This page has links to other websites that can give great in-depth information about the history of bellydance, it's cultural context in the Middle East, music, costume, props, and much, much more.
~~~
Shira
Shira's site is encyclopaedic, containing articles and information about the history of belly dance, different musical rhythms, finger cymbal workshop, and much much more.
Joy of Bellydancing
Yasmina's Joy of Bellydancing consists mostly of links to further websites with in-depth articles on the history of bellydance, costuming styles, different styles of bellydance, etc. A great place to look when trying to hunt down an obscure piece of information.
Casbah Dance
Morocco has travelled extensively in North Africa, researching and recording the folk dances of different countries. Her site includes many articles detailing her research, and you can also order videos that contain rare footage. Articles contain interesting information about the relationship between some bellydance movements and traditional birthing techniques in North Africa and the Middle East, and the role of men in Middle Eastern Dance.
Aisha Ali
Like Morocco, Aisha Ali has also travelled extensively in North Africa and the Middle East researching folk, social and performance forms of the dance. Her site inclues links to further articles and research, as well as an opportunity to buy rare in-the-field recordings of music and dance.
Keti Sharif
Keti's site covers Egyptian bellydance and music. Lots of information about musical instruments, different styles of bellydance, and more!
Afra al-Kahira
Afra's site contains many useful articles about bellydance, and particularly about make-up for performance and the involvement of men in Middle Eastern Dance.
Oriental Dancer
Salome's site has articles about bellydance, translations of song lyrics, and discussion forums.
~~~
The Gothic Bellydance Resource
An informative site providing more information about Gothic Bellydance.
~~~
Amel Tafsout
Amel Tafsout is an Algerian dancer based in the US. Her site contains a wealth of background information about North African dance, music, costume and symbols.
Jacqueline Chapman
Jacqueline Chapman teaches classes in South and Central London
Emma Pyke
Emma Pyke is a Middle Eastern Dance Instructor and Performer based in Reading, Berkshire.
Pedralta Dance
A UK-based site for Middle Eastern Dance and Tribal Bellydance with articles and information on dance, fitness, health and travel. Gorgeous pictures in the gallery and an online shop for Tribal jewellry, bellydance music and video, and some great dance sandals!
Anne Kingston
Anne is a fabulous teacher and performer, based in Preston.
Rita Williamson
Based in Penrith, Cumbria, Rita is an EXPERT at making that impulse-bought costume fit properly!
Cumbria Belly Dance
Bellydance events in and around Cumbria!
~~~
Zorba
Zorba, "The Veiled Male", is a male bellydancer based in the US. His site contains articles and personal reflection about the experience of being a male bellydancer, as well as further links to articles and websites of male bellydancers.
Mohamed Shahin
Mohamed Shahin is a Reda-trained folkloric dancer who also performs bellydance.
Khaled Mahmoud
Khaled Mahmoud is a male Egyptian dancer living in the UK - he truly does have golden hips!
Tarik Sultan
US male bellydancer who has written many articles on the dance, including some about the history of male dancers in Middle Eastern Dance.
For more information about men in Middle Eastern Dance, there are also interesting articles on Afra al-Kahira and Morocco's websites.
~~~
Aladdin's Cave
Online shop for bellydance related music, video, DVD and costume
Maqam
Online shop for Middle Eastern music, video and DVD. You can listen to sound clips from various recordings on this site. As the site is based in the US, don't forget to keep your orders under the customs limit!
Rashid
Online shop for Middle Eastern music, video and DVD. You can listen to sound clips from various recordings on this site. As the site is based in the US, don't forget to keep your orders under the customs limit!
Hannan Sultan
This link will take you to an excellent video-clip guide to the different styles of bellydance, put together by Toronto's Hannan Sultan.
Jas's Middle Eastern Rhythms
This is a site that specialises in breaking down Arabic and Middle Eastern rhythms for drummers. There is a pretty comprehensive list of the patterns used for different rhythms, an exploration of how the rhythms are related to each other, and some music theory about how rhythm is treated in traditional Arabic music.
Radio Bastet
Podacsts of the best in vintage bellydance music - there truly are some gems here!
~~~
NADA
Northern Arabic Dance Association (NADA) is a network of dancers in the North of England and Scotland. NADA organises workshops, lists teachers in different areas and publishes a magazine devoted to bellydance.
MOSAIC
MOSAIC is a network of bellydancers in Britain listing teachers in different areas and publishing a magazine devoted to bellydance.
Bhuz
Online messageboards used internationally by dancers to discuss all things bellydance related. Expect a friendly and supportive atmosphere, and honest and open debate.
Bellydance.org.uk (was Wiggle)
Listings of bellydance teachers and events in the UK.
Gilded Serpent
Online bellydance magazine.
The Hip Circle
Online bellydance magazine.
Merhaba Magazine
An online resource covering events in the North West of England.
orientaldancer.co.uk
Another online network for UK bellydancers.
~~~
Ludus Dance
Ludus is Britain's lead Dance in Education company, is the dance development organisation for Lancashire, and is based in Lancaster. Their touring company annually produces an issue-based piece of work that can be performed a variety of venues, including school halls and community centres! Their community dance programme offers classes for adults in dance styles as diverse as Lindy Hop, Bharata Natyam, and yep...belly dance!
Foundation for Community Dance
The Foundation for Community Dance is the UK's professional body for those involved in community dance work. The website lists dance opportunities, and useful resources.
~~~
Just Because...
Just Because... is a charity aiming to raise funds and promote awareness, prevention and early detection of breast cancer for women in Egypt.
Virtual Lancaster
Whatever you want to know about Lancaster & Morecambe, you can find it here! Run by volunteers, the Virtual Lancaster website has up-to-date listings, a directory of businesses in the Lancaster & Morecambe area, a gallery of local artists and performers, cartoons and much, much more!
Flow Therapies
Great massage and other holistic therapies!
Designed For You
Beautiful jewellery that is all individually designed and hand-made. They will make commissioned items for bellydancers! They also run jewellery making courses.
Jonathan Bean Photography
Jonathan Bean is a Lancaster based photographer offering stylish, modern, fun, relaxed and informal photography for weddings, civil ceremonies, portraiture and commercial events. A digital photo-restoration service is also offered.
The Acupuncture Clinic
Penny Towler is a great acupuncturist based in Lancaster
Empty Shop
Check out this North-East England contemporary arts group (Durham-based), dedicated to giving artists in the region a much needed platform to produce and exhibit their work. They take on unused buildings in the region and turn them into usable art spaces.
Photo: ardelfin, from Morguefile
Students' FAQs Lots of information about classes, what to wear, etc
Music: Some of the music I use in classes / recommend for beginners
Articles: Articles that I have written either for students or for other publications
