The following information is taken from ‘The Tribal Bible – Exploring the Phenomenon that is American Tribal Style Bellydance’ by Kajira Djoumahna, 2003

Tribal style is an ethnic fusion that blends regional dances from Egypt, Turkey, Algeria and Tunisia, as well as components of Flamenco and Gypsy Dance. 

The roots of this style are in the late 1960’s in San Francisco with Jamila Salimpour’s group Bal Anat.  Her 30 minute show was an education in different styles of bellydance from around the Middle East, including cabaret style.  Their colourful costumes and facial tattoos suggested a tribal culture and Morocco of New York coined the term ‘American Tribal’ to describe this new style.

Tribal dance was further developed by one of Jamila’s students, Masha Archer and her group the San Francisco Classic Dance Troupe.  She developed the artistic side rather than recreating traditional Middle Eastern dance styles.  One of her students, Carolena Nerriccio developed her own ideas further and started Fatchancebellydance and to this day Carolena remains the most prominent influence on the dance form.

What sets tribal style apart from other genres of belly dance?

It is a group improvisation

• Movements are divided into fast and slow types, each with its own repertoire
• Dancers learn a vocabulary to create a choreography spontaneously.  Therefore each dance is unique, based on the chemistry between the dancers, the audience and the music.

The costumes are inspired by various tribes throughout North Africa, the Middle East and India.