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What
is Tribal Style Bellydance?
There
are many different styles of bellydance with many
different cultural and historical influences (some
more authentic than others). Usually the
dancing you see in movies and restaurants with beaded
and sequinned costumes, is called Cabaret, and tends
to be Egyptian or Turkish in origin.
American Tribal Style (ATS) is a newer fusion style of Bellydance created
by Carolena Nericcio and her troupe, Fat Chance Bellydance, 20 years ago in San
Francisco. It's a fusion of Flamenco, Egyptian, Turkish,
Classical Indian dance, and North African dance. It is performed improvisationally
in a troupe/tribe setting.Classical Indian dance, and North African dance. It
is performed improvisationally in a troupe/tribe setting.
The costuming is a mix of influences too. Usually an Indian choli, pantaloons
(harem pants), a long and full tiered skirt, and Indian, Pakistani and Afghani
accessories and jewelry.
(Retrieved
from Wikipedia.org)
American
Tribal Style (ATS)
Can my kids
see you?
Yes! The style we perform is definitely
rated for all audiences and
our costumes only reveal bellies. Actually,
we are some of the MOST covered up bellydancers you
will probably ever see, with all of our layers of
pantaloons, skirts, scarves and such!
What should I do at an ATS show?
Make sure to cheer and give encouragement to
the dancers. Some common noises we make at each
other include the zaghareet, a high and fast pitched
noise made by saying Lalalalalalala as fast
as you can, yips, and "Aiwa," (Iya-Wah) which
means "beautiful" in arabic. We also
hiss at each other in American bellydance communities
when somebody does something very slow and snakey,
but funny enough, in other dance communities and
other countries, hissing equates booing. So
be careful where you use that. Clap along to
the rhythm and cheer! Tribal
dancers feed off the exchange of energy with
each other and with the audience.
What should I NOT do at an ATS show?
Make derogatory comments or talk loudly
during a performance.
Please
do not try to tip on our bodies/in our clothing. We
will pass a basket. Although it may be tradition
with other styles of Bellydance to accept money on
the body (Hip belt/Bra strap) Tribal dancers are
not comfortable with that.
Can I take
your class?
Sure!! We'd love for
you to take a class with us! Our
style definitely embraces and works for all
body shapes, sizes, creeds and ages.
Can
my daughter take your class?
Yes, if she's 14 or older and mature enough
to understand that she should not disrupt
class for other students.
Can I observe your class?
We have to say no to this one. Please understand
that we are trying to create a safe, comfortable
environment for our students to explore
bellydance. For some women, this is
the first time trying something like this. For
others, it is the first time baring their belly
in front of others. Try to put yourself in
their place...How would you feel if someone was
sitting in the room just watching? Even if they
aren't looking at you, you might feel like they
are and it could hinder your ability to really
engage and enjoy the class.
What should I wear to class?
Whatever you feel comfortable in. Usually people
wear anything from yoga pants and a sports bra to
a full skirt and choli to sweatpants and a t-shirt. Just
make sure it won't restrict your movement. I
will encourage you to be able to see your stomach
eventually, because Tribal is a very subtle and muscular
dance, and any sort of clothing (even leotards) will
hide your progress and movement. Also,
sometimes we do stretches on the floor for a cool
down, so garments under your skirt would be advisable.
Are private lessons available?
Yes. They are $25 an hour for one person.
Prices are negotiable for for
bigger groups. We also teach workshops.
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