Rating
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Middle Eastern Culture
Dream Makers on the Nileby Mustafa Darwish What It's AboutThis book offers photographs and mini-biographies of legendary actors and actresses who appeared in Egyptian cinema, focusing on the ones who made the greatest impact in the eyes of the author. Mini-ReviewThe photographs in this book are a feast for the eyes, and the profiles of silver screen legends provide a helpful introduction to Egyptian cinema. However, I am disappointed that the book doesn't incluce Samia Gamal. Shira's Rating
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Guests of the Sheik: An Ethnography of an Iraqi Villageby Elizabeth Warnock Fernea What It's AboutThis describes Fernea's two-year stay in a tiny rural village in Iraq during the 1950's, where she adopted the locals' clothing and lifestyle. Mini-ReviewThe writing style is easy to read, and the narrative is very interesting. Just remember, it was written half a century ago, and cultures evolve. Shira's Rating
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Dreams of Trespass: Tales of a Harem Girlhoodby Fatima Mernissi What It's AboutA Muslim feminist, describes what it was like to grow up in a Moroccan household in the 1940's and 1950's. Mini-ReviewThe writing style is easy to read, and it provides a very intimate look at Muslim family life in Morocco. Just remember, it was written half a century ago, and cultures evolve. Shira's Rating
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Ancient Voices
Inanna: Queen Of Heaven And Earthby Samuel Noah Kramer & Diane Wolkstein What It's AboutThis book tells the stories that focus on the Sumerian goddess Inanna as their central character. It speaks of her as a young woman, as a seductress, and as a bride. Mini-ReviewThis book is a valuable resource for people with a special interest in the goddess Inanna. The writing style uses poetic stanzas. Shira's Rating
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Fiction
Valide: A Novel of the Haremby Barbara Chase-Riboud What It's AboutThis historical fiction is based on the real-life story of Naksh-i-Dil, an American-born woman who rose to power in the Ottoman harem of the 18th century. Mini-ReviewThis book is well-researched and absorbing to read. Chase-Riboud brings her characters to life. Shira's Rating
Read Shira's full-length review. |
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Academic papers for school purposes may use information from this site only if the paper properly identifies the original article on Shira.net using appropriate citations (footnotes, end notes, etc.) and bibliography. Consult your instructor for instructions on how to do this.
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