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The Kismet Tribe is an American Tribal Style Belly Dance group located in Perth, Western Australia.
American Tribal Style Bellydance (ATS) had it's beginnings in Western Australia in January 2002, when Alaine Haddon-Casey began tribal classes at the Sheik to Sheik belly dance studio in Beaconsfield.
At first there was quite a large group of women exploring all that is tribal. For some... it was not quite what they were looking for, but for others... this was something totally wonderful that they just had to explore!
After a few months a core group of women remained who were passionate about ATS! We wanted to dance! We loved the discipline! We loved the costumes... and we were dedicated. Our tribe was quite a diverse group of women - so different in age, background, dance experience, and more. None of our different attributes seemed to matter as we just got along so well together!
In September 2002, Alaine left and decided to begin classes in another suburb. We were now six - Clair, Sandra, Meegan, Sarah, Amy and Anne. We were determined to continue our journey, to learn and grow together, to strengthen our bonds of friendship and most of all... to have fun!
Since then we have grown so very much, both individually and as a group. We have become a true tribe, united, strong, sharing and supportive of each other.
The next element of our tribe, was coming up with a name. We didn't want just any name, but one that held a deep meaning for all of us. One that reflected our journey. We researched, pondered and thought... nothing seemed to be quite "right". But, we knew that in time we'd find a name that we felt would be perfect for us. Before class one day, a fellow bellydancer (Eva) said "I always liked the name Kismet". We looked at each other in a stunned silence. Kismet... Fate... Destiny... Karma. That was it! The tribe was unanimous in it's approval. And so, we became The Kismet Tribe.
In November 2002, with much excitement and anticipation, we made our debut at the Sheik to Sheik end of year Hafla. We were the first American Tribal Style Bellydance group in Western Australia, adhering to the Fat Chance Bellydance format. It would be a fair guess to say that 99% of the audience had never seen ATS or group improvisation "live" before, and probably a large percentage hadn't even heard of it either!
Our experience of that first performance and the many others since, was an overwhelming realisation that we all really enjoyed dancing together. The audience are often transfixed, moved and inspired. We have received many wonderful comments and compliments after we've danced. One woman said that our performance moved her to tears. Another, who had never done any bellydancing herself said that she could never see herself doing cabaret... but THIS was something else entirely! We even had a true Romany reminisce that we brought back memories of her childhood and ancestors. If we touch and bring joy to people then we are truly privileged and grateful.
Since then we have been invited to perform at many varied venues and events throughout Western Australia. We have regular workshops and have a very enthusiastic group of beginners, and we are all very much looking forward to welcoming them into The Kismet Tribe.
Photos by Andrew Priest, Paramount Media
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