Customer Reviews
Expensive, but comprehensive - By: , 28 Mar 2001 
"Serpent of the Nile" may on first glance seem expensive...but it isin fact a comprehensive history of the origins & meaning of bellydance. It is well illustrated with many photos beautiful photos that are helpful if you are making an authentic costume. A bellydancers bible, this book is well worth the cost.
Good visual reference for Arabic dance enthusiasts - By: b.poulter@mia.co.uk, 05 May 2000 
'Serpents of the Nile' seeks to explain how female Arabic dance has evolved from its pagan origins & how it has influenced - & been influenced by - European culture. It also comments on how Arabic dance has been misinterpreted by Western society and, on how present-day dancers are trying to re-educate audiences & repair the dance to its rightful place as a sensual expression of life - not a lascivious cabaret act. The book contains a host of wonderful illustrations mostly drawn from a Western perspective, that convey the fascination Western culture has long held for the 'mystic' East & its seemingly exotic & unhibited dance forms. The illustrations - both paintings & photographs - also serve as good reference material for costuming purposes and, as such, are useful for students of the dance or theatrical costumiers.
Whilst there does seem to be a focus on the inherent sensuality of the dance & its effect on Western viewers, the publication does seek to restore the image of the dance to a respectable artform and, to help readers understand the ancient origins of a dance that never ceases to relinquish its hold on the imagination & psyche of both occidental & oriental audiences.
