The american tribal style belly dance group Troupe Anahata came to Sacramento State on Saturday in support of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Cynthia Escobar, a member of Troupe Anahata, said that American tribal belly dancing is a fusion of dance styles from India, Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Spain.

“The mixing of all these styles is really an American thing,” Escobar said.

Trice Norris, also a member of Troupe Anahata, said that most of the dances they do are not choreographed.

Escobar said that within a dance the lead is often shared as dancers interact and play off each other, creating performances that are unique to the personality and artistry of the dancers.

According to their fliers, the troupes? costumes include coin bras, three tiered skirts over billowing pantaloons, beaded tassel belts and lots of tribal jewelry.

Jessica Collazo, a Sac State graduate student majoring in physical therapy, said she attended the event to get a break from her studies.

“I really love to dance and had never tried this form before,” Collazo said. “My arms and lower back hurt afterwards, but I had fun.”

The workshop was held in the California Suite of the University Union and was hosted by the Women?s Resource Center.

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