Tribal Style bellydance is a modern and Western phenomenon. It takes the movements of Middle Eastern dance and combines them with movements,

posture and aesthetics of other ethnic dance forms,such as North African dance, Flamenco and Classical Indian dance.

It also has a unique costuming style using rich and heavy textiles, tribal jewellery, metal adornments and many layers of clothing.

The costuming does not aim to reproduce any given genuine tribal group,but instead conforms to Western notions of ethnic fantasy using a range of different

elements from many areas to create a look that is overall cohesive and unusual.

BY Kathryn Wittington (BlackWillow Belly Dance)