If you're like most people just starting out, you probably typed "belly dance classes near me" into Google and found yourself overwhelmed by descriptions like "Egyptian Cabaret," "American Tribal Style," "Tribal Fusion," and "Oriental Dance." Wait—aren't they all the same thing? Spoiler alert: they're definitely not, and understanding the differences will help you find exactly the right class for your goals and personality.
At BellyDanceClassFinder, we've built our directory specifically to help you navigate these waters. Studios across the country specialize in different styles, and knowing what you're looking for makes all the difference. Let's break down the major belly dance styles so you can walk into your first class feeling informed and excited.
Infographic showing different belly dance styles and their origins.
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Classical Egyptian & Oriental Dance: The Heart of the Tradition
When most people picture belly dance, they're likely imagining what dancers call Egyptian Cabaret or Oriental dance. This is the glamorous, sequined, hip-shimmying style you see in restaurants, at weddings, and in countless YouTube videos. But there's so much more to this style than meets the eye.
What Is Oriental Dance?
The term "oriental dance" (or raqs sharqi in Arabic, which literally translates to "Eastern dance") refers to the solo improvisational dance that evolved in Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries. This is the foundational style from which most modern belly dance derives, and it's deeply connected to the music and culture of the Arab world.
A belly dancer Egyptian style typically performs to classical Arabic music featuring orchestras with strings, percussion, and traditional instruments like the oud, qanun, and ney. The dancer interprets the music through movements that emphasize fluid, isolated actions of the hips, ribcage, shoulders, and arms. The goal is to embody the music—to become a visual representation of every note, rhythm, and emotional nuance.
Egyptian belly dance has several sub-styles worth understanding:
- Raqs Sharqi (Classical Egyptian): This is the refined, elegant style you'd see in upscale Cairo nightclubs or concert stages. Think graceful arm movements, controlled hip work, intricate shimmies, and sophisticated floor patterns. Dancers typically wear elaborate bedlah (the classic two-piece costume with a fitted bra and belt over a skirt or harem pants), often dripping with sequins, beads, and fringe. Legendary Egyptian dancers like Samia Gamal, Tahia Carioca, and more recently, Dina and Randa Kamel, epitomize this style.
- Raqs Baladi: Often called "folkloric" or "earthy" style, raqs baladi is the social dance of the Egyptian people. "Baladi" means "of the country" or "folkloric," and this style is grounded, playful, and less formal than raqs sharqi. The movements are often more grounded with bent knees, and the costume is typically a fitted dress called a "baladi dress" rather than a bedlah. The music features baladi rhythms and is more straightforward and repetitive than the orchestral compositions used for raqs sharqi.
- Shaabi: This is the street-style party dance of Egypt, performed to shaabi music (a genre of Egyptian popular music). It's fun, sassy, and incorporates lots of attitude and character. Shaabi dance tends to be more athletic and less refined than classical raqs sharqi.
The Golden Era and Egyptian Cinema
Much of what we know about Egyptian belly dance comes from the Golden Age of Egyptian Cinema (1940s-1960s), when belly dance was featured prominently in films. Dancers weren't just entertainers—they were celebrated artists and film stars. This era shaped the aesthetic standards that many dancers still aspire to today.
Egyptian dance emphasizes femininity, grace, and emotional expression. A skilled belly dancer Egyptian performs with what's called "layering"—executing multiple movements simultaneously (like a hip shimmy while doing shoulder rolls while traveling across the floor). The face and eyes are incredibly expressive, communicating joy, flirtation, longing, or playfulness depending on the music.
Learning Oriental Dance Today
If you're drawn to classical music, elegant costuming, and traditional technique, seeking out classes in Egyptian or oriental dance is your best bet. Many instructors have trained directly in Egypt or with Egyptian teachers, and they'll guide you through the foundational movements: hip drops, lifts, and circles; rib cage slides and circles; shoulder shimmies; undulations; and the layering that makes this dance so captivating.
Looking for a specific style? Many studios listed on BellyDanceClassFinder specialize in either Tribal or Oriental. Check the studio descriptions in your city to find instructors who focus on Egyptian and Oriental techniques.
Cultural Considerations
It's worth noting that oriental dance exists within a complex cultural context. In Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries, the dance has both celebration and controversy surrounding it. While it's beloved at weddings and celebrations, professional dancers sometimes face social stigma. As Western students of this art form, approaching it with cultural respect and appreciation—understanding its origins and context—is important.
