How do they differ from other Belly Dance costumes?
American Tribal Style (ATS) is the opposite in dress to many of the modern forms of belly dance. While cabaret and oriental style dancers tend to wear light, glamorous costumes, Tribal is earthy and rich. Dancers have the freedom to use whatever costume pieces appeal to them, and while they are usually folkloric in origin they are not authentic Middle Eastern. A common American Tribal costume basic is the choli top – the top worn by Indian women under their saris – which come in different lengths and colors, and are often embroidered or embellished with coins or mirrored pieces. Tribal skirts tend to be heavy and multi-tiered, very different from the floaty chiffon seen in cabaret styles. Fabrics are usually heavy and natural, although bright colors are not uncommon. Belts and hip scarves are often adorned with bright tassels, like those used to decorate saddles and bridles. Other adornments are generally plentiful for belly dance tribal costumes. Turbans are popular and/or braided or
