What is Tribal Bellydance?

(extract from Pedralta Dance's website)

"Tribal belly dance is an improvised dance performed by a group of dancers.

There is usually a "chorus" of dancers, often forming a half-moon shape, and from the chorus one, two or three dancers emerge to take centre stage. One dancer leads and, using a learned vocabulary of moves, they improvise their dance. They rely on cues indistinguishable to their audience, the phrasing of the music, the "chemistry" between themselves and eye contact to create a seamless transition between moves. Each dancer has to remain alert and "connected" to fellow dancers. The overall effect relies on all dancers, not on a particular soloist.

The vocabulary of moves is an eclectic mix of Indian, Egyptian, North African and Flamenco. (The roots of Flamenco are in the dances of Moorish gypsy dancers). The dance has a "heavy" powerful feel, far removed from the sometimes flirtatious style of cabaret belly dance.

The costumes are influenced by the eclectic nature of the dance, borrowing the choli from India, the coin bra from Egypt, the full-tiered skirt from Spain, and pantaloons from North Africa. Colours are earthy and natural fibres are used.

No room for Spandex or sequins here.

The leading exponents of this dance are FatChanceBellyDance in San Francisco."

Hafsa and Daughters of Farah performing a tribal dance with zills.