Post by Najmes on Mar 25, 2004 11:53:00 GMT -5
American Tribal Style (ATS) belly dance seems to have originated in San Francisco in the late 70's according to research that I have come across. The originators are groups such as Bal Anat headed by Jamilla Salimpour and later branched off to Hahbi Ru and Fat Chance Belly Dance. The most recogniseable aspect of ATS is the absense of beaded fringe & flashy sequined costumes with the performers costuming heading towards a more 'authentic' historical perspective. I have my suspicions that belly dance may have taken this direction due to the period necessity of dancing being introduced at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire. ATS seems to have taken on a life of it own since those early days with many groups now adopting their own unique brand of performing. I also think that being an American dancer we do tend to try to over-compensate for our lack of culture by creating one of our own. ATS also tends to draw dancers that wish to avoid the mainstream & experiment with their art. Raks Sharki dancers tend to be those who love the tradition of the glamour that is caberet.
I have performed both styles with success at different venues. I must admid that the key to pulling off a successful show is to know your audience. If you are performing for a group of Saudi's or Egyptian's you'd better bring your best caberet costume because that is the 'elevated' style of dancing they are used to. I have seen many ATS dancer's sneered at by people of a culture they were trying to emulate. To them 'folk' dancing is a lower form of dancing & more over the greatest mistake is the incorrect costuming ATS wear whilst trying to be authentic.
Tribal Style dancing is a beauty to be beheld and a skill to mastered, just make sure that you are performing it for the right audience who will respect you for it.
I have performed both styles with success at different venues. I must admid that the key to pulling off a successful show is to know your audience. If you are performing for a group of Saudi's or Egyptian's you'd better bring your best caberet costume because that is the 'elevated' style of dancing they are used to. I have seen many ATS dancer's sneered at by people of a culture they were trying to emulate. To them 'folk' dancing is a lower form of dancing & more over the greatest mistake is the incorrect costuming ATS wear whilst trying to be authentic.
Tribal Style dancing is a beauty to be beheld and a skill to mastered, just make sure that you are performing it for the right audience who will respect you for it.