T h e__T r i b a l__B i b l e

The Tribal Bible, Exploring the Phenomenon That is American Tribal Style Bellydance, by Kajira Djoumahna CONTENTS ORDERING (regular and wholesale) WHAT PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SAYING... and click here to see more reviews!

CONTENTS

This book contains:

*Well over 300 pages of text by Kajira Djoumahna, with liberal quotes throughout from various issues of Tribal Talk (the FatChanceBellyDance newsletter), Caravan Trails (the Caravan Studio newsletter), and tribal belly dance enthusiasts from around the globe, collected since 1995.

*More than 300 PHOTOS, one third of them in FULL COLOR, including a full color photo collage cover!

*Foreword by Elizabeth Artemis Mourat
*Acknowledgments
*Introduction (with dance style definitions)

*Chapter 1: Genesis. How it all started. Featuring full-length interviews with Masha Archer, Carolena Nericcio and Suhaila Salimpour. Archived historical photos of The San Francisco Classic Dance Troupe and early FatChanceBellyDance.

*Chapter 2: Arborescence - The Old School. Features quotes and photos from early "California Tribal" groups, including Laurel Victoria Gray's Shahrazad Ensemble, Shelley Muzzy/Yasmela's Bou-Saada, and a full-length, previously unpublished-in-entirety interview with John Compton of Hahbi ‘Ru (formerly of Bal Anat). Numerous archived photos of John, Bal Anat and Hahbi ‘Ru as well as other influential early groups.

*Chapter 3: Arborescence, Continued - The New School. This chapter concentrates on how this dance phenomenon began to take root around the globe. Thorough input from Paulette Rees-Denis of The Gypsy Caravan and quotes and photos from many people including: Jill Parker, Amy "Luna" Manderino, Heather Stants, Jane Archer, The Lost Ghawazee, Maja the Girl from the Nile, an article by Alaine Haddon-Casey about ATS in Australia and one by Susan of Tribe!, New Zealand's own ATS troupe. Also a section about "tribal soloists."

*Chapter 4: Costume and Adornment. Featuring mostly color photos and including not only a thoroughly researched and well-documented history of the ATS costume's development but also a previously-unpublished interview with Gwen Heckeroth of Flying Skirts of San Francisco, some textile and tattoo designs from India and North Africa, suggestions for all ATS costume components with thorough supporting documentation, instructions on wrapping and/or pre-making headdresses by Karol Henderson Harding and Politti of Tribal Stuff!, "Making the Perfect Choli" by Munierah Dereima, thorough tassel belt information including an in-depth article by Natasya Katsiaris that includes photo documentation of these items being worn by actual tribal peoples, "Making a Base for a Tassel Belt With Ties" by Munierah Dereima, a thorough section on jewelry, one on makeup and one on tattoos (face and body) that include documentation via numerous archived antique postcards from the priceless collection of Elizabeth Artemis Mourat, as well as thorough articles about non-permanent body art options by Kree Arvanitas entitled "Some Tips for Making Henna Magic" and "Music, Dance and Henna - Natural Partners." These include recipes and instructions as well as some historical information about henna. Also, numerous references for further information.

*Chapter 5: Movements and More. Thorough written breakdowns and photo examples of many basic ATS moves, both slow and fast; my philosophies regarding cuing for group improvisational choreography, use of both hips and what makes Tribal "Tribal"; my Advanced Chorus Concepts and use of Multiple Leaders; sections on floorwork, turns, props, and thoughts and exercises about your power center, the importance of play and healing through the vehicle of dance.

*Chapter 6: Music. Numerous suggestions for many types of music from traditional to modern suitable for ATS, but complete finger cymbal (zill, sagat) and Turkish spoon (kashiklar) instruction with photo accompaniment, an article titled "Rhythms of Asia Minor Adapted for ATS" by Natasya Katsikaris (with discography) and a section about working with live bands.

*Chapter 7: "Gypsy" This and "Gypsy" That. This chapter is about the rampant misuse by the dance community in general of the racial slur, "Gypsy," and what we can do about it. This chapter was edited by both Elizabeth Artemis Mourat and The Voice of Roma. It includes numerous photos supplied by Voice of Roma that depict actual Romani people, poems by activists Paul Polansky and E. Artemis Mourat, numerous excerpts from E. Artemis Mourat's manuscript, "Separating Fact From Fiction in the Year of the Rom," historical information and quotes from Roma around the world. Also, Romani resources and events lists to help broaden our education.

*Chapter 8: Imitation, Innovation and Ethics. How to innovate in a dance style without losing the essence of the original form. Discussions of definitions, a reprint of the interview, "Tribal Synergy, Exploring Its Mesmerizing Power and Strength" with Paulette Rees-Denis and Kajira Djoumahna, an article by Natasya Katsikaris titled "The Importance of Knowing and Honoring Our Cultural Sources," one by Sharon Moore titled "As Our Tribe Grows" and more.

*Chapter 9: Dance and Ritual. This chapter includes poems by Karen Andes and Charlene Lee Roberts/Perizad Ya Bint Al Hawa, discussion of the use of ritual in dance and vice versa throughout millennia and today, an article by Delilah entitled "Honoring the Connection Between Navel and Nasal," information about the concept of baraka and how objects are imbued with power, more on jewelry and adornment as this pertains to it, a section about "trance dances" of the Middle East and how they can compare to ATS. Also how we can add more power to our presentations by learning from these ancient ideas.

*Chapter 10: More Voices. Quotes and photos from many more tribal-influenced dancers around the globe! Some of the voices included are those of Narah bint Durr/Kimberly Arrington, Laura Lee Smith, Wendy of FatChanceBellyDance, Zi'ah Ali/Lisa McKinney-Taylor, Troupe Zahara, Edee and others. I have had the word out amongst the dance community that I've been looking for contributors since 1999.

