Thread: Spin off from American Caberet v.Turkish

That thread got me thinking about a book that I had bought when I was a baby belly. It was first published in 1977 with a third printing in 1981. It was called Veda Sereem's "Quality of Belly Dancing". This book was like my belly dancer bible. In the days before the internet it was very difficult to come by training materials. Workshops came once a year if then and were you're only resource for music, zills, sequined veils, etc. I don't remember how I came across the book but I assume it must have been at a workshop.

This book had EVERYTHING in it. Dozens and Dozens of steps and poses. Here's an example: Arabic Camel, Egyptian Camel, Berber knee walk, Turkish drop, Kashlimar, Hindo arm step,Persian circle...She gives step variations for beginners through pro level.

A section on common zill patterns, veil work, floorwork, sword, making costumes, makeup, how to run a business, performance contract, and a list of suppliers and teachers (reads like a who's who!).

Much later I came across "the Art of Belly Dancing" by Dahlena, first published in 1975. Another good resource but Veda's book was more user friendly as it was bound like a large spiral notebook while Dahlena's book was like a paperback.


Are either of these 2 still in publication? Who has a copy?

I'm a collector of all-things-belly dance. I have both. And I completely agree about Veda's book; it covers everything. It is very comprehensive - goes into what type of music best fits each move, etc...She still sells it from her website, as well as her 29 instructional dvds.

I found Dahlena's book at a used book store; I don't think it's currently in print. It's a small paperback.

Thanks for posting the subject - I'm going to go pull out the Veda book.

Veda Sereem has a website and you can order her book there:
- Belly Dancing Book

Dahlena's book may be out of print, but used copies are available CHEAP through Amazon
Amazon.com: dahlena

Veda's book is great. The Dahlena one comes up on ebay periodically. I love it.

Veda is now offering downloads of all her dvds for $99, by the way. That's a pretty good deal if you're interested in collecting content.

- Belly Dancing Video Downloads

Oh I already have both books. I was just thumbing through them and thinking they would be a good resource especially for a beginner. I learned a lot of different veil moves and floorwork from the Veda book. Karsilama too.

I can't download anything on my antique computer but maybe one day soon...I'm slowly trying to convert to the 21st century.

I still get a chuckle hearing the 80's referred to as "vintage".

I have both books too. It has been a long time since I looked at either, but when I was new to teaching I referred to both in my search for alternate ways to describe moves for my students' benefit. I preferred the explanations in Dahlena's over those in Veda Sereem's, but it was nice to have both resources to turn to.

Tina Hobin in the UK also had one. So far as I know, hers is still in print.