Tribal Goth

Tribal Goth
A gothic tribal fusion dance performer.
Other names	Gothic Belly Dance, Dark Fusion Belly Dance
Decade of origin	1990s
Location of origin	United States
Key motifs	Belly dance costuming, dreadlocks, piercings, tribal tattoos, natural materials (bone, wood, stone), skulls, lace
Key colours	Black, dark earth tones, deep reds, purple
Key values	Artistic expression, fusion, dance, primal energy, community
Related aesthetics	Ethnogoth Goth Hippie Goth Steampunk

Tribal Goth is a subculture and performance art movement that fuses the aesthetics of the Goth subculture with the movements and costuming of American Tribal Style and Tribal Fusion belly dance. More accurately known as Gothic Belly Dance or Dark Fusion Belly Dance, the style originated in the United States during the 1990s.

History

The movement emerged organically in the 1990s as dancers within the Goth subculture began performing at clubs and themed events. These performers started adapting the vocabulary of belly dance to fit gothic rock, industrial, and other dark alternative music. Over time, this fusion solidified into a recognized style, with a dedicated following that grew through online communities in the early 2000s. The establishment of festivals like Gothla in the US and UK further cemented Gothic Belly Dance as a distinct international movement with its own workshops, star performers, and community.

Fashion

The Tribal Goth aesthetic is a direct reflection of its fusion of influences and is primarily a form of performance costuming. The foundation of the look is belly dance garb, such as hip skirts, coin belts, and choli tops, which is then reinterpreted through a Goth lens.

The color palette is predominantly black, often accented with deep reds, purples, or dark earth tones. Traditional belly dance materials are supplemented or replaced with Goth staples like lace, leather, and velvet. The style heavily incorporates elements of what is sometimes called a "modern primitive" look. This includes a strong emphasis on natural and handmade accessories, such as jewelry made from bone, wood, and stone. An abundance of piercings, large tribal-style tattoos, and hairstyles like dreadlocks or long, messy hair are also key features of the aesthetic.

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Goth Subculture

Primary Aesthetics

Goth 𓋹 Deathrock 𓋹 Romantic Goth 𓋹 Trad Goth 𓋹 Victorian Goth

Fusion and Inspired Aesthetics

Bubble Goth 𓋹 Corporate Goth 𓋹 Cybergoth 𓋹 Ethnogoth 𓋹 Fetish Goth 𓋹 Gothabilly 𓋹 Health Goth 𓋹 Mallgoth 𓋹 Nu-Goth 𓋹 Pastel Goth 𓋹 Perky Goth 𓋹 Tribal Goth 𓋹 White Goth