Tribal: Back to our Roots
While bellydancing itself is derived from the oldest documented form of dance, Tribal style
is relatively new. Jamila Salimpour was developing this style around 1952 in California. It was taken a step further
by Caroleena Nericcio who formed her world renowned troupe, FatChanceBellyDance.
Bellydancing began as a means for Turkish women
to entertain themselves, as they were forbidden from attending functions outside the home with their husbands. The Egyptians
were possibly the first to discover how this form of dancing/exercise actually eased the pain of childbirth.
Tribal style is basically a fusion of several types of dance, pulling from such
styles as Indian Folkloric dance, Flamenco, Turkish, Egyptian, Gypsy, Raqs Sharqi, as well as Ballet and American Jazz.
Its basic moves are very strongly rooted in traditional bellydancing, but the emphasis on presentation is very different.
Some choreographies are used, but the real "fire" behind the presentation is due to the use of group improvisational cues.
Live drumming is also essential to Tribal dancing. Drumming has been a means
of communication for centuries. Here it strengthens the link between audience and dancers.
Thus, everyone becomes engaged in the rhythms and the spirit of the dance.
I highly recommend reading the page entitled "Tribal Belly Dance" at this link
- http://www.heavyhips.net/ for a more eloquent and detailed description.
