American Tribal Style Costume
Red tassel belt designed and sewn by Tinkerbell.
All photos on this page by Dana Myers.
American Tribal Style differs from folkloric style in the basic costume, which need not be culturally accurate (as dancers in the S.C.A. would wear). The costume consists of harem pants beneath a long, full skirt; coin or tassel belt; choli; coin bra; turban; and tons of tribal jewelry. The more jewelry, the better it looks. The veil is optional. Tribal dancers usually perform barefoot.
The veil is tucked into the top of the turban and can be wrapped across the torso to conceal the costume off stage. Also in A.T.S., the ends of the veil can be tucked into the belt. The veil floats behind the dancer and then can be incorporated into the dance routine with various veil tricks.
The tribal style skirt should be made of silk or cotton. A.T.S. troupes usually pick one skirt style and allow some individual variation in color or trim. You can't go wrong with a basic black cotton broomstick skirt.
The tassel belt is a basic costume element. The tassels with brass bells are similar to those on horse and camel saddles in the Middle East. The costume coins with an Egyptian motif match the coin bra. Peacocks are symbolic of rain and fertility in Indian mythology. The design was inspired by henna tattoo patterns. On the front of the belt, above the hips, lotus flowers are also embroidered and crystals sewn in the centers. This symbolized the mantra "OM MANI PADME HUM," which means "the jewel is in the lotus."