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Tribal Underground’s Fantasy Fusion


By Matt Munoz, Bakotopia Editor

The power of belly dance cannot be denied.

With ancient origins in North Africa and Asia for use in religious ceremonies and social gatherings, the dance’s popularity was broadened with help from some of history’s most heroic figures, including Alexander the Great, who helped spread the dance throughout Greece.

Bakersfield audiences will soon get a chance to experience a modernized form of belly dance, at a festival of all things Tribal: “Exotica at The Nile” on Saturday, Feb. 21, 11am-8pm, at The Nile Bar, 172119th St.

American Tribal Style belly dance, as it is known today, is a re-vamped, modernized version of the “cabaret-style” Egyptian belly dance that entered the U.S. and Hollywood movie mainstream during the ‘50s and ‘60s. You’ve seen it, that belly dance style with see-through veils and tantalizing “va-va-voom” kitsch.

Robin Denbeeman, dance instructor and founder of Troupe Tribal Underground, has been actively belly dancing since ‘98, and has witnessed firsthand various waves of popularity the dance has experienced in Kern County over the years.



“Tribal is very avant-garde - with gothic fashion and make-up styles,” said Tehachapi resident Denbeeman, 44, of the group’s improvisation dance and look.

The signature style is credited to San Francisco-based FatChanceBellydance instructor, Carolena Nericcio, who started the trend during the late-’80s. Denbeeman also previously attended the FatChanceBellydance studio.

Like many in the local belly dance world, Denbeeman got her first instruction from the late Diana Tilary aka “Tilana.”

Tilary is credited as a pioneer of local belly dance with numerous students to her credit, including many members of Tribal Underground and Bahiyya Almas, another popular Bakersfield dance group.

“Everyone I know started with Tilana,” said Denbeeman of her mentor, who gave evening lessons once a week at Café Med in southwest Bakersfield. “She was big on showmanship and had a big impression on me. I took lessons for about two years before I started driving to San Francisco in 2002 to get lessons from Jill Parker from Ultra Gypsy, who was teaching Tribal.”

During her lengthy commutes over the next two years, Denbeeman discovered a more intense class instruction than she was used to back home.

“In Bakersfield, I was used to basic movement with playful, light-hearted posturing,” she said. “Jill’s classes had a serious demeanor, and the Tribal style came across much more regal.”

Now with enough instruction to begin performing solo, Denbeeman also returned to Tehachapi, giving lessons and garnering interest among with locals.

“In the beginning, performing Tribal style solo was scary, in that I had no template to follow, no guide,” she remembered of her early shows. “I eventually developed my own style within the Tribal structure, based off what I learned from Jill (Parker), who was very theatrical. After awhile, dancers started to coin my style, ‘Industrial Fusion.’”

Watching the troupe in motion - and in full Tribal regalia -you’ll understand what she means.

During our photo shoot and interview, Denbeeman - along with other members of Troupe Tribal Underground - gave an impromptu performance - sans music for our camera.

Full of colorful crimson red and black clothing, and adorned with silver medallions, red feathers, ribbon, and other creative touches, their costumes display a futuristic combination of Middle Eastern mystique mixed with urban art. Think: Nina Hagen meets Bollywood.

“We get to be our own designers,” said Denbeeman proudly.

Another Tehachapi resident, Janet Whitted, 39, who has been belly dancing for six years, is quick to express her appreciation for the experiences and self-fulfillment she receives by being involved with the troupe.

“I like to close my eyes and get lost in the music,” she said. “I don’t do many special things for myself, but I love dancing, it makes me feel beautiful.”

Speaking with the other members - all from various backgrounds and occupations, including a teacher, registered nurse, executive assistant, a stay-at-home mom, and vet receptionist - it’s clear that the camaraderie and sisterhood their dancing provides is something wonderfully empowering. Or as members Noelia Citialin, Melynie Thomas, Heather Calderwood, Kristy Leitch and Janet McCarthy often describe as “a goddess thing.”

“I started out doing this very casually back in ‘05,” said dancer Citialin, 33, whose husband, Jose, will also assist with MC duties at the Exotica event. “I have a passion for it now, and I incorporate it into my daily life.”

Bakersfield Tribal Underground members - Back row from left: Janet Whitted, Robin Denbeeman, Heather Calderwood. Front row from left: Noelia Citialin and Melynie Thomas.

Thomas, 27, started out dancing with her mother and sister, making it a real family affair. Starting in ‘05, the three performed in cabaret dance circles at various community events, parades and private parties. Since then, Thomas’ family members no longer dance together, but their support is always present.

“I started with Robin in ‘06, and there is a big difference between what we started out performing to now. The environment is different, the dancing and music is much more technical,” Thomas said. “We present strength, and it’s great for a self-confident woman. I dance because I like it, not because I want someone to look at me.”

Like many women who have rekindled their love for dance - from their days as young ballet students or jazz/tappers - Tribal Underground’s Heather Calderwood, 34, has never stopped.

“I will keep dancing as long as I can,” she said. “And if I can’t dance, I’ll host shows.”

Calderwood adds a personal testament to the love she has for her fellow Tribal sisters in dance.

“When I moved back to Bakersfield, I was going through a really tough time and this group really helped me keep it together,” she said. “I keep in touch with them regularly. They are like my family and keep me here.”

Despite their respect for the art form, it hasn’t always been reciprocated by the audience.

Denbeeman remembers the stormy days encountered by fun-loving belly dancers in 2001 soon after the attacks of 9/11, when freshly angered Americans jumped at the sight of anything associated with the Middle East.

“Once we performed at a UNICEF event in Ridgecrest, and we had to have security,” she remembered with a visible look of disappointment at how subsequent events followed. “Then we performed at a parade in Taft, and I got the worst heckling I’ve ever had.”

In a post-9/11 world, Denbeeman believed the best way to win over fans was with good old U.S. patriotism.

“Before we danced, I had to tell people that this dance is beautiful and that we’re in America, where we are free to dance, unlike some countries where it is forbidden,” she said, gently smiling.

That freedom to create and educate is exactly what Tribal Underground hope to continue to do at this year’s Exotica, where dancers from across the state will come together in unity to celebrate their mutual passions through dance!

Some event highlights include an appearance by LA’s Dulce de Baile dancers, under the direction of Monica Fernandez as well as groups from Las Vegas, San Bernadino and beyond.

“There will be vendors, information booths, food, jewelry, clothing and different dance workshops for everyone to check out and participate in,” said Denbeeman. “We encourage people who have never danced to come out.”

The Exotica event is for attendees 21-and-over only, unless you are an official show performer. There will also be an official after party, beginning at 9 p.m. inside the Nile Bar, for all of those in attendance to keep on dancing.

And yes, guys are welcome, too - just be mindful of the girl power in the room.

“Be prepared to see something awesome,” said Denbeeman.


"Exotica at The Nile"
-The Nile, 1721 19th St.
-Saturday, Feb. 21
-11a.m. to 8 p.m. (event)
-9 p.m. to 2 a.m. (afterparty)
-$10 / 21 & Over
-(661) 323 - 8575

Web: www.myspace.com/exoticabellydance
E-mail: tribalunderground_bellydance@yahoo.com

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 47, 2-5-09
(FIND A FREE RACK NEAR YOU - CLICK COVER BELOW)