Shades of Araby are Toronto's first American Tribal Style (ATS) bellydance troupe and are based out of Arabesque Academy. Sharing a love of the Tribal esthetic in bellydance, Maral, Sofia and Valizan united to form the troupe in early 2006. Since then, they have appeared at the International Bellydance Conference of Canada, Tribally Yours in Montreal, Tribal:Pura in Milwaukee, Dark Fire in London and a variety of shows in Toronto. In addition to their troupe work, each dances as a solo artist.
About ATS
ATS is a modern fusion dance style created by FatChanceBellyDance of California. Drawing its movements, costuming, and general inspiration from the Tribal cultures of the Middle East, Northern Africa/Maghreb, India and Spain, ATS is a fascinating combination of many different influences.
One of the main distinguishing features of the style is the group improvisation; there is no choreography. Carefully studied and perfected movements and positions are combined during the dance and are signaled by subtle cues in order to create the illusion of perfect synchronicity. In this way every performance is unique and exciting both for performers and audience.
The moves in American Tribal Style dance are more proud and earthy than classical "Cabaret" style bellydance, conveying the strength and beauty of the dancers and emphasizing the group dynamics.
About The Troupe
Valizan's dance experience began nine years ago in the Society for Creative Anachronism, a medieval recreation group that seeks to learn about the past by reliving it. It was in that open environment that the belly dance obsession began. Lessons from Rayah Blackstar, Moria The Black and Donnallain were the launch pad to classes with the sublime Roula Said. Valizan currently teaches ATS bellydance and has also taught frequently within the SCA context. Current influences include Mohammed Khordadian, Jillina, Fat Chance Bellydance and Rachel Brice.
Sofia started dancing in 2001 and learned from Lava in British Columbia; after moving to Ontario she studied with Alexis Yael, Valizan and Les Trib'elles and has taken workshops with Zoe of The Indigo as well as Freyja and Khafif. Sofia now studies Tribal Fusion with Audra of Cleopatra's Bazaar.
Maral has always loved to dance; she took ballet classes since childhood but eventually tired of it. Since starting at Arabesque Academy in 2003 she's never looked back; bellydance has become deeply ingrained in everything she does. She is currently studying under Valizan and other teachers at Arabesque Academy. She has taken workshops with Rachel Brice and Zoe of The Indigo as well as Freyja, Khafif, and Les Trib'elles.
