You Asked Aunt Rocky: Answers & Advice About Raqs Sharqi & Raqs Shaabi

as someone who has been training in Oriental dance such as Raqs Sharqi for several years now, I can fully appreciate the depth with which Rocky has gone to give us insides into this art form. She goes well beyond the mechanics of the dance movements and provides us with the cultural insights and customs that frame this dance genre. And some of her stories are so amazing it just makes you wish you were back there with her in the 60s as a fly on the wall.

This is an amazing book. I had taken some workshops from Morocco, but had no idea about all her credentials---her list of accomplishments are a mile long! There is no one more knowledgeable about the original forms of the various styles of dance in the Middle East and North Africa (which have now all but disappeared), and how they evolved and were changed by Western influence. I like that Morocco appreciates all the varieties of dance that have developed in the past few decades, and doesn't preach against fusion styles, so long as they are done well and with knowledge and respect of what the traditional styles are that are being fused together, and so long as the choreographer acknowledges that this is her creation and not something authentic. I was very happy to read that "over there", the men dance exactly the same way as the women, (except for traditionally "male" dances, such as warrior dances), and don't find it effeminate. She stresses that Oriental dance is a dance of celebration, not a dance of seduction. I'm only halfway through the book, so I'm eager to see what else she has to say. I highly recommend this book to EVERY person who does Middle Eastern Dance.

If you're a belly dancer of any type, this is a marvelous amount of information. I am still in the first half of the book and love the detailed information on roots of Shaabi and Sharqi/Oryantal. I've been dancing for 15 years of cabaret and tribal belly dance, and had this book on my want list for a long time. I finally decided to splurg and buy it, and it has an amazing amount of detailed information on origins, clothing, special events, dance steps and props. There is so much information that I read a few pages and then let it sink in before reading more. I've had the lovely experience of visiting/learning/dancing in Morocco and "Aunt Rocky" has helped fill in gaps in my cultural and dance experience from North Africa. Thank you for this book! My only request is that I wish it was available digitally too. :)

Hands down, this book is absolutely essential reading for anyone who is serious about studying Middle Eastern and North African dance - "belly dance". Morocco is one of the most experienced and well-educated sources on these subjects, and this book should be on every dancer's shelf. It's an easy read, especially for those who are used to getting their information from social media and the conversational style of information sharing that goes on online. It is written in a Q & A style, so it's easily digestible for those who are just getting started with this huge subject.Highly recommended for students of the dance who are looking for something beyond anecdotal information and "fauxlore". This book is amazing!

The book is thick, but it is super easy to read.I am hooked to the book with its cover story / introduction from Aunt Rocky. It is a compilation of the Oriental Dance culture, some misunderstanding, stereotypes. Rich content, but never bored. :)

Morocco has put forth a fine book, worth reading by any middle eastern dancer, musician, or fan of these dance forms. She's a fun person, as well as an excellent dancer, and she gives solid information in this book.

This is a must have book for any student of oriental dance!

Well done a dancers guide I like Rocky and know her personally. She is deliagent with research I recommend this book

Si eres amante de la danza oriental, este es el libro! 100% recomendable :)

This is the most definitive and comprehensive guide to being an oriental dancer that I know of. I wish it was published20 years ago , it have saved me form all those embarrassing faux pas if so! The world of Middle Eastern dance is a diverse and complex place. Morocco maps this world through a series of questions and answers which are well researched, unpretentious and easy to comprehend. Morocco's long and varied dance career gives valuable experiential insights into the romantic and exotic world of oriental dance. The book with its extensive glossary and pictures, makes it such a useful compendium for beginner and experienced dancers.