If you look at ATS costuming, you'll see that it's mostly a folkloric style. Lots of textiles, tassels, old jewelry and adornments. The dance steps are inspired by folk dances. Folkloric music just fits ATS. It's what inspires the costuming and the dance steps. So, to take all that and drop the music, you have something out of place. It just doesn't look right to something that has no relation. We've used modern songs before, here and there, but mostly, they are folkloric-ish songs with a synthesized beat to it. And as FC, we've used unrelated pieces to bow to just as a fun topper to a set or as artistic choreographies in a show, but really, we try to stay to what makes sense.

I think trying to decide what makes a group fusion or ATS, based on the music, is subjective. In my eyes, it all goes together to make a complete package and are not sold separately. I would not want to damage the integrity of the dance form, by using music that doesn't enhance the dance.

Oh Leslie!
I agree with you!
Everyone sees someone "famous" use a song... and EVERYONE has to use it!

I like finding off the wall stuff that just slaps you in the face with FUN!

But yah.. the same ole fusion stuff drives me insane.

I don't have any issues hearing or even relating to middle eastern music, and I can dance to anything with a beat... and sometimes without...

Its a matter of taste of music I think.

*Nod*

Yes.

However, I personally, am not into drifting off to much as far as music goes. Diana and I do use something "different" from time to time, but we feel more "at home" with the folkloric music. It's what we respond to best. And personally, it makes me really happy. I feel like I am part of something bigger than I can ever possible comprehend being, when I dance to folkloric music :)

I like the folkloric, traditional drumming, whatever it is called that is recommended for ATS. It makes me feel so to the earth. However, sometimes you hear a song that you instantly know you love. When one of those songs is used by FCBD or Devyani, it makes it that much better!

I was trying to explain it to our group as to what type of music our ATS numbers should use according to what Sandi, Wendy and all the other ATS teachers here advise. Some of our members have a very tribal fusion background and like songs which are Western or American pop, hip hop, etc. I point them to these threads so they don't think I'm making stuff up the way I want.

Thank you all for your explanations and patience.