DC Tribal Cafe: Not your typical belly dance show

August 28, 9:59 AMDC Performing Arts ExaminerDebbie Jerome

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Tribal Cafe is a monthly tribal belly dance show in Adam Morgan's Asylum Bar.  The usual format features 3 solo tribal bellydancers.  Each dancer performs for 15 minutes as the crowd munches on half-price treats such as vegan burgers and beer. 

The question, "What is tribal belly dance?"  The usual luscious, swinging hair, pink glittery costumes of Hollywood movie bellydancers; a patron will not see.  Even the Shakira-esque style won't grace the stage.  Instead, an audience member is likely to see, black, black, black, leather, black, medallions, beads, tattoos and more black.  In addition, an audience member should expect to hear anything from James Brown, rap, trance music and country music.  Yes...belly dancers and country music.

According to Fusion Belly dance artist Belladonna,, Tribal Belly dance is an American belly dance style with its roots in the West coast, in particular San Francisco.  The dance style fuses many forms of dancing including but not limited to Flamenco, Classical Indian, Turkish, and Middle- Eastern.    However, Tribal belly dancers often infuse hip-hop dancing, tap,  jazz and modern.  This makes it easier for dancers to find their own style.  For instance, DC Tribal Cafe's last show, included dancers of American Tribal Style (ATS).  ATS is a style created by FatChance Bellydance.  Additionally, the show included a performance by Belladonna in which she sword-danced to techno music.  Yes, a sword and it was a real sword.  Lastly, Na'la of Shakra Dance belly danced and lip-synced to rap music. 

DC Tribal hosts Tribal Cafe.  DC Tribal is a collective of DC area tribal belly dancers.  According to Belladonna, Tribal Cafe was organized so that amateur dancers could grow and have a venue to perform alongside seasoned performers.  DC Tribal hosts workshops and the upcoming Halloween BellyHorror Show. 

This upcoming Sunday, DC Tribal Cafe will be celebrating its 4 year anniversary.  Special performers include Mavi, Troupe Hip'notic and Nichole Hanna.  The talent at TribalCafe is not one to be missed.  The style very different from the "typical" belly dancing show.  If you seek something different, edgy, mysterious, fun, exotic and with talent, go see Tribal Cafe.

Website: http://www.romkadance.com/

Where: Asylum Cafe 2841 18th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009

Price: $10 (subject to change)

When: Every last Sunday of the month (thus This Sunday August 30, 2009)!!!

Time: Doors open at 6:00pm

Youtube Clip below:  Asharah dancing at DC Tribal Cafe.