In Harem's Way

In Harem's Way is proud to present its tribal fusion arm, I.H.W Fusion.  I.H.W is one of the first dance companies in South Africa to offer performances in the new and revolutionary Tribal Fusion bellydance styles. Already,they have performed at prestigious venues and events across the country, and alongside top-calibre international performers, acheiving praise and recognition for their fresh and innovative approach and technical mastery. If you are looking for a trendy, edgy and different take on bellydance, I.H.W Fusion has what you need.

Assimilating influences from television, fashion and cinema, the trends of hip hop, underground and rock music and modern urban life, the edgy, innovative styles of belly dance falling under the 'tribal' category are fast gaining popularity worldwide. We at 'In Harem's Way' are proud to bring you our very own tribal fusion style, performed with the same passion and grace- and the same unique 'In Harem's Way' touch- as our more traditional styles, and, as ever, we pay proud homage to our own South African roots.

This innovative approach mixes the traditional, beat driven rythms of the Middle East and Africa with funk-fusion pop, rock and house beats, mixing all the best of classical bellydance with influences from around the globe- seamlessly blending traditional and modern, conservative and daring, the best of the old with the brightest of the new.

So if you are an event promoter, club or venue owner or party planner who would love to present a belly dance performance, but have never been able to incorporate the classical styles, or if you are just looking for something different for your next social gathering, why not consider booking an Urban Fusion performance with 'In Harem's Way'?

The broad 'Tribal' catagory of belly dance evolved in the U.S.A in the early 1980's, influenced by Middle Eastern dance but reworked through the eyes and sensibilities of Western artists. Tribal style is not related to any specific 'tribe' but instead pays homage to the multicultural influences that helped shape Western bellydance, and blends this diverse mix [from a fusion of ancient dance techniques to modern cross-overs into ballet, jazz, and dance theatre with a blending of classical ethnic styles throughout the world] into one cohesive artform that is forever evolving and pushing the boundaries of modern belly dance. 

The roots of tribal can be found in the ATS [American Tribal Style] method, pioneered and developed by Caroleena and Fat Chance Bellydance with strong influences from Jamila Salimpour and earlier artists. ATS remains today the only belly dance format with a formal and stylised movement vocabulary, and dancers perform improvisational works only, fed by cues from a strong dance leader. These non-coreographed group numbers can be amazing to watch! Tribal Fusion evolved from this disciplined rooting, bringing back the solo and choreographic elements missing in the pioneer style, and opening up new avenues of dance exploration.