African Tribal Dance

African tribal dance originated with some of the earliest people groups found on the vast continent, however it is still enjoyed today in forms both modern and traditional. Below are just a few examples of groups celebrating Africa’s culture and purposes through dance, as well as some of the steps you’ll see them perform.

In the heart of African villages you can still find traditional African dances being performed in celebrations or as a pastime. Those Westerners fortunate enough to travel abroad either on vacation or as part of a relief organization may witness these dances first hand, often even being invited to take part in the movement.

While tribal dances vary with each culture throughout the continent, there are a few components that are the same wherever you go. First of all, tribal dance is very lively. It is often spirited in its music, and accompanied by plenty of singing, clapping and hollering.

Next, the costuming is often elaborate, sometimes representing certain regional or religious beliefs of that specific tribe. Embellishments created out of natural materials are used for costuming, adding a theatrical element to the dance.

The steps themselves are often simple and rhythmic, involving turns, hops and stomps. While the choreography is usually quite basic and repetitive, it is extremely enjoyable to both the dancers and audience, resonating with an unmatchable spirit of joyfulness and vibrancy. The cultural dances of Africa are, therefore, a real treat!

While deep in the heart of Africa is still the place to go for authentic dance styles, African tribal dance has evolved into other forms throughout the world, including being responsible for the inspiration behind some American groups. Below are a few dance troupes worth checking out if you’re interested in seeing urban and modern versions of tribal dance right here on the homefront.

Infused with tribal dance moves from Africa, Heavy Hips is a belly dancing studio for women, located in Santa Cruz, California. The founder of the studio writes on her webpage of her extensive study of West African dance, and the importance of incorporating dance into community. Much like an African tribe, she has set up Heavy Hips to be a place for women to form their own “sacred” community, partaking in movement with other females who share likeminded views and passions.

Heavy Hips has effectively captured the spirit of community found within African tribes, while positively combining this cultural value with other forms of international dance. You can visit their official website to learn more about this seaside dance studio geared toward empowering women and promoting ancient movement rituals.

Over in Montreal, Canada, you will find the Tribal Dance Community, which allows participants to occasionally join in interpretive movement accompanied by world rhythms. The group is also made available to those in the Toronto area, further promoting the spirituality and healing movements of ancient dance to those all across Canada.

Back in the United States, tribal fusion style dancing is becoming popular in places like Florida. Founded by a dancer who goes simply by the name Lacey, Florida Tribal’s journey began with her inspired interest in tribal belly dance at the age of 15. Today, her full service studio offers classes for both beginning and advanced dancers, as well as traveling instruction booking, performances and events where you can take a one-time class in the Florida area. Tribal belly dance borrows moves from Africa as well as other cultures, however the African style of theatrical emotion while dancing is very prominent in Lacey’s style.

Traditional African dance, as well as its varying tribal forms is certainly not limited to these three locations. You will find tribal dance groups and studios all over North America. If you are interested in learning how to dance with the use of this rich culture of choreography, do a simple Google search for your local area. You can also ask around if you happen to catch a performance or know of someone who is already involved with such a unique style of dance.

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