The Oldest Dance by Zarifa Aradoon, Illustrations by Antonio Miriyo
Reviewed by Delilah
*Note: It appears that this book is currently out of print, so look for it at your local library or used bookstore.
This is a wonderful book that I was lucky enough to find at the Springdale Public Library. This book covers the full history of belly dance in every aspect. The book is divided into ten chapters which cover everything from the dark ages of dance to the future of belly dance. Chapter six, which covers the musical instruments used in belly dance, really got my attention as I have a particular interest in dancing with a tambourine (def). There are numerous maps, songs, illustrations, and even actual photographs of early dancers (such as the infamous Little Egypt). At the end there is a reference guide, poems written by belly dancers, and information about the author and illustrator. This book is an easy read and very informative. Anyone interested in belly dancing and its history is sure to enjoy this book.