I wanted to do a post dedicated to the chaps of the Tribal Fusion scene. It's inspired by my friend's request for male tribal bellydance costuming, as it's near impossible to find anywhere.
Bellydance is always thought of a ladies-only art form, when of course it derives from the folk dances of the middle east, which was performed by men and women. In Egypt being a male bellydancer is a reputable profession, whereas being a lady bellydancer brings shame on the family.
Fusion may have been pioneered by the ladies, but there are some stellar chaps out there doing some amazing work, as I discovered whilst doing costume research. Here is a wee selection.
Bellydance is always thought of a ladies-only art form, when of course it derives from the folk dances of the middle east, which was performed by men and women. In Egypt being a male bellydancer is a reputable profession, whereas being a lady bellydancer brings shame on the family.
Fusion may have been pioneered by the ladies, but there are some stellar chaps out there doing some amazing work, as I discovered whilst doing costume research. Here is a wee selection.
John Compton
This chap has to come first. John Compton started dancing with Jamila Salimpour back in the day, and watching his dancing and his ethnic vibe and prop trickery, his troupe Hahbi Ru really keeps the spirit of old school Bal Anat (Jamila's Troupe) alive. He was absolutely beloved in the bellydance community, and he passed away last year.
Warning - This clip is really mizmar heavy - a perfect opportunity to learn to love it for those who don't already :D
This chap has to come first. John Compton started dancing with Jamila Salimpour back in the day, and watching his dancing and his ethnic vibe and prop trickery, his troupe Hahbi Ru really keeps the spirit of old school Bal Anat (Jamila's Troupe) alive. He was absolutely beloved in the bellydance community, and he passed away last year.
Warning - This clip is really mizmar heavy - a perfect opportunity to learn to love it for those who don't already :D
Stephen Eggers
This chap is like a snake boy. I first saw him on youtube a few years ago - something about him really reminds my of Rachel Brice
This chap is like a snake boy. I first saw him on youtube a few years ago - something about him really reminds my of Rachel Brice
Illan Reviere
An awesome French dancer who has trained and danced with loads of cool people (including a duet with Rachel Brice!). He is but a whippersnapper at 20 years of age! Sigh. I wish I was that awesome at 20. He was the golden boy of last year's Tribal Fest, and is coming to teach in Milton Keynes next year - see here for deets.
An awesome French dancer who has trained and danced with loads of cool people (including a duet with Rachel Brice!). He is but a whippersnapper at 20 years of age! Sigh. I wish I was that awesome at 20. He was the golden boy of last year's Tribal Fest, and is coming to teach in Milton Keynes next year - see here for deets.
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