There are many different styles of Tribal bellydance. Pure American Tribal Style (ATS) is a fully improvised format. Tribal Fusion is the name given to a dance form that takes ATS stylings of movement and costume and fuses or blends them with elements of other dance forms. As with any other art form, it is constantly evolving as people take it to the next level.

Improvised Tribal Style bellydance differs from the more traditional forms of bellydance usually studied in this country in that it is based on a structured set or format of moves, performed in a specified way. There are many different improvisational formats; indeed many Tribal dancers study established ones created by other troupes such as FatChanceBellyDance, Gypsy Caravan, Black Sheep Bellydance and others. Many troupes create their own, taking particular movements and modifying them, or performing them in a slightly different way.

Several things however tend to remain consistent across all varieties of Tribal Style. Bellydance of all styles requires isolation, muscle memory, control and precision; Tribal is no different. Tribal Style has strong arm positions and gestures. Moves tend to feel more earthy and muscular than in other forms. Flamenco and classical Indian dance influences are apparent.

Popular Tribal costuming is heavily layered with a more ethnic feel than the sparkle and glamour of cabaret style bellydance costumes, although the popular large amount of jewellery worn more than compensates for the lack of sequins. Many Tribal dancers own tattoos and body piercings. Make-up is elaborate with heavy eyeliner and bindis.

Synchronised group improvisation is exciting and challenging. One dancer takes the lead, the others following her movements by a system of cues and counting of the beats in the music, usually until she steps back signalling it is another dancer's turn to come forward to take the lead.

In larger troupes soloists, duets and trios of dancers step out from a chorus line made up of the whole troupe. These then lead and follow while the chorus line behind them do the same with simpler, complimentary moves. On stepping back to rejoin the chorus, another dancer or small group of dancers will take their place in the centre.

Sometimes troupes choose to prepare a performance in advance by arranging which dancers will step out from the chorus for which track (or part of a track), or at which point in the music a specific formation change will occur. This is to prevent confusion on stage and to ensure that not everyone moves forward from the chorus at once.

Once a troupe has danced together for a period of time, often they find that they can tell which move or combo a particular dancer is going to move into next. It can sometimes feel spooky! Likewise everyone has their favourite combination.

For more information on the origins of Tribal please read Kathryn's article, used with permission.