By Debra Gilbert

 

When you first think of belly dance, generally the first images that pop into your head are exotic costumes, suggestive body movements targeting mostly the hips and rear and sensuous music. You are not wrong to believe these things when you think of this popular art form because this dance does emphasize more of the exotic movements. Although enticing as it may be, the dance is meant for the woman to feel the sensuality of her body and femininity, her mind and for her to feel a sense of empowerment. Often misinterpreted as exotic dancing and/or burlesque, when dancing for oneself or for show, the dancer is performing for her own pleasure in whatever female embodiment that she wants to possess, whether it be fertility or simply just for play. Sensuality aside, this type of dance offers increases in energy and metabolism, making it a healthy and fun dance to learn.

 

            Taking a turn from the original aspects, yet embodying the same movements of traditional belly dance, a new form has been established in modern times called American Tribal Belly Dance. American Tribal Belly Dance or American Tribal Style (ATS) originated in 1960s San Francisco by Jamila Salimpour, an American dancer and creator of the dance troupe Bal Anat. The name of this new dance, coined by Jamila, emphasizes the fact that it was created in America and not in other worldly countries. With the new outlook on a traditional take, Jamila blends together original choreography from the Middle East, North Africa, Egypt, Turkey, Arabia and Lebanon with new and modern dance techniques. She introduced the sword into the dancing, as well, based off an European painting of an Egyptian dancer with a sword on her head, however, Jamila does not take credit for this.

 

            Inspired by the name of the widely known dance troupe, Carolena Nerricio created Fat Chance Belly Dance in the late 1980s. As word spread about this ever-growing trend, troupes began to branch out from the west coast. Creating dance instructional videos and books, belly dance has made a national comeback. With the new trend came new changes as dancers started to bring forth their own additions to Tribal, bridging together many different influences and keeping to the original belly dance by what has been called Fusion. With these new techniques, dancers have borrowed from other forms such as cabaret, burlesque and even Flamenco to incorporate into this new dance craze. 

 

            Although the dance as a whole is solely based on improvisation due to lack of dance space, many dancers bring their own creative movements to the dance to spice it up and add character. This dance can be done by one person or in a choreographed group, by which the dancers follow a leader. Improvisation is still key, but the group follows the leader or acts as backdrop dancers.

 

            Traditional costumes are out the window when it comes to Tribal Belly Dance. Of course coin outfits, harem pants, full skirts and everything of the like in traditional forms from different periods of history are still in play. However, with the new fusion of the dance techniques, as well as the modern music, comes the blending of costumes from different cultures to add a splash of fun and color. Fat Chance Belly Dance was known for incorporating African turbans with big flowers, tasseled belts, gypsy skirts, choli tops and belly tattoos- some real, most fake. As the new trend grows, more styles start to make an appearance, offering audiences a splish-splash of cultured costumes.

 

            Thinking about trying out a new kind of dance? American Tribal Belly Dance offers a dancer, newcomer or professional, all of the aspects of traditional belly dance, and allows the ability and space to let the dancer bring their own elements to the dance floor. As this new trend and dance troupes across the nation grow, so do the movements, costumes and music, each new addition sparking more flavor with each hip drop. 

 

Photos by fossilmike