What is Fusion? Where do the terms Bellydance and Tribal Fusion come from?
Bellydance and Tribal Fusion both originate from traditional and folklore dances. The term „bellydance“ was established in the West because Westerners were unfamiliar with it and referred to it as „danse du ventre,“ which means bellydance in French. With Hollywood and Western dancers, it evolved into entertainment and performance rather than tradition. Dancers began showing their bellies, and the dance became sexualized. The movements were adapted and integrated into Western styles. Today, the term „bellydance“ is both rejected and embraced. Some dancers identify with it and their roots, feeling proud, while others reject it due to its associations with anti-feminism and cultural appropriation.
After the „Hollywood bellydance“ era, „American Tribal Style“ (ATS) developed. Again, ATS is considered cultural appropriation. It is a group dance that uses cues for improvisational dance. Although it was claimed to be the first dance with cues, such cues existed naturally in folklore and traditional dances long before. The inspiration for ATS came from „tribes.“ Today, many have lost touch with the roots of these dances. Understanding the origins, traditions, and music is crucial to appreciating the dance fully.
From ATS, another form emerged: Tribal Fusion, now simply known as „Fusion,“ due to growing awareness of cultural appropriation. This dance style is very young and still finding its way, developed mainly by American dancers. As the name „Fusion“ says, it is a combination of „bellydance“ basic movements and other modern dances.
