In this encompassing work, The Gilded Serpent presents to our diverse community a thoroughly researched, well-rounded, and focused book that reflects the many facets of this performance genre. With The Belly Dance Reader, book 1 & 2, we hope to share knowledge and experience in Middle Eastern performing arts and related fields. Our contributors reflect the diversity of this genre and their range of knowledge is great: From offering practical advice or delving into the history of significant periods to exploring music, costuming, or business practice, to focusing on theoretical interpretations of dance. Some writers reflect accumulated years of personal experience, while others are driven by academic research into the history, culture, and performances. Our authors encompass the cerebral as well as the passionate. In addition, The Belly Dance Reader provides difficult-to-find written sources and graphics that are not readily available elsewhere, thus serving as an archive of information as well as a meeting ground for sharing knowledge and wisdom. Section 1 - 19th and 20th Century History The Beginnings of the Bedleh, by Heather D. Ward (“Nisaa of St. Louisâ€) The Religious Interpretations of Danse du Ventre in North America, 1890’s by Andrea Deagon Ph.D A Biography of the Badia Masabni by Priscilla Adum Ballet Russes & Middle Eastern Dance, Orientalism by Iana Komarnytska Following the Trail of the Evil Eye, by Sierra Suraci Images of Vintage Assiut by Davina and Alisha Section 2 - Impacts of Orientalism Ethical Authenticity by EmmaLucy Cole Raqs Sharqi Under the Orientalist Gaze by Catherine Perry Cliches & Studio Fantasy, Images of Algerian Women in Colonial Postcards by Amel Tafsout Section 3 - Cultural Dance Styles A Brief Introduction to Women’s Dances of Iran by Laurel Victoria Gray M.A, Ph.D Zeibeikiko, by Amani Jabril Crafting Quality Fusion by Laura Tempest Zakroff Connecting to Tanoura by Senta Duffield Dance Style Charts Our Global Community! Section 4 - Tarab Structured Improvisation and Dance Composition by Alia Thabit Moving in Ecstasy by Tamra-henna Taqsim in America by Amina Goodyear The Emergence of Tarab by Candace Bordelon, Ph.D Section 5 - Music A Musicality Technique for Western Belly Dancers by Najia Marlyz The Dumbek Drum Family by Richard Adrian Steiger Who Follows Who? by Susu Pampanin Musician Trading Cards Section 6 - Enhancing Dance A Photographic Glimpse of Diversity by Carrie Meyer Dynamics of Your Dance by Stasha Vlasuk Star Power! by Princess Farhana How to Map a Solo by Piper Reid Hunt, Ph.D, and Melina Melinda Pavlata, Ph.D Dancing to Live Music! by Denise of Pangia A Brief Introduction to Arabic for Dancers by Leyla Lanty Sewing Instruction for Making the Standard Cabaret Skirt with Border by Suzanne McNeil Section 7 - Teaching Learning to Dance with our Senses by Barbara Sellers-Young, Ph.D A Dancer’s Personal Response by Brigid Kelly Foundations of Dance by Hala Fauzi Measuring Outcomes by Mahsati Janan (Jessica Brown) Preparing to Teach Belly Dance by Sara Shrapnell Magnetism or Manipulation, Cult of Personality and the Middle Eastern Dance Scene by Shelley Muzzy Section 8 - Business How to Write Your Bio by Samira Shuruk Adapting your Dance Business to a New City by Elianae How to Get Music Rights for Your Video Project by Mher Panossian Marketing a Divided Community by Miles Copeland A Photographer’s Guide to a Successful Photo Shoot by Pixie Vision Photography What Good is a Competition? by Mezdulene Bliss Tips for the Traveling Dancer by Zaina Brown Self Care for the Dancer by Terry aka Teresa Del Giorno