What is Tribal Dance

Tribal Style Dance is a fusion dance form based on folk dances from the silk route.  Whilst primarily the moves are middle eastern in origin, the styling incorporates Indian, Spanish, Moroccan, and Turkish.  It is relatively new and is sometimes called American Tribal Style (ATS) as it origninated in the US in the 1980's.

The dance form is a group dance, which is improvised the majority of times.  This means there are set families of moves that the entire group ("tribe") know, and when the leader of the dance wants to change to another move they "cue" the other dancers, who then follow into the new move as they know what each cue means.  The leader changes regularly as the dance is about the group and not an individual.  This leads to a strong social interaction between the dancers.

Usually there is a chorus of dancers in the background from which feed two or three dancers who come out the front.  One leads, while the others follow, then it is someone else's turn, so they feed back into the chorus and others come out the front.

The various moves are learnt by tribal dancers across the world, and because we all speak the same "language" it means tribal dancers can go anywhere in the world and dance freely with other tribal dancers in an improvised way. 

The costuming also combines elements of the silk route.  Traditionally tribalists wear Indian inspired choli's, big skirts, turbans, lots and lots of ethnic jewellery, and tattoos (real or fake).  Each tribe adapts the costume to what suits them, so you  will also see dreadlock, dance pants, fishnets, gauntlets and more urban looking items.

Please look at the photo page to see examples of what the Tribal Dance Company look like when we perform.

Tribal Style is for all sizes, age and ability .  The group works on the idea that each individal can bring something to the group, no -one has to lead the dance unless they wish to, or even come out the front unless they feel comfortable.

Tribal is as much about dancing for yourself and your fellow "tribe"members as it is about dancing for any audience. 

So come along and meet other and enjoy some physical activity in a safe secure environment, we are from all walks of life, all sizes, and all ages from teens to our 60's, so you won't be out of place!