Frequently Asked Questions about
American Tribal Style
What is Tribal Style?
Tribal Style Bellydance is both a celebration of the
female spirit and a physical display of the strength
and beauty of women. It's roots can be traced back
to the rituals of past matriarchal cultures and to
the secular entertainments evolved as the gypsies
traveled through India, Central Asia, the Middle East,
North Africa and Spain.
There are many styles of bellydance. The most authentic
styles are cabaret and folkloric. Other styles have
evolved as the dance migrated from the Middle East
and North Africa into Europe and the US and back again.
FatChanceBellyDance performs what is referred to as
American Tribal Style Bellydance.
What distinguishes Tribal from other styles of bellydance
is the way in which steps, movements, gestures, even
costume, are redesigned to suit the common denominator
of a group dancing together. The music is selected
for it's clarity, the steps for their universal application
and yet, whether performed as choreography or improvisation
the result is one of simple elegance and rhythmic
style.
What is FatChanceBellyDance?
Read the history of FCBD and see research on American
Tribal Style and FCBD on our history
page.
What are the different class levels? What
level am I? When can I move up?
Class levels are:
Dance Fundamentals (Level One)
Tribal Combinations (Level Two)
Drills (Level Three)
Improv Choreography (Level 3 and beyond)
Previously we required that you take six of the
Basics Level One classes before moving up to Basics
Level Two. As we see it, our style and steps are unique
to FCBD and the main feature of what we do is the
uniformity of steps so that several dancers can dance
together improvisationally. To achieve this magic
of improvisation all dancers need the same vocabulary.
Without it the outside dancer can easily follow, but
the result is the frustration of the more knowledgeable
dancers who have to slow down to accommodate the newcomer.
However this proved an unpopular request, as
so many dancers are teaching and performing "Tribal
Style Bellydance", learned from our videos long
distance or from other sources. So, in response to
popular demand, we have created two new classes for
the Entry Level student. Entry Level being defined
as anyone new to our studio, regardless of experience.
So, now we offer you this:
Dance Fundamentals (Level One) is still a basic class.
It is the best place for a new student to start. It
can also function as review for a more experienced
student. This class will always feature the Fundamentals
of one slow movement and one fast rhythmic step. Also
included are stretches, posture, awareness of body
mechanics, music and history as appropriate, and simple
zils (finger cymbals).
Next is Tribal Combinations (Level Two). This class
takes you through one slow and one fast combination.
You will follow the teacher through a drill, review
it for technique and application, then dance it on
your own. It is best used after several Fundamentals
classes, or at least concurrently as there are no
breakdowns of basic steps. But, the adventurous beginner
or visiting dancer can take this class as the focus
is individual technique. We introduce partnering and
improv as time allows.
After you're comfortable with Fundamentals and Combinations,
ask a teacher about joining Drills and Improv Choreography
(Level Three.) Drills covers technique of the Intermediate
and Advanced Steps used in Improv Choreography. Here
is where you will learn to put the information from
Level One and Level Two into practice as you pair
up to dance with a partner or work as part of a trio
or quartet. For these classes to be beneficial to
all involved, you really must have experience in Fundamentals
(Level One) and Combinations (Level Two.)
If you are visiting from out-of-town or feel you
have a special need, please call and speak to Carolena
BEFORE attending the class. We don't have time to
negotiate special requests in the few minutes preceeding
a class.
What should I wear?
For your first classes you should wear something comfortable
until you decide that you want to continue with lessons.
When you are ready for costuming, we recommend a full
skirt worn at the hips, a shawl or scarf tied around
the hips, pantaloons or tights, and a choli top.
How long will it take for me to learn?
There is no real answer to this question because everyone
learns at a different pace. However, if you attend
classes consistently every week, pay attention and
practice at home you will have a good understanding
of what's going on within a few months.
Where do I get music to practice with? Videos?
Books? Finger Cymbals (Zils)? Etc?
We have almost everything you need for Tribal Style
Bellydance. The store is open whenever class is in
session or you can make an appointment to come in.
Regular items like videos and music are always in
stock. Special items like jewelry and costume ebb
and flow so make sure to ask if you need something
that you don't see stocked.
What is a Salon?
Salons are Student Showcases where you can learn about
and enjoy performance in a supportive setting. We
try to hold Salons every three or four months. To
prepare for a Salon, you must take at least one Basics,
Level Two and Intermediate class each week in the
month or so before the show. However, we recommend
staying in shape by coming to class on a regular basis
vs prepping only when there is a show coming up. If
you aren't ready to perform, come to the Salon and
watch, you can learn a lot from observing the show
and applying what you've been learning in classes.
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