Belly Dance Book

For about a year now I've had a fascination with learning to belly dance (saw some dancers while deployed to Turkey at a cultural show). I've finally started getting things together and this was one of the books I bought to go with the instructional videos. The way the material is presented at the beginning is quite insightful. A great motivator as well as informative on the nature of the dance. I'm still looking for historical background info, as well as other instructional material, but I would definitely recommend this book for anyone starting out with the dance, who might retain some preconcievded stereotyped ideas of it. (ie, age limitations, and the meaning of the dance to the dancer)Plus its illustrated when it gets into explaining the various postures, stances, stretches, exercises, and moves.

This was among the first books I aquired in my quest for belly dance information. I've bought several instructional videos which I find very useful, but I also wanted reading material to go with it. This book's opening provides an introduction into what the dance is, as well as what it isn't. It also covers the personal meaning of the dance to the dancer, what benefits can be had from the dance, as well as a little on its historical background. I found it very good to read, and highly motivational to continue learning about belly dancing. It also illustrates each of the stretches, posture, stance, and movements to assist the reader in learning. Most definitely an awsome book to have!

I started belly dancing a year ago which is when I first read this book. Serena taught my belly dancing instructor. I was very impressed not only at how easily she describes the exercises but also how much better I got just from practicing out of the book. Anyone who is interested in eastern dancing should definately read this and any of her other books.