The Belly Dance Reader is an anthology of essays from many of the leaders in our Middle Eastern music and dance community. The contributors range from PhD scholars to hobbyists. This book is illustrated with hundreds of photos and artwork from current to vintage, including various sub-styles of the dance, gathered from around the world. Subjects covered include: An introduction, dancing at various ages and stages, history, costuming and appearance, regional and sub styles of the dance, theory and technique, as well as valuable resources such as Arabic scales and rhythms, glossary, maps and more. Belly Dance Reader Contents Section 1 - An Introduction -Gamar a poem by Beatrice Parvin of the UK -Welcome to Bellydance by Najia -Belly Dance and Contemporary Dance Studies by Barbara Sellers-Young PhD -Reading Like a Researcher, Can You Trust Your Sources? by Mahsati -Orientalism, Zumarrad's Completely Non-scholarly Quick & Dirty Guide by Brigid Kelly -The Soul of Belly Dance, The Most Importatnt Thing is the Feeling by Alia Thabit Section 2-Dancing Through the Stages of Your Life -Teaching Children to Dance, Joys and Pitfalls by Martha Duran -A Dancer's Journey, From Beginner to Semi-Pro by Elianae Stone -The Teacher-Student Relationship, A Psychological Point of View by Izzah Isabelle Gagnon PhD -Bellydance Class... or Cult? Artwork by Leela Corman -Turning Pro, From Hobbyist to Star to Teacher by Lauren and Jillina -Boomerang Career, Life and Dance in the Land Down-Under (Pro to Teacher/Hobbyist) by Amera of Australia -It Ain't Easy being the Crone by Shelley Muzzy Section 3-History -"Harem Girls", Dance in Historical Harems, Early 1700s - Early 1900s by Andrea Deagon PhD -The American Belly Dancer in Early Burlesque and Vaudeville Theatre by Catherine Mary Scheelar (married name here) -Belly Dance as a Performance, Historical Phenomenon or Logical Evolution? by Iana Komarnytska -Dancer Trading Cards- Artwork by Leela Corman, Stats by Sausan Section 4-Biz -What a Band Needs, But Doesn't Always Get by Denise Mannion of Pangia -Dancing with Live Bands, The Little Book of Etiquette by Leyla Lanty -Selling your Dance, A Series of Elevator Pitches by Athena -Marketing Belly Dance for Fitness, Is It A Good Idea? by Mayada -Tip O' the Hat to Tipping, Practices of Appreciation by Samira Sharuk Section 5-Costume & Appearance -Raqqin the Retro, Vintage Costume Care by Princess Farhana -Omani Jewelry from the Collection of Nancy Hernandez Photography by Alisha Westerfel