The Dance > The Costume The Music >
Costumes are colourful, ethnic-inspired and eclectic. Although different troupes may adopt a different look the following is often seen especially among ATS® dancers: large full skirts and/or pantaloons, cholis (Indian style tops; often backless), bras heavily decorated with textiles and coins worn over the top of the choli, hip scarves and belts with fringing, tassles and coins.
The hair is usually worn pinned up or braided and decorated with head scarves, flowers or decorated headband or headdress.
Tribal styling encorporates natural fabrics such as cottons and silks, velvets, rich jewel tones or earthy colouring, shisha and other ethnic embroidery, mirror-work, tassles, layering, mixing and matching, coins, bells, chunky necklaces, bracelets and other jewellery.
Make-up is elaborate often with heavy eyeliner and bindis. Many Tribal dancers are tattooed and some use henna.
The number of male ATS® dancers is slowly growing and guys get the look with pantaloons, hip scarves, ethnic shirts and decorated waistcoats; as with any other dancer their costume needs to fit in and suit the look of the group. Thanks to Maxine of Akula Tribal for her thoughts on this subject!
I am putting together a resources page for where to find / how to make costuming pieces.
Because of the layers of costuming involved in the Tribal look, you should practice in your performance gear before you wear it on stage for the first time. Likewise if you plan to wear lots of heavy bracelets remember those Arm Undulations and train up... ;)