The Art of Belly Dancing: Shimmy Your Way to a Sexier You!

Rating:
Summary: Author wishes it were different
Review: As the author of this book, I'm sorry that people are disappointed with the items enclosed in the kit. Unfortunately, I had no say over this - it was strictly the publisher's decision as to what was included. In its defense, the book and kit is geared toward beginners - those interested in learning a bit more about belly dancing to determine if they want to pursue it further, and the price is low. It's meant to be an introduction to the art. In any event, I hope the writing is at least enjoyable!

Rating:
Summary: ITEM DELIVERED IS NOT AS SHOWN!
Review: I was very disappointed in my recent purchase of two copies of the
publication THE ART OF BELLY DANCING by Melanie Votaw with Valerie
Rushmere, ISBN 0-7624-1814-1. Two items in this Belly Dance Kit were
certainly not as shown in the promotional photo on the Amazon web
site. One item shown was a sheer veil, which was advertised to be 72
inches long. The photo does show a generously sized red veil.These
are normally about 72inches long by 36 inches wide. WHAT I RECEIVED
was a 72 inch long, 2-inch wide strip of cloth in sheer red material.
A SASH MAYBE....NOT A VEIL, and certainly NOT what was in the photo.
The other item that was not as illustrated was the CD. It was shown
to be in what appears to be a jewel case with cover art. What I
received was a CD in a cheap, clear plastic envelope rather like
heavy saran wrap. The CD plays in my portable CD player, but not on
the player in my computer, which makes me question the quality of
this copy.
Overall, a very disappointing transaction. I am sure that
many other dancers have also been equally disappointed. I hope that Amazon
will notify the publishers that the contents of this item DO NOT
match the photo shown. I believe that use of this photo constitutes
misrepresentation if not outright fraud.

Rating:
Summary: Zills Are OK: The rest is a real disappointment
Review: If you are looking for a book to get started in Belly Dancing, there are MANY that are WAY better than this one is. It is very short, "bound" with ribbons, which makes it diffucult to use, has NO photos except what is on the cover....only rather simplistic drawings of the dance movements. The supposed "veil" is a real rip-off: The ad claims that it is 72 inches long (it is) but only 2 INCHES WIDE????? More like a thin sash in sheer red material. The zills included are OK and fine for practice. The CD has some pretty nice music, but arrived in a flimsy, clear sleeve instead of the jewel case with artwork of the dancer as shown in the promo photo. Save your $$ and purchase BELLY DANCING BASICS by Laura Cooper instead (less $$ and MUCH better information and fabulous photos). Then go to a fabric store and purchase 2 yards or so of pretty fabric for a REAL veil. The box is pretty and the cover photo is nice, but I really can't recommend this product at all.

Rating:
Summary: Not the best, but it is ok.
Review: This book has every move that is on Veena and Neena,s BellyDance fitness for beginners. It is alright, it seems to explain the moves, but I find the DVD better. The veil was not what I expected. It is 72 inches long, but only 2 inches wide. However, I do like the finger cymbals.