How to Tell the Difference Between Egyptian and Tribal Belly Dancing

Belly dancing is popular as entertainment, as exercise and as a form of artistic expression. American Tribal and Egyptian are two highly popular but different styles of belly dance. Recognize the elements of a belly dance performance to distinguish each style.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Consider the choreography of the dance and number of dancers. Tribal dance often includes ensemble and improvised performance. Observe solo performance and choreographed routines as a quality of Egyptian belly dance.

2. Notice the composition and structure of music used in the performance. Listen for music with distinct end points that alternate between fast and slow songs, which indicates the performance is likely Tribal. Alternatively, only Egyptian music with complex, multi-instrumental flow that blends from one song into the next is used for its belly dance routines.

3. Look for props used during the performance. Use of finger cymbals and veils suggest a Tribal style performance. If Egyptian dancers enter with a veil, they discard it within the first minute of performance.

4. Examine the dancers' costumes. The Egyptian attire consist of a bra, belt, skirt and sometimes a body suit. Tribal dancers typically cover their legs and bellies, disguise their heads and hair with a headdress and use makeup to apply tattoos to their faces.

5. Watch for simpler movements in Tribal dance, with arms held up or away from the body. Take note of the subtlety in Egyptian style dance, driven from the torso, with more simultaneous movements.

Tips & Warnings

• Egyptian dancers typically don't do floor work moves and don't tend to use finger cymbals.