Many dancers and scholars prefer the term "oriental dance" over "belly dance" because the latter is considered reductive and was actually coined by Western observers. The Arabic name raqs sharqi centers the dance within its own cultural framework rather than reducing it to a single body part.
American Tribal Style (ATS) & FCBD: The Sisterhood Revolution
Now let's pivot to something completely different—a style born not in the Middle East, but in San Francisco in the 1980s. American Tribal Style belly dance (often abbreviated as ATS belly dance) represents a radical reimagining of what belly dance could be.
The Origins of ATS
ATS was created by Carolena Nericcio, founder of FatChanceBellyDance (FCBD), in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Carolena drew inspiration from various sources: belly dance movements she learned from Masha Archer and Jamila Salimpour (who developed one of the first belly dance format systems in the United States), North African and Middle Eastern folkloric dances, flamenco posture and arm positions, and Indian classical dance aesthetics.
But here's where it gets interesting: Carolena wasn't trying to recreate an ancient Middle Eastern tradition. She was creating something entirely new—a fusion style with its own vocabulary, format, and philosophy. The result is american tribal belly dance, a style that's immediately recognizable by its unique aesthetic and group improvisation format.
What Makes ATS Different?
Unlike Egyptian belly dance, which centers on solo improvisation to music, ATS is primarily performed in groups using a system of cues and formations. Dancers use subtle hand signals, body cues, and directional changes to communicate with each other in real-time, creating choreography on the spot without rehearsal.
This is revolutionary. In an ATS performance, one dancer serves as the leader (usually standing at the front), and the other dancers follow her cues. The leader might signal for a hip shimmy, then cue a turn, then a formation change—all through movements integrated seamlessly into the dance. When done well, it looks effortless and magical, like the dancers are reading each other's minds.
The vocabulary of ats belly dance includes movements borrowed from various dance traditions but executed with specific technique:
- Posture: Lifted chest, engaged core, arms often held in angular positions reminiscent of flamenco
- Footwork: Flat-footed steps, often in formation patterns
- Turns: Both slow and fast spins, frequently spotting to the side rather than the front
- Layering: Combining upper body movements (like shoulder shimmies) with lower body movements (like hip drops)
- Zils: Many ATS dancers perform while playing finger cymbals (zils), adding a percussive element to the performance
The ATS Aesthetic
The visual aesthetic of american tribal belly dance is distinctive and dramatic. Dancers typically wear:
- Full, tiered skirts (often 25-yard skirts)
- Choli tops (influenced by Indian dress)
- Large tribal belts with tassels, shells, or metal ornaments
- Extensive layered jewelry—headpieces, necklaces, bracelets, earrings
- Hair styled in decorative styles (braids, buns with flowers or ornaments)
- Bold makeup with bindi-inspired forehead decoration
The overall look is earthy, powerful, and eclectic—drawing from various cultures but not attempting to represent any single tradition authentically. This has been both celebrated (for its creative fusion) and critiqued (for its cultural borrowing without proper context).
The Philosophy: Dance as Sisterhood
Beyond the technique and aesthetics, ATS is fundamentally about community and connection. The group improvisation format requires dancers to be present, attentive, and supportive of each other. There's no spotlight-stealing or competition—everyone works together to create something beautiful in the moment.
Many practitioners describe ATS as empowering. The strong posture, powerful movements, and collaborative structure create a dance experience that feels less about performing for a male gaze and more about connecting with fellow dancers. The sisterhood aspect is central to FCBD and many other ATS troupes.
Learning ATS Today
If you're interested in learning american tribal belly dance, look for studios that specifically mention ATS, FCBD, or group improvisation formats. Carolena Nericcio and FatChanceBellyDance maintain a teacher training program and certification process, so you may find FCBD-certified instructors in your area. There are also many talented teachers who studied ATS but have developed their own teaching approaches and vocabularies.
The beauty of ATS is that you can start performing relatively quickly—once you know the basic cue system and vocabulary, you can improvise with any other ATS dancer, anywhere in the world. It's like speaking a shared language.
Many studios listed on BellyDanceClassFinder offer ATS classes. Use our search filters to find instructors in your city who specialize in this collaborative, improvisational style.
Tribal Fusion & Modern Styles: Where Creativity Knows No Bounds
If Egyptian dance is the traditional root and ATS is the structured community-based offshoot, then Tribal Fusion is the wild, creative frontier where anything goes. This is where belly dance meets contemporary dance, where hip-hop influences collide with classical technique, and where a dancer might perform to industrial music wearing a leather corset and combat boots.
