Carolena Nericcio, director and founder of FatChanceBellyDance, has been dancing for over 30 years. In 1987 she created the concept of American Tribal Style Bellydance (ATS), a performance art form using a foundation of Middle Eastern 'bellydance' yet stylized and adapted for a contemporary American audience. It is a blend of cultural dance influences from India, Spain, North Africa and beyond.

Her troupe, FatChanceBellyDance, is a Bay Area phenomenon that has become known around the world. Audiences delight at the exuberance, vitality, beauty and power expressed by the strong and agile dancers. The majestic costuming, including full headdresses and layers of ethnic jewelry, celebrate the folkart of the old world. The music, a carefully chosen collection of both traditional sounds and modern fusion adds to the effect...Tribal Style looks 'old' but it is actually 'new'.

An American Council on Exercise certified personal trainer, Carolena incorporates the science of anatomy and fitness into her classes and workshops. Carolena has developed a method of improvisational choreography, using a vocabulary of natural movements and cues allowing the dancers to communicate via gesture when dancing together. The effect is a vibrant thread drawing the audience into the tapestry.

Carolena and FCBD perform at major events such as the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival as well as many clubs and festivals and have produced four theatrical stage shows in San Francisco.

Visit The FatChanceBellyDance website here

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