Tribal Belly Dance is an improvisational world movement style. It is a structured non-verbal language created in America, which blends traditional Middle Eastern dance with influences from around the world, including Indian, North African, Spanish, and Modern dances. There is no choreography. Dancers learn a vocabulary of steps, and they improvise unique dances using this vocabulary. They take turns leading and following each other. It is an elegant and earthy “in the moment” style, which celebrates connection and support among women.

Tribal Belly Dance is a low impact form of exercise and expression, which is well suited to a woman's anatomy. It benefits women of all ages and body types. Beautiful movements blend organically into mesmerizing, meditative dances. As a performance dance, it is beautiful, powerful, and deeply moving. But there is never any pressure to perform in public. Tribal Belly Dance is first and foremost a social dance. We dance for ourselves and for each other. We dance to build community. We gain strength and flexibility, and we get a gentle aerobic workout. We let go of our stress. We enjoy the sensual stimulation of world music, flowing scarves and veils, beautiful costumes, rhythmic movement, and supportive companionship. We learn to appreciate and care for our bodies and our spirits. We nurture each other. We work hard, and we have fun! .

The term "Tribal Belly Dance" was originally meant to describe a group of dancers (the tribe) improvising together. It was created by Carolena Nereccio, whose troupe Fat Chance Belly Dance performs her breathtaking American Tribal Style (ATS) group improvisational format. Paulette Rees-Denis (Gypsy Caravan) and Kajira Djoumahna (Black Sheep Belly Dance), two of the original members of Fat Chance Belly Dance, have evolved their own stunning group improvisational vocabularies. And owing to the power and popularity of the form, many others have taken it and made it their own, creating unique and beautiful interpretations.

And there-in lies the controversy. What exactly is tribal belly dance? Is it ATS and only ATS? Is it group improvisation? Just how far can it flow from the source before it becomes something else? These days there are hundreds of very different styles whose dancers call themselves tribal. There are gothic interpretations, African and hip hop fusions, solos, group choreographies, and cabaret-style solos in tribal costuming. And the list is constantly growing. For an interesting and thoughtful perspective on the evolution of tribal styles, please read About Tribal Belly Dance by Sharon Moore.

Tapestry Tribal performs Tribal Group Improv style bellydance. Our vocabulary is blended, with Gypsy Caravan as our primary lineage. We also incorporate moves from the Fat Chance and Black Sheep vocabularies, and we create our own.

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