Tribal Belly Dance is a fusion style, incorporating movements from the dances of tribal peoples from the Middle East and Northern Africa, with influences from Spain and India. In its purest form, there is no choreography. Dancers learn a vocabulary of steps, and 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.

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), former students of Carolena, have developed 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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