American Tribal Style (ATS) is the opposite in dress to many of the modern forms of belly dance.

While cabaret and oriental style dancers tend to wear light, glamorous costumes, Tribal is earthy and rich. Dancers have the freedom to use whatever costume pieces appeal to them, and while they are usually folkloric in origin they are not authentic Middle Eastern.

A common American Tribal costume basic is the choli top - the top worn by Indian women under their saris - which come in different lengths and colors, and are often embroidered or embellished with coins or mirrored pieces.

Tribal skirts tend to be heavy and multi-tiered, very different from the floaty chiffon seen in cabaret styles. Fabrics are usually heavy and natural, although bright colors are not uncommon. Belts and hip scarves are often adorned with bright tassels, like those used to decorate saddles and bridles.

Other adornments are generally plentiful for belly dance tribal costumes. Turbans are popular and/or braided or dreadlocked hair, along with rings, armbands and necklaces. Body art is not a traditional aspect of belly dancing but in ATS mendhi (henna tattoos) and kohl facial art is common and mimics the tattoos worn by ancient tribes around the world.

The original American Tribal has evolved, just like belly dance itself, into other styles of the dance, such as Gothic and Urban Tribal, and their belly dance costumes tend to reflect the particular style the dancer is performing. For example, Gothic Tribal costumes are usually made of black or dark fabrics with metal adornments, and hair, makeup and tattoos to match.

When considering your own belly dance tribal costumes the best advice is to let your imagination run wild. Consider the style of tribal dance you are performing and what you feel most comfortable wearing, and then create your own unique masterpiece!

For more information on the wonderful world of belly dancing and a free copy of Belly Dancing: Getting Started please visit Belly Dancing Secrets...