History of Tribal Belly dance
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."
The modern tribal scene is bringing a whole different aspect to the dance, it's being fused with many other forms of dance like burlesque, circus, cyber and many more. However there is a need to mention the innovative and powerful British Tribal Style which is giving the tribal lovers a place at home. New combos and moves are being designed and taught by its founder Pauline Qu. Pauline and her co-founders Asif (husband) and Tati Hafsa are supporting her all the way to making this a great success.
Please note: British Tribal Style (BTS) Ó is an evolving style, still in its infancy, being developed by Pauline Qu, Tati Hafsa and Asif. These teachers are teaching BTS Ó in classes, workshops, festivals and events throughout the country. They are happy to share their ideas and delighted when they see unique BTS Ó moves and combos used by their students and audience. However, as no other teacher or workshop leaders have been trained/approved by us yet please refrain from teaching or demonstrating your moves under the name of British Tribal Style (BTS) Ó . We will in the future be offering teacher training courses, but until then, unless it is taught by Pauline Qu, Tati Hafsa or Asif, it's not BTS Ó
For more on BTS click here: www.britishtribalstyle.com