American Tribal Style is a dance form which originates from the USA. The style emerged about 20 years ago from the Western United States, it is uniquely American and has become extremely popular and is growing with popularity in the UK.
This style of dance takes in lots of different elements of Arabic, Turkish, Indian, Flamenco and then packages all of these styles together to make the distinctive style of ATS . It does not represent an authentic ethnic style of costume or dance from any one specific culture or people.
The one thing that distinguishes ATS more than anything is that it is typically a group presentation with dancers performing within the tribe as duets, soloists, and the rest of the tribe keeping the chorus line.
Also when performed as a group ATS is often improvised with dancers from the tribe following cues initiated by the designated leader but it can also be performed to choregraphy.
The costume for ATS can be very elaborate and can incorporate tiered spinning skirts, pantaloons, choli tops, coin bras, multi layered turbans, fringed scarves, tassel belts, coin belts, cowrie shells, facial bindis and lots of ethnic jewellery.
Samantha Hasthorpe 
I first discovered belly dance when I was fifteen on a course with my mum! I started dancing in Devon with Jacqui around four years ago learning classical Egyptian style. I enjoyed this very much but always felt this style wasnt quite me, then I discovered tribal in 2003 at Majma in Glastonbury where I first saw Fat Chance Belly Dance perfom-this was just what I'd been looking for.....
I attended all the Fat Chance workshops at Majma and since then Carolena's videos have proved invaluable. I plan to further my studies in Dublin with Wendy Marlett(ex FCBD).
Seeing Rachel Brice perform at the Bloomsbury Theatre this year has also inspired me to broaden my tribal horizons.
Whilst dancing with Jacqui and other teachers I have studied yoga, flamenco and joined a local martial arts group for two years hard training!
Learning weaponry and won the ladies free fighting tournament; all excellent for flexibility, co-ordination and strength in dancing. However now I am concentrating only on dance and yoga.
I have juggled/twirled fire since I was sixteen and now incorporated this into my tribal dancing, hence the name Tribal Fire!
We can be seen performing weekly at Al Bebs restaurant in Torquay and in their new venue opening in the new year in Exeter. Contact Manuela on 07734982993 for restaurant details.
Esme Gregory 
I have been dancing for three years.I have always loved dancing and before learning arabic dancing I took flamenco lessons. When I moved to Devon I was looking around for dance classes to go to, and came across belly dancing classes.
I have always loved Arabic music since visiting Morocco when I was eighteen so I was keen to learn Arabic dancing. A few years ago I went to Majma ( a weekend of dance workshops )with some friends and there we saw Fat chance belly dance company from America performing and did some workshops with them.
Now we have our own small tribal group in Devon and we have a job dancing in a restaurant and I plan to continue dancing for the rest of my life.
Gill 
I've been belly dancing for 2 years. I have also danced Salsa, Flemenco, French Folk, Irish Folk and I also have a great interest in Yoga and Chi Gung. I also tap dance so you could say that I just love dancing!!
I'm now very interested in American Tribal Style Dance and love being part of the performance troup Tribal Fire. I am a pensioner of 62.
Jacqui 
I first came across ATS when a friend lent me a FCBD performance video to watch and a while later was lucky to see Tina Martinez (FCBD) perform at Majma and also attended some of her workshops that weekend.
Since then I have wanted to get involved more with ATS. 2 years ago we all went to Majma which inspired Esme, Sam, Ange and Charmian and later Gill to take ATS further and I have been lucky to be working with these dancers/friends who have such enthusiasm and dedication to this dance form.
I love the power, strength and unity of ATS dance, it's real teamwork, and I love it when we improvise as a group and the spirit of co-operation that takes place between us. The Costume is great too!! I reckon I have become an ardent collector already!
More recently I was able to see Rachel Brice and Co. performing their Urban Style ATS as part of the Bellydance Superstars show in London. This is another hybrid form of ATS which has developed more recently.
Ange 
I have been bellydancing in Jacqui’s class for about 3 years. A couple of years ago we went to Majma and discovered ATS. We have since adopted this as our style. Last year I danced with Sam at Amaulias Flemenco Fashion Show at the Lost Vaugness stage at Glastonbury festival and also danced on stage for several bands at various venues. Esme, Sam and myself have been performing a lot with a band called Panacea, and have several gigs and private functions booked with them in the year ahead. We are also looking forward to performing at lots of festivals over the summer including Glastonbury and The Big Green Gathering.
Charmian 
I’ve been learning Egyptian Style Dance for 3-4 years . I ‘m also exploring the 5 rhythmns form of dance.. I first came across ATS at Majma a couple of years ago and thought it was great. I love animals and I love to dance.
LINKS TO TRIBAL SITES
US
Fat Chance Belly Dance
A fantastic American Tribal Style dance troupe!
UK