Barbara Sellers-Young

About the Author

Barbara Sellers-Young is a distinguished scholar and author whose work bridges cultural studies, performance arts, and global identities. With a PhD in anthropology, she has dedicated her career to exploring the intersections of dance, gender, and transnational movements, drawing from her extensive fieldwork in the Middle East and beyond. Her insightful analyses challenge Western stereotypes while illuminating the rich histories and contemporary practices of performative traditions. In her acclaimed book Belly Dance: Orientalism, Transnationalism, And Harem Fantasy (Bibliotheca Iranica. Performing Arts Series), Sellers-Young deconstructs the exoticized perceptions of Middle Eastern dance forms, offering a nuanced perspective on their cultural significance and evolution. A professor emerita at Bowdoin College, she continues to influence academic discourse through her writings, lectures, and mentorship, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of global artistic expressions.