What Is Tribal Fusion?
Belly dance tribal fusion emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s as dancers trained in ATS and traditional belly dance began experimenting with new music, costumes, and movement vocabularies. While the term "tribal fusion" is most commonly used, you might also hear terms like "fusion belly dance," "modern fusion," or specific sub-genres like gothic belly dance.
Unlike ATS, which has a defined vocabulary and structure, tribal fusion is characterized by its diversity and innovation. Dancers blend belly dance technique with elements from:
- Hip-hop and popping
- Contemporary and modern dance
- Ballroom and Latin dance
- Flamenco
- Yoga and flexibility work
- Martial arts
- Burlesque and vaudeville
The "tribal" element typically refers to the aesthetic influence—earthy costuming, often darker color palettes, extensive jewelry and ornamentation—while "fusion" speaks to the blending of movement styles.
Gothic Belly Dance and Dark Fusion
One particularly popular sub-genre is gothic belly dance (or dark fusion), which embraces darker aesthetics, mysterious themes, and often performs to gothic, industrial, or darkwave music. Dancers like Zoe Jakes, Rachel Brice, and Mardi Love helped pioneer this aesthetic in the early 2000s.
Gothic belly dance performances might feature:
- Black, deep purple, or burgundy costuming with leather, lace, or metal elements
- Dramatic makeup with dark lips and eyes
- Performances to bands like Dead Can Dance, Massive Attack, or Middle Eastern fusion groups
- Incorporation of props like swords, veils, or fans
- Theatrical storytelling or character work
The gothic belly dance aesthetic resonated with dancers who wanted to express darker emotions, mystery, or edginess rather than the sparkle and glamour of Egyptian cabaret or the sisterhood vibe of ATS.
The Rachel Brice Revolution
No discussion of tribal fusion would be complete without mentioning Rachel Brice, arguably the most influential tribal fusion dancer of the 2000s. As a member of the Bellydance Superstars and founder of The Datura Style, Rachel brought tribal fusion to international stages and inspired thousands of dancers worldwide.
Rachel's style is characterized by:
- Extreme flexibility and yogic influences
- Precise, controlled isolations
- Slow, deliberate movements combined with sudden bursts of energy
- Deep squats and floor work
- Extensive use of tattoos and body art as part of the aesthetic
- Performances that blend technical mastery with emotional depth
Her influence spread through workshops, DVDs, and online videos, shaping what many people think of when they hear "tribal fusion belly dance."
Contemporary Fusion and Beyond
As tribal fusion evolved, it continued diversifying. Today you'll find:
- Tech Tribal: Fusion with electronic dance music, dubstep, or glitch-hop, often incorporating tutting, waving, and other street dance elements.
- Classical Fusion: Dancers with strong Egyptian or Turkish training who incorporate modern music or contemporary choreographic structures while maintaining classical technique.
- Burlesque Fusion: Blending belly dance with neo-burlesque, often incorporating humor, storytelling, and audience interaction.
- Folkloric Fusion: Taking traditional folkloric dances (like Khaleegy, Saidi, or Moroccan styles) and presenting them in contemporary contexts with modern music or staging.
- Slow Flow and Meditative Fusion: Emphasizing smooth, continuous movements, often to downtempo or ambient music, incorporating elements from contemporary dance and tai chi.
Costuming Freedom
One of the most appealing aspects of belly dance tribal fusion for many dancers is the creative freedom in costuming. While Egyptian dance has fairly standardized costume expectations and ATS has its distinctive tribal aesthetic, fusion allows dancers to express their individual style completely.
You might see fusion dancers performing in:
- Vintage-inspired outfits with Victorian or 1920s influences
- Cyberpunk or steampunk aesthetics
- Minimalist contemporary dancewear
- Fantasy or fairy-tale inspired costumes
- Streetwear with belly dance elements
- Avant-garde fashion pieces
The only real rule is that there are no rules—as long as the costume allows for the necessary movement and aligns with the performance concept.
Music Selection
Similarly, tribal fusion dancers perform to an incredibly diverse range of music:
- Middle Eastern electronic fusion (artists like Niyaz, Beats Antique, or Helm)
- Trip-hop and downtempo (Portishead, Massive Attack, Thievery Corporation)
- World music from various traditions
- Classical or orchestral pieces
- Pop, rock, or alternative music
- Original compositions by fusion music producers
- Experimental or avant-garde soundscapes
The key is finding music that inspires movement and allows the dancer to showcase their technical skills while expressing emotion or telling a story.
