Banmala debuted at the Norman Medieval Faire in April 2006 and has since earned a reputation for professionalism, dependability, and excellence.  Even though Tribal Fusion has its foundation in American Tribal Style Belly Dance, Banmala does not perform ATS. Instead, we perform choreographed original fusions influenced by African, Indiaa, Taiwanese, Spanish, Turkish, Gothic, and American jazz styles of dance. The music we use can range from ancient African and/or Middle Eastern drum rhythms to the tribal, spiritual, and contemporary music of India to 1930s swing to contemporary rock. Above all, we always dance with the intention of everyone – audience and dancers – having fun.For Banmala, dance is a means of expressing joy and nurturing mind, body, and spirit.Students interested in becoming members of Banmala must complete at least six introductory classes with the OU Student Belly Dance Club, possess some type of dance performance experience, and have access to approved costumes before being invited to audition for Banmala. Please note that all current members of Banmala must not only observe students in class who are interested in auditioning, but all must be in complete agreement that the student is ready to audition. No guarantees of admission to Banmala accompany invitations to audition. Once a student is asked to audition, a panel of judges will be organized and the student will be taught two dances. The student will perform one of these dances alone and the other with the current members of Banmala. The student will also be required to perform a solo of his/her own choreography. The audition will be videotaped for review by the panel of judges and current members of Banmala.Auditions are held at the first of the year – but only if new members are needed. Because our name means “a sacred garland of five flowers,” Banmala is traditionally limited to five members. If Banmala has five (or more) dancers in the troupe, auditions will not be held until such a time that Banmala needs more dancers to maintain five performers.