Secrets of Tribal Fusion dance

Tribal Fusion dance is known today as a form of dance... experimental. This is because it is one of those few dances that allows true self-expression. It has a lot of elements of Tribal ATS, but also Egyptian fusion or bellydance. Tribal Fusion requires a lot of dance skills, as it uses just as many dance styles. So what sets Tribal Fusion apart from other dance genres? Well, there is a bit more mystery hiding!

Where did Tribal Fusion originate from?

Tribal Fusion was born in California (1990s). At the very beginning, the dance mixed a bit of North African dance art, but also a bit of Middle Eastern. So it combined elements of ATS dance, but also Indian, modern and raqs sharqi dances. Historians insist that Tribal Dance has its origins also in the ritual dances of Arab culture - for it was there that women danced it exclusively in their circle. Tribal Fusion is thus said to have originated in Egypt, or more precisely in early 20th century Cairo.

When the dance slowly began to "come out" on the modern scene, it became heavily intertwined with modernist types of dance. Thus, one can see in Tribal Fusion dance today a veritable tangle of styles. A keen eye will quickly pick up not only the heritage of the Orient in the dance, but also the strong influence of European folklore. The way Tribal Fusion is danced in many countries differs - as it is constantly undergoing development and many modifications. However, there are certain dance mannerisms that are similar in Morocco, Turkey, Saudi Arabia or Tunisia - as it is a constant reference to the Egyptian style of dance. Of course, certain dance "tricks" can also be picked up in European countries or America. All you have to do is watch carefully.

What does the costume of a Tribal Fusion dancer look like?

Interestingly, Tribal Fusion dancers usually dress very differently. Sometimes the outfits are colorful, and other times they are monochromatic. However, there is one element that brings all the dancers' outfits together - original, unique and insanely interesting ethnic jewelry. Equally intriguing are the ethnic costumes that the dancers put on. Most of them are created by themselves, but it takes a lot of unconventional accessories to enrich and distinguish such an outfit.

The dancers' costumes combine many different inspirations - from African or Arab tribes, through American, Asian and European folklore inspirations. It is very common for dancers to wear long skirts with multiple layers, as well as short choli. Others opt for bras adorned with clanking coins, large scarves with ruffles , as well as turbans and oriental silver jewelry. The places where ethnic items are produced are usually India Thailand, North Africa or Arab countries, with tribes still living there.

Very often, dancers paint their faces (khol and kajal). The more daring among them also have their faces partly... tattooed.

Tribal Fusion, and the spiritual tradition

The exact origins of this type of dance are unknown. It is said, for example, that it originated from the Egyptian ritual dance we mentioned at the beginning of the article. This is the so-called "fertility dance," which was supposed to provide women with offspring. Others, however, insist that the belly dance was initiated by the Sumerian cult of the god Ishtar. She is said to be the one who marries the god of nature, Tammuz, each year. This god dies, and Ishtar goes to the world of the dead to dance the "dance of the seven veils," at each gate connecting the world of the dead to the living. In this way Tammuz is supposedly reborn.

Many historians also insist that the origins of Tribal Fusion can be traced to various gods. Some point to Isis (goddess of the moon in Egypt), while others point to Kybele or Attis (Phrygia, an ancient land in Asia Minor). On whose side lies the truth? It's hard to say.

What is modern Gothic Belly Dance?

It is one of the modern varieties of Tribal Fusion dance, which combined classical belly dance, Tribal Fusion and... Gothic subculture. The dance movements are very similar to those used in Tribal Fusion, but the Gothic version is all about theatricality, specific music and very instigating costumes - as ethnic stoles are replaced by corsets, latex or platform shoes. This is what makes Gothic Belly Dance dancers look dark and quite... mysterious. Makeup and hairstyle are also quite dark in such dancers, also alluding to the Gothic subculture and thus increasing the appeal of the mysterious dance.

What do Tribal Fusion dancers have in common?

It doesn't matter whether Tribal Fusion draws more from Egypt or the ancient gods. It doesn't matter if traditional dancers dress differently from Gothic Belly Dance dancers. It doesn't matter how different the ethnic jewelry is in the dance costumes. One thing is certain - Tribal Fusion is a dance that allows you to express yourself and the flow of tremendous energy through your body!

Thanks to it you can become aware of your breathing, learn proper posture or stimulate blood circulation. It is a dance that helps to model the figure or strengthen the muscles of various parts of the body. There is no Tribal Fusion dancer who would say that the dance has not given her confidence in her own abilities. This is because it allows the discovery of many rather subtly different aspects of femininity, and also shows a therapeutic effect. Thus, Tribal Fusion is, above all, a solid dose of harmonization of mind, spirit, body, feelings and... emotions!