RSSGetting Familiar with American Tribal Style
13 May 2011 No Comments
in For Beginners, General Bellydance Tags: American Tribal Style, ATS, beginners, belly dance, bellydance, improvisational dance, tribal, tribe
As many have noticed, I’ve really been on an American Tribal Style (ATS) kick with my bellydance career. The only class I’m currently holding is American Tribal Style in Killeen. I’ve been doing a lot of ATS with my good friend Erin down in Austin. When I talk about dancing, it’s mostly ATS. It’s the one style of bellydance I’m most passionate about. There’s something about the community created through ATS that’s unlike anything else you have in the bellydance world.
My time dancing with Erin has taught me that ATS is a huge challenge. While I tell people it’s a great way for beginners to get into tribal bellydance, especially if they hope to perform some day, it takes time to learn. The movements aren’t terribly challenging, but learning to be comfortable with the improvisational nature of bellydance is definitely more difficult. Not only do you have to feel comfortable and confident with the movements, but you need to be at least a confident follower. Leading can be avoided until you feel ready, but it’s something that’s going to have to be tackled eventually. However, I think it’s one of the more challenging forms of bellydance I know. Even with all the experience I have, I still find myself challenged with every performance. ATS is so incredibly easy, but at the same rate, not easy at all!
I’m really looking forward to familiarizing myself with ATS again. I want to get to the point where I’m so comfortable leading and following that I’m no longer worried about it. I can just jump into any situation. When you’re dealing with a regular group that you can practice with all the time it’s easier. You build comfort and trust, but you can’t do that with dancers you’ve never danced with before. I want to get to the point where I can just jump in and dance with anyone.
What am I going to be doing every chance I get for the next few months? Getting familiar with ATS again! I’ve got a wonderful opportunity to dance with Sonya from Austin of the Typsy Gypsies. We’re going to get together and work on improvisational dance. I’m truly excited about this. It’s going to be a lot of fun and I should have some great new things to bring out to classes!
