Laura's thoughts on Tribal Fusion Bellydance...
FAQ: I am not familiar with Tribal Belly Dance and other forms. What's the difference?
I can only share my experience and my viewpoint. For me, as a Hula dancer, I equate Tribal Belly Dance with the ancient form of Hula called Kahiko. I equate Cabaret Belly Dance with modern Hula 'Auana. For me, Cabaret feels more like a solo dance to an Egyptian Orchestra or drummer(s) adding in a bit of glitzy Hollywood with very pretty costumes (satin pants or skirt with a thigh high slit, beaded and sequin bra, and a veil). I picture strong yet sensuous goddesses with wings. This is the "classic" image of belly dance.
Tribal Belly Dance, on the other hand (again, my opinion only) is more earthy. And for me, more grounded.
Tribal is performed in a group and the group supports and encourages
one another like a Tribe - a sisterhood. (Something very powerful and
that I'd never experienced before in dance.) Tribal style is a very
muscular style with strong isolation movements of the hips and
ribcage/chest, with graceful flowing "snake-like" arms. Tribal also
honors the nomadic tribes of peoples who have folk danced together for
centuries. Tribal costumes tend to be long flowing skirts (think nomadic
gypsy) or pants with a top (either a belly dance bra or short/long
sleeved top or "choli"). Tribal dancers adorn their costumes with items
collected from these nomadic cultures (coins, buttons, chains,
necklaces, bracelets, head pieces, and flowers). The music tends to be
more modern and eclectic and gives Tribal an "underground" or "alternative" sort of feel to it. I picture Earth Goddess. (The amazing Rachel Brice ~ pictured at left ~ is one of my amazing teachers of Tribal Fusion.)
Adding "fusion" to Tribal simply means that to the base of Tribal we fuse or add in elements from other dance and art forms. These include aspects of Flamenco, Latin, hip hop, hula, contemporary, and even the martial arts. (For me, I really like this freedom of expression. Which is what drew me to Tribal Fusion in the first place.)
In the end, all Belly Dance is awesome. All Belly Dance celebrates the power and grace of the female form. And with so many different styles available, there is a style to suit everyone. I hope this helps.
I can only share my experience and my viewpoint. For me, as a Hula dancer, I equate Tribal Belly Dance with the ancient form of Hula called Kahiko. I equate Cabaret Belly Dance with modern Hula 'Auana. For me, Cabaret feels more like a solo dance to an Egyptian Orchestra or drummer(s) adding in a bit of glitzy Hollywood with very pretty costumes (satin pants or skirt with a thigh high slit, beaded and sequin bra, and a veil). I picture strong yet sensuous goddesses with wings. This is the "classic" image of belly dance.
Tribal Belly Dance, on the other hand (again, my opinion only) is more earthy. And for me, more grounded.
Tribal is performed in a group and the group supports and encourages
one another like a Tribe - a sisterhood. (Something very powerful and
that I'd never experienced before in dance.) Tribal style is a very
muscular style with strong isolation movements of the hips and
ribcage/chest, with graceful flowing "snake-like" arms. Tribal also
honors the nomadic tribes of peoples who have folk danced together for
centuries. Tribal costumes tend to be long flowing skirts (think nomadic
gypsy) or pants with a top (either a belly dance bra or short/long
sleeved top or "choli"). Tribal dancers adorn their costumes with items
collected from these nomadic cultures (coins, buttons, chains,
necklaces, bracelets, head pieces, and flowers). The music tends to be
more modern and eclectic and gives Tribal an "underground" or "alternative" sort of feel to it. I picture Earth Goddess. (The amazing Rachel Brice ~ pictured at left ~ is one of my amazing teachers of Tribal Fusion.)Adding "fusion" to Tribal simply means that to the base of Tribal we fuse or add in elements from other dance and art forms. These include aspects of Flamenco, Latin, hip hop, hula, contemporary, and even the martial arts. (For me, I really like this freedom of expression. Which is what drew me to Tribal Fusion in the first place.)
In the end, all Belly Dance is awesome. All Belly Dance celebrates the power and grace of the female form. And with so many different styles available, there is a style to suit everyone. I hope this helps.
"I just have to tell you. After dance class last night I felt SO incredibly strong, sexy, and playful. I still have a huge smile on my face. And I can still feel and hear the jingle-jangle of the bellydance hip scarf on my hips. This was the most fun I've ever had (not to mention how aware I am of my abs - that "warm up" was amazing). Thank you SO much. I can't wait for my next class!"
-- Deb B.
"You are an amazing teacher. The muscle isolation drills you've taught me in Bellydance have allowed me to drop two entire dress sizes. And best of all, class makes me feel great and I have a smile on my face for days afterward. Thank you."