A form of modern belly dance generally referring to a fusion of American Tribal Style belly dance and other dance forms. It frequently incorporates elements of Popping, Hip Hop, Breakdance, 'Egyptian' or 'Cabaret' bellydance, and modern, but often draws from many traditional forms such as Flamenco, Kathak, Bhangra, Balinese, and other folkloric dance styles. In tribal fusion, dancers expand on the elements previously fused to form ATS, to make their style unique and more relevant to their contemporary experience.

Tribal Fusion does not necessarily denote an improvisational style of dance but refers more to a general aesthetic which may apply to choreography.

(Definition Edited from Wikipedia)

American Tribal Style Belly Dance (also known as ATS or Tribal) is a modern style of bellydance created by FatChanceBellyDance director, Carolena Nericcio. American Tribal Style Belly Dance is clearly defined and documented with the primary characteristic being that of group improvisation. Tribal is generally performed in a group, often at community events such as festivals and parades, with tribal dancers typically favoring a look provided by wide-legged pants gathered at the ankles and full skirts.

In 1974, Carolena Nericcio began belly dancing with Masha Archer and the San Francisco Dance Troupe. Masha’s style was an eclectic blend of classic Egyptian Cabaret, Folkloric and any other influence that she found enticing. In 1987, after the SF Classic Dance Troupe had disbanded, Carolena began teaching in a small studio in the Noe Valley Ministry.

There are several American Tribal Style Belly Dance troupes in the United States. FatChanceBellyDance is one of the largest ATS dance troupe companies. The company was formed in 1987 by Carolena Nericcio. Their website provides another perspective on the history of American Tribal Style:

“Bellydance has many different names and many different styles from various regions. Here in the United States, the most popular style performed is the traditional Egyptian cabaret style known as Raks al Sharki or Oriental Dance. However, a new style has emerged, especially on the west coast, American Tribal Style Bellydance. It is an ethnic fusion style, influenced by Middle Eastern dance but inspired by American artistic sensibilities. It has nothing to do with representing a particular tribe, but it combines movement vocabularies and regional costuming to form one cohesive presentation. The "American" part of the label acknowledges that the dancers are continents away from the culture that created the dance form and are taking artistic license with it.” — Rina Orellana Rall

Other Influential Formats of ATS include Kajira’s Black Sheep Bellydance and Paulette Rees-Denis’ Gypsy Caravan

(Definition edited from Wikipedia)

HPITS is a codified repertoire of movements and combinations that are used in cued improvisation. The style was created by Amy Sigil of UNMATA, and although it has roots in the ATS format, Hot Pot ITS consists of a very different and specific library of movement.

The only groups as of now to perform this style are UNMATA, Verbatim, and the Hot Pot Street Team: all based at Hot Pot Studio in Sacramento California.

The format is based on a 6 week introductory course, a 12 week beginning course, and a 37 week intermediate level course. To advance from the beginning to intermediate level, each student must pass a written and dance-based evaluation.

April Rose, a member of UNMATA, has been trained by Amy Sigil to teach HPITS formally and has begun the first classes in Hot Pot ITS, outside of Sacramento, in Los Angeles California.

Hot Pot ITS combos can also be learned at dance festivals around the globe in workshops taught by Amy Sigil.

This form of Group Improvisation refers to a structured and codified repertoire of movements, each with their own distinct cue, performed in a lead and follow format. ITS generally has roots in American Tribal Style but does not necessarily include a repertoire solely based on ATS movements.

Several performing bellydance groups have created their own brand of ITS complete with their own specific set of movements and cues.

Examples of groups who have their own repertoire of ITS include: Amy Sigil’s UNMATA(Hot Pot ITS), She'enedra, and Origin