In the last few decades belly dancing has gained increasing popularity and recognition all over the world. In Taiwan, it has been practiced and appreciated by many for over a decade. Still, it is difficult to say what the general view of belly dance is in Taiwan today. Some Taiwanese people believe that it is merely a dance of seduction while others understand and appreciate the dance for what it is: a celebration of femininity, a dance for women, by women.
A recent small, outdoor performance of American Tribal Style (ATS) Belly Dance in Taipei inspired a deeper look into the dance itself and the effect it has on its Taiwanese dancers.
The performance was held by the Sherry Shen Bellydance Studio (www.ssbd.com.tw) and it featured students of all levels of ATS belly dance. I had the opportunity to meet with one student from this studio, Lucia Wang, and ask her about her experience in belly dancing.
Some women are hooked on the dance before they even try it themselves. Lucia claims that while watching her first performance, she was “charmed by the belly rolling and body waves” and decided to start belly dancing herself soon after. ATS is generally learned after the basics of Oriental belly dance; and subsequently, another form, called Tribal Fusion, is best learned after ATS. Given this progression, long-term students of belly dance are likely to come to know many of its variations during their years of practice.
ATS belly dance is comprised of different movements, which are then combined together to make the dance flow. Movements of the belly, arms, shoulders and hips are powerful and assertive.
Challenging Movements
Learning to move one’s body in this controlled way is no small feat. I spent an hour under Lucia’s instruction, and I was surprised at how difficult it is to isolate parts of one’s body for movement and others for stasis.
She assured me that this is a challenge for all beginners and so for each hour-long class students are taught only one or two movements.
Despite the fact that it is tricky to learn, the positive effects belly dancing has on those who practice it are meaningful. Sherry Shen, the founder of the studio, says that belly dancing has helped her keep her shape and “become more confident.” In addition, she enjoys setting goals for herself to work towards and says dancing ATS has also given her more style in her daily life. Sherry tells her students “dancing is very simple,” you just “need to be in love with it.”
The ATS style of belly dance was developed by Carolena Nericcio, the founder of the FatChanceBellyDance troupe in California, is based on group improvisation. Unlike traditional dance where one must remember a sequence of movements, ATS dancers practice all of the moves in class ahead of time but they do not know what the performance will be like. This is because performances take the form of “follow the leader;” small groups perform together following one dancer who uses cues to lead the group‘s movements. In ATS, chemistry between group members is very important for performances to flow smoothly. Dancers begin each class with a short meditation, giving thanks for the practice space, their partners and for the dance itself. “It is a dance that takes you out of your daily life” says Lucia, “tribal for me is very natural. It’s a process of unveiling the secrets of nature.”
Intricate Presentation
The mesmerizing body movements and the elaborate costume and makeup of the ATS belly dance leaves viewers spellbound. It’s difficult to take in all of the elements of the dance and costume at once; the audience is left with the tough decision of where to look. The dancer’s hair is a good place to start, filled with flowers, feathers, scarves and sometimes even hair extensions. Elaborate make-up makes the face as captivating as the belly dancer’s movements; deep colors and face gems surrounding the eyes and lips result from the free creative license dancers take during application. The neck is adorned by a dazzling tribal necklace or choker; arms and wrists are decorated with bangles and cuffs.
Lastly, perhaps the most enchanting part of the ATS costume are the skirts worn. Dancers wear two full skirts of different colors with a hand-made tribal apron resting on the waist. The sides of the top skirt are tucked into the waistline of the apron so the color of the skirt underneath can show. Beneath it all, wide-legged pants gathered at the ankles are worn.
Yes, the costume is just as spectacular as the dance itself.
When I asked Lucia what her favorite part of her costume is she answered without hesitating, “the apron, from Australia, because it makes the costume feel very tribal.” Like most ATS belly dancers in Taiwan, Lucia had most of her costume imported from countries like Australia and the U.S.A. She added, “I have combined elements of Taiwanese aboriginal culture into my costume as well” as she proudly showed me two dream catchers attached to her apron.
Lucia’s combination of ATS and her own Taiwanese culture is appropriate given that the American Tribal Style Belly Dance is itself an amalgamation of dance and artistic influences from various cultures and continents. Lucia plans to soon take the next step in her lessons by learning the Tribal Fusion style.
Perhaps as belly dancing continues to grow in popularity in Taiwan, more Taiwanese people will join her and other dancers and begin to view the dance more and more as a celebration of diversity and female empowerment.
Laura Thissen is a language teacher currently traveling in Taiwan.
