About the book
Focusing on Egypt during the period 1760 to 1870, this book fills in some of the historical blanks for a dance form often known today in the Middle East as raqs sharki or raqs baladi, and in Western countries as \"belly dance.\" Eyewitness accounts written by European travelers, the major primary source for modern scholars, provide most of the research material. The author shapes these numerous accounts into a coherent whole, providing a picture of Egyptian female entertainers of the period as professionals in the arts, rather than as a group of unnamed \"ethnic\" dancers and singers. Analysis is given of the contexts of this dance--that was a legitimate performing art form in Egyptian society appreciated by a wide variety of audiences--with a focus on actual performances--and a re-creation of choreography.
Editions of Before They Were Belly Dancers
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780786494330
- EBook
- ISBN 9781476619163
Read an Excerpt
Focusing on Egypt during the period 1760 to 1870, this book fills in some of the historical blanks for a dance form often known today in the Middle East as raqs sharki or raqs baladi, and in Western countries as \"belly dance.\" Eyewitness accounts written by European travelers, the major primary source for modern scholars, provide most of the research material. The author shapes these numerous accounts into a coherent whole, providing a picture of Egyptian female entertainers of the period as professionals in the arts, rather than as a group of unnamed \"ethnic\" dancers and singers. Analysis is given of the contexts of this dance--that was a legitimate performing art form in Egyptian society appreciated by a wide variety of audiences--with a focus on actual performances--and a re-creation of choreography.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Before They Were Belly Dancers about?
Focusing on Egypt during the period 1760 to 1870, this book fills in some of the historical blanks for a dance form often known today in the Middle East as raqs sharki or raqs baladi, and in Western countries as \"belly dance.\" Eyewitness accounts written by European travelers, the major primary source for modern scholars, provide most of the research material. The author shapes these numerous accounts into a coherent whole, providing a picture of Egyptian female entertainers of the period as professionals in the arts, rather than as a group of unnamed \"ethnic\" dancers and singers. Analysis is given of the contexts of this dance--that was a legitimate performing art form in Egyptian society appreciated by a wide variety of audiences--with a focus on actual performances--and a re-creation of choreography.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Before They Were Belly Dancers?
The Arts > Performing arts > Dance
Where can I read a sample of Before They Were Belly Dancers?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780786494330
How long is Before They Were Belly Dancers and how many pages does it have?
Before They Were Belly Dancers has 308 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Before They Were Belly Dancers?
Kathleen W. Fraser
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Before They Were Belly Dancers is available as paperback(ISBN 9780786494330) and ebook(ISBN 9781476619163)
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Where can I buy Before They Were Belly Dancers?