How to Choose a Great Partner for Tribal Dance

Tribal is a unique and interesting dance direction that came to us from ancient African tribes. Visually, the dance resembles traditional Oriental choreography, but it should not be confused with that style.

The main difference between tribal and Oriental dance is its esoteric nature. In other words, unlike the Oriental style, this dance is not for show; instead, it is intended for the dancer herself and symbolizes the process of self-discovery and femininity. That's why the movements are more fluid, mysterious, and even exotic.

As you know, tribal can be performed solo (common), in a group, or even as a duet. In the latter case, it's important to choose the right partner, as this will affect the productivity of joint work and success on stage.

If you've decided to try dancing tribal in a pair, we invite you to read this article, where you'll find practical tips and useful recommendations for choosing a partner for tribal performances.

What to consider first?

So, start with the standard criteria that are mandatory for competitions and even stage performances. First of all, your potential partner should be in the same age group. Tribal generally doesn't follow ballroom classification, but you can roughly use it as a guide for a good match.

Again, if your routine has a special story (e.g., depicting a mother-daughter relationship), the dancers may be of different ages. Another aspect is the dancers' height and build.

Agree, a routine looks much more attractive when the performers visually complement each other. It's also important to consider your potential partner's skill level: it should match yours, because only then can you create a routine that is technically feasible for both dancers.

Secondary criteria: psychological aspect

Of course, meeting the basic aspects is mandatory. However, a number of secondary criteria that target psychology are equally important.

Let's explain: it often happens that partners who seem to perfectly match each other and look harmonious on stage simply cannot work together. This could be due to incompatible personalities, differing thoughts and views, conflicts, or dislikes for certain reasons.

Therefore, when choosing a partner for tribal or any other dance, it's important to pick someone you can easily communicate with and spend a lot of time around. Ideally, your partner should become a friend: this will strengthen your relationship, and training will be a pure pleasure!

Remember, you should feel comfortable with your partner. Mutual understanding and respect should dominate in your pair: only then can you create a true work of art!

How and where to find a partner?

Now let's move on to the actual ways to find a partner for tribal. First, we recommend reaching out to your social circle: maybe a friend or close person will support the idea of tribal dance, even if you never expected it! If no one is interested, you can explore other options.

For example, if you attend a dance school or studio, try looking for a partner in your club or neighboring studios. You can also find someone interested in tribal dance by visiting festivals and events on this theme.

If none of these methods work, the most reliable and easy option remains: post an ad online on relevant websites. This method allows your offer to reach a larger audience, greatly increasing your chances of finding a good partner. Don't forget to include information about the basic criteria (see above) as well as a bit about yourself, your life views, and your aspirations in the dance field.