Raks Almeh

Women Of Dance

This page will continually by under construction as sources fall into our dance bags.

Books:

"Grandmother's Secrets : The Ancient Rituals and Healing Power of Belly Dancing" by Rosina-Fawzia Al-Rawi ; translated by Monique Arav.

"Al-Rawi conveys in this book not only the history and techniques of grieving and mourning dances, pregnancy and birth dances, but the spirit of these age-old rituals, and their possibilities for healing and empowering women today."

"Harem : The World Behind the Veil" by Alev Lytle Croutier.

Explores life in the worlds' harems from the middle ages to the 20th century.

"The Way of the Belly" by Neena & Veena with Nancy Bruning

From fitness, healthy eating, music, costuming, to my favorite the personal spa. Includes an instructional DVD and some good tunes!

"Belly Dancing: The Sensual Art of Energy and Spirit" by Pina Coluccia, Anette Paffrath, and Jean Putz.

This book begins with a wonderful background on belly dance. It discusses the connections between womanhood, dance, physical health, and self expression. There is a short section on basic dance moves broken down for learning. Then the book turns to clothing, and food. Listed near the back are resources of videos, music, reading, and websites for additional information. A great educational book.

"Belly Dancing Basics" by Laura A. Cooper

A wonderful book for the beginner or intermediate belly dancer. Begins with a short history of the dance then proceeds from basic to more intermediate dance moves, including the use of props. The full colour pictures break down each move for easy learning. Good resources section at the back for costumes and other necessities.

Videos:

"The Art of Belly Dance" by Carolina Nericcio

Features warm-ups, slow and fast movements, and dance performed by FatChanceBellyDance. Good instructional DVD, and music CD. Gives a history of bellydance, and introduces American Tribal Style Belly Dance. Also gives information on instruments, melody and rhythms.

"Belly Dancing: The Sensual Workout" by Shamira

Not a high impact workout, but gets the hips and arms moving simultaneously in different ways. I especially like this video for the walking steps and the turns she teaches.

'Anything' by Neena & Veena

Having worked through almost all their videos, my favorites are the Belly Dance for Beginners series as a morning workout. Their newer Core Conditioning video is great.

Movies:

"Monsoon Wedding"

Ok, not a lot of belly dancing in this movie - well almost none. But I just love it anyway and the soundtrack is awesome.

Music:

"Remix II" by Suhalia Salimpour

Only five songs on this little jewel, and two are over 20 minutes long! Can't see performing to them but they're great for grooving in the kitchen to! The other three songs are performable and all five are just wonderful to listen to!

Websites:

"tribe.net"

Great way to meet other dancers and people who have similar interests as you!