Learning Tribal Fusion
Because belly dance tribal fusion is so diverse, finding the right class depends on what specific style appeals to you. Some instructors teach "tribal fusion technique" classes that focus on fundamental fusion movements—isolations, layering, smooth transitions, and the precise control that characterizes much of fusion dance. Others teach specific styles like "gothic fusion" or "slow flow."
If you're interested in tribal fusion, look for instructors who have trained with recognized fusion dancers, who have a strong technical foundation in belly dance basics, and whose personal style resonates with you. Watch their performance videos to see if their aesthetic and approach appeal to you.
Check the studio descriptions on BellyDanceClassFinder to find instructors in your area who offer tribal fusion classes. Many studios offer both traditional and fusion styles, allowing you to cross-train and develop a well-rounded skill set.
Finding Your Style: Questions to Ask Yourself
With so many options, how do you choose which belly dance style is right for you? Here are some questions to consider:
What drew you to belly dance in the first place? If you fell in love with a specific performance or dancer, research what style they represent. That's probably a good starting point.
What kind of music moves you? If you love classical Arabic music, Egyptian or Oriental dance is calling your name. If you prefer alternative, gothic, or electronic music, tribal fusion might be your jam. If you enjoy world music and eclectic sounds, ATS could be perfect.
Do you prefer structure or freedom? ATS offers a structured vocabulary and clear format. Tribal fusion is wide open for creative interpretation. Egyptian dance falls somewhere in between, with traditional technique but room for personal expression.
Are you drawn to solo or group dancing? Egyptian dance is typically solo (though group choreographies exist). ATS is fundamentally about group improvisation. Tribal fusion can be either solo or group.
What aesthetic appeals to you? Do you dream of sequins and glamour (Egyptian)? Layers of jewelry and eclectic tribal style (ATS)? Dark and mysterious gothic looks (gothic belly dance)? Or creating your own unique style (fusion)?
What's your fitness level and physical goals? All belly dance styles provide excellent exercise, but they emphasize different things. Egyptian dance develops grace, isolation, and endurance. ATS builds strength, posture, and stamina (those skirts are heavy!). Tribal fusion often incorporates flexibility, floor work, and muscular control.
Do you want to perform, or is this just for you? All styles can be performed or kept as personal practice. However, ATS makes it particularly easy to perform because of the group improvisation format—you don't need to memorize choreography. Egyptian dance traditionally involves more solo spotlight performances. Fusion can go either way.
Cross-Training: Why Not All Three?
Here's a secret that experienced dancers know: you don't have to choose just one style forever. Many dancers cross-train in multiple styles, and this actually makes you a better dancer overall.
Learning Egyptian dance gives you impeccable musicality, cultural context, and beautiful classical technique. Studying ATS develops your posture, group awareness, and gives you a structured movement vocabulary. Exploring tribal fusion encourages creativity, personal expression, and technical precision.
Some of the most compelling dancers working today blend elements from multiple traditions. They might have the musicality of Egyptian dance, the strong posture of ATS, and the creative freedom of fusion. The cross-pollination of styles leads to innovation and growth.
Many studios offer classes in multiple styles, allowing you to sample different approaches and find what resonates with you. As you develop as a dancer, your interests may shift and evolve—and that's perfectly okay.
The Importance of Finding the Right Teacher
Regardless of which style calls to you, finding a knowledgeable, experienced teacher is crucial. A good belly dance instructor should:
- Have extensive training in their specialty style(s)
- Understand the cultural context of the dance
- Teach proper technique to prevent injury
- Create a welcoming, body-positive environment
- Continue their own education through workshops and training
- Respect the traditions they're teaching while encouraging student creativity
At BellyDanceClassFinder, we've built our directory to help you find studios and instructors in your area. You can search by city, read descriptions of what each studio offers, compare class schedules and prices, and make an informed decision about where to begin your belly dance journey.
When you find a studio that interests you, don't hesitate to reach out with questions. Ask about the instructor's background, what to expect in a beginner class, and whether you can observe or take a trial class. Most belly dance teachers are passionate about their art form and happy to help newcomers find their path.
Beyond the Studio: The Belly Dance Community
One of the most wonderful aspects of belly dance—regardless of which style you choose—is the community. Belly dancers are generally supportive, welcoming, and excited to share their love of the dance with newcomers.
As you progress in your studies, you'll discover:
- Workshops and Intensives: Many cities host workshops with visiting instructors, offering opportunities to learn from dancers you admire and dive deep into specific topics.
