AMERICAN TRIBAL STYLE BELLY DANCING( ATS) stems from the roots of traditional Gypsy dancing.
From far North Africia and the Middle East, it is a fusion of many different styles of dancing.
With influences from Flamenco, Indian, Balinese, Romani
and modern styles.
Blend these together and what you get is a multi-cultural style.
Tribal style Belly dancing embraces the beauty of dance & allows the dancers to be very creative.
This style of dance teaches “cues” and steps that allow you to dance with your fellow dancers in a secret language,
to TRIBAL RHYTHMS.
Earthy sounds and costumes, with influences from
the Middle East and all over...
TRIBAL STYLE BELLY DANCE is a fusion for the senses.
What is AmericanTribal Style Belly dance?
When we think of the term “Tribal” in relation to belly dance, we generally think of the traditional folkloric styles associated with the many tribes in the Middle & Near East & North Africa. These originate within the tribal community and are distinguished by a series of common steps, gestures and clothing quite specific to the tribe and its culture.
The culture of the tribal community may remain largely unchanged unless significant events and influences an adaptation of traditional patterns.
What are the origins of ATS?
Tribal, interpretive dance was performed by Jamila Salimpour’s troupe Bal-Anat in California in 1968. One of Jamila’s students. Masha Archer, expanded the folkloric/interpretive style, teaching it to her own students, one of whom was Carolena Nericcio, now director of the famous Fat Chance Belly Dance troupe (FCBD).
Carolena further developed the genre through further research into folkloric, oriental and flamenco dance. She is credited today with developing the specific vocabulary of movement, base choreography and group improvisation style that, cornerstone of American Tribal Style.
ATS does not pretend to be authentic to any one region. It proudly fuses different styles and regional influences, taking dancer & audience on a wonderful journey.
What are the main elements of ATS?
ATS incorporates the earthiness of near and far Eastern & North African dance with the precision of Flamenco, fusing a number of tribal elements that reflect from many countries.
The Dance
Although choreography is adopted for larger venues and performances, the main basis of ATS is group improvisation. It is the group improvisation that defines and separates ATS from many other group dance styles taught today.
ATS has many elements that appeal, particularly to the dancer who prefers the support of a group & the opportunity to showcase her best moves in a brief time period, rather that a traditional 5 minute solo.
Its philosophy is based on the unique strength of the tribe as a collective as well as the individual strengths of its members. Competitiveness between dancers has no place.
Downunder Tribal Bellydancers perform at many regular community and organisational events including festivals, shopping centre promotions, parties & celebrations, as well as hosting regular concerts for the dancing commmunity