Today there are fewer young women entering into the profession, and although their costumes are still traditional, they have changed to a certain extent. The silk brocades, golden diadems and festoons of coins are rarely seen. Now layers of diaphanous dresses are worn, sometimes covered with a palla, and their turbans and headscarves are usually made of synthetic materials. Some dancers completely cover the face with a transparent veil, while others wear no veil at all. Dancers who also sing command a higher fee and their careers may continue to an advanced age.
Many performances begin with a procession led by the musicians.
When they arrive at the stage area, the dancers and musicians sit together on a platform while the soloists and groups take their turns. The men of the tribe also perform, their repertoire including a rifle dance. In Chellala, tribes gather to set up their tents at the times of festivals and holidays. Each tent shelters a different group of singers, dancers and musicians. Sometimes a man sits at the entrance to encourage passers-by to enter.