*Bibliography and Resource Directory - both of which are several pages in length.

WHAT  PEOPLE  HAVE  BEEN  SAYING  ABOUT THIS INDISPENSABLE  RESOURCE

"Besides being a fabulous reference and history book, it's a great read! It's a book I sometimes have to force myself to stop reading so I can do other things." ~ Karen Andes, author of the "Woman's Book of Power, Strength and Balance" series, dancer, yogini, fitness trainer and instructor, including several videos

"I could spend hours just looking at all those gorgeous pictures...And, it isn't just packed full of information - I really love all the quotes from other dancers and troupes about how THEY feel about Tribal. It's an answer to questions everyone has, all in one place! And, somehow it's captured the whole essence of why we all get that special feeling when we dance in Tribal Style." ~ Shari, editor of Zaghareet! Magazine

"It is absolutely wonderful! So much information and history...One of the things I really enjoyed was the focus on the relationship between early tribal/folkloric troupes and today's ATS groups." ~ Zanbaka

"I found it utterly fascinating, informative and encouraging, and all round difficult to tear myself away from!" ~ DJ Mermaid

"I admit I didn't know what to expect when I ordered (it) - (but it wasn't) that big, lush, glossy, fact-packed and hefty book!...I couldn't think of a single thing that should be in it that wasn't. It is incredible!" ~ Shimal

"Beautiful! I am really impressed with its professional and substantive appearance. Without a doubt it will be a classic of Middle Eastern Dance literature...(and), it seems to me that if anything is remotely creative or innovative it should bother those expecting the bland and familiar...No matter what the medium is, the artist's job is to break tradition and disturb the comfortable. So, on that basis, I hope at least a few of your many readers will be actively disturbed in some way by The Tribal Bible." ~ Monique Monet, dancer and artist  

"It is phenomenal! Amazing - over 300 pages, 8-1/2 x 11, chock full of photos... Interviews - telling their stories in their own words. I was up late last night reading it." ~ Iris Stewart, dancer and author of "Sacred Woman, Sacred Dance."

"‘Like' doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about your book - it's fabulous! ... a godsend to those of us far from tribal centers that are studying primarily through video! Definitely worth its weight in spiked bracelets!"  ~ Carrie Hiebert of Ice Cube Imports

"I just got the Tribal Bible and I must say..... wow! As a beginner to belly dance, it has been the most useful, informative and inspiring source for me... I just wanted to let you know.." ~ Medina Kuhn

"I just received my Tribal Bible and it is more splendid than I expected! I am newly inspired to pursue my tribal dancing even more rabidly now!" ~ Ana Kitka za Sofia, Layton, UT

"The table of contents itself is fascinating! As a history major (actually an "official historian" now, according to my advisor) I always want to know how something began... Chapter 9, about how to innnovate within the art form without losing its essence, is the first time I've seen this in print. [The Tribal Bible] should prove to be a standard reference to anyone in the profession." ~ Craig Catelani, CA

"Your book, Tribal Bible, just blew me away! Wonderful, just wonderful. I really feel like I'm part of the whole now. Thank you so very much!" ~ Lynnie

"I'm halfway through The Tribal Bible and I LOVE it! You did a fabulous job of it and I admire all the research and work that you've put into it. Great job!" ~ Heidi, a.k.a. Jazille, of DOMBA! of Tempe, AZ

"I LOVE THE TRIBAL BIBLE! You really did an excellent job bringing it all together, its an absolutely beautiful book, the contents sooo delicious!... I really loved reading about John Compton as I never knew much of his story, but just know that I love him! All of it is so very interesting! It is such a treasure!" ~Mishaal, Tokyo, Japan

"Your book is informative and wonderful. It gave lots of information and inspiration... I had no clue there were so many troupes out there! I especially appreciated the chapter about the Roma..." ~ Tushara, WA

"I think I am bewitched by you and your style of ATS! I want you to know how inspiring I find both your videos and your book." ~ Kata, Glendale, CA

"Thank you for writing the Tribal Bible! I'm so delighted with my purchase of this book. So much info, including the chapter "Gypsy This, Gypsy That"! I'm so impressed. Thank you so much for this material - it's providing a whole new arena of open doors, thoughts, affirmations and ideas! Delightful!" ~ Raven, Grand Rapids, MI

"The Tribal Bible is amazing! Your coverage of the Romani people is most generous and beautifully done...... thank you. Every time I open your book, I see something new and learn from it, even in those things I've already read. Your book is a glorious gift from the heart." ~ Kael Iampe, WI

Want more? Longer in-depth reviews can be found here.

HOW TO ORDER

$40 for single copies.
Your shipping is by Priority Mail. Optional insurance can be purchased for $5 as well. For inside the USA the cost for shipping is $5.00. For outside the USA the cost for shiupping is $10.00

Send the check, money order or international money order in equivalent U. S. funds made payable to: BlackSheep BellyDance at: PO Box 791000, Paia, HI 96779-1000. Be sure to enclose your return mailing address.

NOTICE! Now Accepting PayPal!  
Since I am rarely online and do not advise you email me, please email my husband, Chuck, for your PayPal orders at: mauimobilemusic@aol.com  - thank you!

Remember to always phone if you wish to speak with me: 808.891.8891 and leave a message with your call-back number. You can leave me messages 24 hours a day. For information about sending checks or money orders, please see above under "How To Order." Thank You!

Publisher, Distributor and Author: Kajira Djoumahna, PO Box 791000, Paia, HI 96779-1000.  For the speediest reply, you may leave phone messages 24 hours a day at: 808.891.8891. Thank you for your interest!