Tribal SDstyle was founded by Juliet Oberding in 2005. Juliet was inspired to create a non-profit event by Rachel Brice, who hosted a fundraiser in San Francisco for the nomadic tribes of Niger. The purpose of Tribal SDstyle 2005 was to raise money for the drought stricken peoples of Niger and the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The 2005 event featured workshops with Kami Liddle, currently with the Belly Dance Superstars, and Samantha Riggs, Director of Boom Boom Bollywood. The workshops were capped off by an evening show that brought premier tribal dancers from all over Southern California, including Urban Tribal Dance Company, Devidasi, Subee Djinn, and Atash Maya. This first event resulting in a donation to Oxfam for the victims of the drought in Niger and Hurricane Katrina.

In late 2006, Juliet was encouraged by Laura Sutherland and her partner Bonnie Margay Burke to continue Tribal SDstyle as a yearly event. Juliet, Laura and Bonnie were joined by Kim Pelt, Steven Eggers, Jennifer Masters and Laura Rogan and together they formed the 2007 Tribal SDstyle Planning Group. The 2007 festival was a great success!

Past events

Press

The San Diego Reader prominenly mentioned Tribal SDstyle in their August 20, 2008 story Bellies and Hornpipes.