You're Questions Answered!

Beth recently asked: "What's the difference between tribal, fusion, and Arabic belly dance?"

So, if you are new to belly dancing, you may or may not realize that there are many styles of belly dance.  There are at least as many different styles of belly dance as there are regions in the middle east---and more!  Don't worry... If I will keep it short and sweet!  (I asked Ja'Niesa what she would say, and she said it was like I was asking her to write a short paragraph reporting on the bible.  haha!)  Please know, I am going to simplify this as much as possible.  Otherwise, you'd get bored after three or four days of reading and move on to something else. 

In the United States there are three main schools of belly dance.  Cabaret, American Tribal Style, and Tribal Fusion.

--Cabaret  (aka, egyptian, raks sharqi, arabic, classical or oriental, or lots of other things.)  Cabaret is a blanket term for all of the classic belly dancing styles. Usually, when people think "belly dancer," they are thinking of this type of belly dancer.  She typically wears beaded fringe and sequin costumes.  When you see a dancer in a restaurant, this is probably what you are seeing!  It's usually more flamboyant, filled with glitz and glamour.  Dancers usually improvise (make it up as they go) dances, but sometimes will use choreography (especially in the US).  There is a large emphasis on dancing to the music and the feelings of the music instead of putting every movement into an 8 count, which is characteristic of American dancing.




--American Tribal Style (ATS)  this style was pioneered in the 1980's in the U.S. by Carolena Nericcio from San Fransisco.  Jamila Salmipour also had a similar vision beginning in the 60's and 70's, but Carolena's form is now considered the norm.  What distinguishes ATS from Cabaret (or even tribal fusion as you will learn later) is the use of a "follow the leader" vocabulary, versus choreography or individual improvisation.  Groups learn sequences of movements that begin with a certain "cue."  When dancing in a group of two or more people, the "leader" will cue a sequence to the rest of the group and put together a dance!  It is also has distinct costuming, using earthier fabrics, choli tops, cowrie shells, and antique coins.  The movements are also more grounded and internally focused. 



--Tribal Fusion.  Out of ATS came tribal fusion.  Jill Parker, an original member of Carolena's group Fat Chance Belly Dance, took the movements of ATS and created tribal fusion: a mixture of American Belly Dance, Tribal Style and whatever other style of dance (modern, hip hop, break dance, jazz, etc.).  Rachel Brice pioneered the style in the 2000's.   The costuming can be anything from ATS style to cabaret style. Movement emphasis is in complete muscle control.




So... Three completely different styles, all of which are so much more than the little descriptions and examples I gave.  YouTube is a great tool for dancers!  Look for some amazing clips and send me links to your favorites!