Just what is American Tribal Style Bellydance? It is a dance form which originates from the USA. The style emerged about 30 years ago from the Western United States. It is uniquely American and its popularity is spreading throughout the world. This style of dance takes in lots of different elements of Arabic, Turkish, Indian, Flamenco, African, and then packages all of these styles together to make the distinctive style of ATS. It does not represent an authentic ethnic style or costume or dance from any one specific culture or people. The one thing that distinguishes ATS more than anything is that it is typically a group presentation with dancers performing within the tribe as duets, soloists, and the rest of the tribe keeping the chorus line. Also when performed as a group, ATS is often improvised with dancers from the tribe following cues initiated by the designated leader, but it can also be choreographed. The costume for ATS can be very elaborate and can incorporate tiered, spinning skirts, pantaloons, choli tops, adorned and coined bras, multi-layered turbans, fringed scarves, tassel belts, some coin belts, cowrie shells, facial bindis, and lots of ethnic jewelry.

Tassels-n-Toes was founded in 2005 by Shoshanna, Katiah, and Tamyra.  Drawing from their many different dance backgrounds they have led Peoria’s first successful American Tribal Style Belly Dance group for the last four years.  Shoshanna has been dancing the traditional dances of the Middle East for the last twenty years.  She began studying the traditional cultural dances with her mother and then proceeded to Raks Sharki (modern Egyptian style).  In 2000, Shoshanna began taking American Tribal Style dance and started instructing in 2002.  Tamyra and Katiah have been instructing under the direction of Shoshanna since 2005. Tamyra has experience in Swing, Country/Western, Irish Step, and Hip Hop.  Katiah is a classically trained ballet, tap, jazz and modern dancer.  For the last three years, Katia, Shoshanna, and Tamyra have been teaching students the basics and more advanced levels of American Tribal Style Belly Dance.

In 2007 Linneya, Nadira and Mistique joined T-N-T. Since its conception, T-N-T has been family and community oriented.  In 2007, T-N-T received Not for Profit status with the state of Illinois. Also in 2007, we hosted “Tribal Spirit,” a hafla (party) for our local dancers to show off their stuff!  We had a wonderful turnout of Central Illinois dancers, their friends and family.  This year for Tribal Spirit 2008 we are hosting a full day of seminar teaching with Innanna of Banat Casablanca and an evening showcase with ten percent of the day’s profits going to the Susan G. Koeman foundation.

We love being seen in the community and some of our performances include

• Sponser of Tribal Spirit 2008 Featuring BanatCasablanca!                            
• House of Hope Charity Bennifit,2008                                                    
• An evening of Middle Eastern Dance (hosted by Babs of the Bloomington Parks and Recreation district) 2005, 2006,2007                
• An Oasis of Dance (hosted by Thais Banu of Peoria Park District) 2005, 2006, 2007,2008   
• West Peoria Fourth of July Parade 2005,2006,2007,2008(in conjunction with Parks TroupeMirage)                                                          
•    Relay for life2007                                                                                
• Channel 22 Bradley University Arts spot 2006                                        
• Local open mic nights                                                                             
• “Girls Night In” lessons locally

 For information on classes, performances, or seminar offerings please contact us through our website at tasselsntoes6@yahoo.com or call 309-643-3310.