All in all this is a better DVD than the Tribal Fusions 2 DVD, though it still has its issues. A lot of the numbers have a sense of sameness about them, which could be just a part and parcel of Tribal Fusion. Everyone seems to focus on sharp locks, small movements and lots of abdominal articulations. Once again I really want to know what the camera men are thinking (or maybe it’s the editors) there is a lot of focusing in on hands when there is obviously other stuff going on that would be more interesting than a pretty hand position (not even a hand motion, just a position!)
Many of the numbers appear to be the same (or at least extremely similar) to those found on the Tribal Fusions 2 DVD, however this is the better of the two as far as performances, audience engagement, and camera work go. If you want to order your own copy, click here Tribal LA: Live In Los Angeles Bellydance Superstars
for a blow by blow of the various performances, keep reading Urban Tribal – I’ve now seen several of their numbers, and it just isn’t doing it for me – they seem to be a fusion of belly dance and modern dance and use very austere costumes.
Sharon Kihara – I enjoyed her number but after seeing several of them now, I’m starting to feel like they are all the same
Zoe Jakes and Elizabeth Strong Duette – this is the same choreography as is on the Tribal Fusions 2 DVD – at least the photography is better here.
Moira Chappelle – everything I’ve seen her do has been different, so I have no complaints of monotony with this dancer. This number started with a classical song and then morphed into an upbeat poppy version of the song.
Kami Liddle – Overall I enjoyed this number, it seems similar to one of the numbers on the Tribal Fusions 2 DVD, but I couldn’t swear that it was the exact same number. Also, I can’t hold some similarities against her since I’m sure I use some of the same sequences in my own dancing. If you find a sequence you like, you use it.
Fat Chance Belly Dance did a very nice group improvisation number with lots of formation changes and leadership changes. A good example of what ATS is all about
Samantha’s performance was interesting with lots of locks, pops and tic tocks as well as interesting and complicated layers.
Elizabeth Strong’s Sword solo was very nice and easily held the audience’s attention. This may be my favorite performance on the entire DVD.
Zoe Jakes solo was nice to watch, I enjoy her larger movements which are easier to see but no less dramatic than the microscopic moves some dancers use.
Tribal Super Stars was a nice group number with five dancers, I definitely recognized Elizabeth Strong, Samantha, Sharon Kihara, Moira Chappelle, but wasn’t sure who the last dancer was (didn’t get a good enough look, could have been Kami Liddle or Zoe Jakes). I’m not certain but this number seemed very similar to one done by the tribal ladies of the Belly Dance Super Stars on Babelesque, though this involved 5 dancers, and I think Babelesque only uses 4.
Elizabeth Strong’s second solo was nice, but not as good as the sword solo, much more typical of tribal fusion numbers.
Urban Tribals second number was interesting, but if it hadn’t been a part of a belly dance show I never would have pegged it as belly dance. This one included almost no belly dance moves and I would classify it as a modern dance number.
Kami Liddle’s second solo was somewhat similar to the first, full of pops and locks.
Sonia and Colleens Duet may be the same as the one on Tribal Fusions 2 – but again, a better version of it with better videography.
Samantha’s second solo was smoother than the first, but not particularly unique.
Zoe Jakes second number was once again full of the larger moves she uses, making it a very nice break from the other performances. Her facial expressions are enough to make you laugh though, especially since she looks almost afraid while spinning.
Sharon Kihara’s second solo is either the exact same choreography as she uses on Tribal Fusions 2, or so similar as to make no difference.
Fat chance’s second number wasn’t as interesting as their first. This one featured mini solos by each of their dancers, including a long one by Caroleno consisting almost entirely of belly rolls and tummy flutters, almost none of which were visible from any distance or with the camera man focused on her hands.
I am starting to wonder if tribal fusion is all the same. I have not studies the discipline, but all the performances I have seen lately seem to focus on the same small, tight, mechanical movements. I really thought there was more to it than fusing breakdance with bellydance. I'll keep watching tribal fusion pieces as some of the dancers do seem to be able to think outside the box. Here is hoping for more variety in the future!
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