- Haflas and Student Showcases: These informal performance events allow students to share what they've learned in a supportive, low-pressure environment. They're excellent opportunities to overcome stage fright and celebrate your progress.
- Festivals and Conferences: Larger events like Tribal Fest, Rakkasah, or regional belly dance festivals bring together dancers from various styles for performances, competitions, and networking.
- Online Communities: Facebook groups, Instagram communities, and online forums connect dancers worldwide, allowing you to share videos, ask questions, and find inspiration.
- Performance Opportunities: As you advance, you might join a student troupe, form a performance group with fellow dancers, or book your own gigs for restaurants, weddings, festivals, or private parties.
The belly dance community is generally accepting of dancers of all ages, sizes, backgrounds, and ability levels. This isn't a dance form that requires a specific body type or years of childhood training. Many dancers begin as adults, and the supportive atmosphere encourages everyone to progress at their own pace.
Cultural Appreciation vs. Appropriation: Dancing Responsibly
As belly dance grows in popularity worldwide, conversations about cultural appreciation versus appropriation have become increasingly important. This is particularly relevant when discussing styles like American Tribal Style and tribal fusion, which borrow aesthetics from various cultures.
Responsible belly dance practice involves:
- Learning the history: Understanding where the dance comes from, its cultural significance, and how it has evolved.
- Respecting the source material: If you're learning Egyptian dance, respecting Egyptian culture, listening to Egyptian dancers and teachers, and avoiding stereotypes or caricature.
- Acknowledging innovation: Being honest about when you're creating something new (like ATS or fusion) rather than claiming to represent an ancient or authentic tradition.
- Avoiding sacred or ceremonial elements: Not incorporating religious or ceremonial elements from cultures you're not part of into your dance or costuming.
- Paying teachers from the culture: When possible, supporting teachers from Middle Eastern backgrounds and paying for their expertise rather than only learning from Western teachers.
- Continuing education: Staying open to learning and evolving your understanding of these complex issues.
The belly dance community continues to grapple with these questions, and opinions vary. The key is approaching the dance with humility, respect, and a willingness to listen and learn.
Getting Started: Your First Steps
Ready to begin your belly dance journey? Here's how to take that first step:
- Explore BellyDanceClassFinder: Search for studios in your city. Read the descriptions carefully to understand what styles they offer.
- Watch Videos: Look up performances of Egyptian dance, ATS, and tribal fusion on YouTube. Notice which style makes your heart beat faster.
- Attend a Trial Class: Most studios offer drop-in classes or trial periods. Try a few different styles if you're unsure.
- Invest in Basic Supplies: You don't need much to start—comfortable clothes you can move in, bare feet or dance shoes, and perhaps a hip scarf with coins (which helps you hear your hip movements).
- Be Patient with Yourself: Belly dance uses muscles and movements you probably don't use in daily life. The isolation and coordination take time to develop. Celebrate small victories!
- Connect with Fellow Students: Some of your classmates will become dear friends. The shared experience of learning something challenging and beautiful creates strong bonds.
- Enjoy the Journey: Whether you take one class or dedicate decades to the art form, let yourself enjoy the process of learning, moving, and expressing yourself through dance.
Conclusion: Your Dance, Your Choice
Whether you're drawn to the elegance of oriental dance, the sisterhood of american tribal belly dance, the creativity of belly dance tribal fusion, or the mystery of gothic belly dance, there's a style and community waiting for you. The beauty of belly dance is that it offers something for everyone—from those seeking cultural connection to those wanting creative expression, from dancers who love structure to those who thrive on improvisation.
The style you start with doesn't have to be the style you stick with forever. Your belly dance journey is uniquely yours, and it can wind through various traditions, techniques, and communities as you grow and evolve as a dancer.
At BellyDanceClassFinder, our mission is to connect you with the studios, instructors, and styles that will help you thrive. We've gathered comprehensive information about belly dance studios across the country, making it easy to find exactly what you're looking for in your city—whether that's ats belly dance classes, raqs baladi instruction, or anything in between.
So take that first step. Search for studios in your area. Watch some videos. Try a class. Your belly dance adventure is waiting—and trust us, your hips will thank you.
Looking for a specific style? Many studios listed on BellyDanceClassFinder specialize in either Tribal or Oriental. Check the studio descriptions in your city to find the perfect match for your dance goals. Whether you're searching for traditional Egyptian technique, ATS group improvisation, or cutting-edge tribal fusion, we'll help you find your dance home.
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Browse our directory of belly dance classes across the United States and start your journey today.