The roots of the style are in North African tribal dance combined with belly dance moves, especially large undulations and shimmies. Movements are strong, originating deep in the torso. The focus is more on the group than on the individual. A soloist emerges from the group, dances, and is reabsorbed, to be followed by another. The group breaks into smaller units and flows back together.
Invisible cues signal shifts.
In their distinctive costumes and facial tattoos, the dancers become anonymous iconic females independent of time and place. Describing ATB cannot do it justice. ATB seems less dependent on the audience for inspiration than on its own group dynamics. It is a profound way of expressing female connectedness.