STUDENT RESOURCES

Welcome to the world of FatChanceBellyDance® and Prana Dance Company! Below are a variety of links regarding classes, music, practicing outside of class and more!

If you have any questions feel free to email me at deanna@pranabellydanceandyoga.com

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I’ll add to this page often so save this link and check back!

FatChanceBellyDance®Style (formerly American Tribal Style®) is a modern, group improvisational style of belly dance created by Carolena Nericcio.

FCBD®Style is a fusion dance form.  The movements are inspired by folkloric dances of the Middle East, North Africa, Spain, and India.  It is a uniquely modern creation that does not represent an “authentic" dance from any particular region.

FCBD®Style is a method of improvisational choreography, using a vocabulary of natural movements and cues allowing the dancers to communicate via gesture and eye contact when dancing together.

Often unnoticed because of the elaborate costumes, exciting music, and sheer beauty of the dance, the core concepts of group improvisation are simple: leader to the left, followers to the right. Watch for interaction among the dancers, who always have their attention trained on the lead position, looking for the cue for the next step. When the dancers face each other and make eye contact, the lead is neutral, falling to the dancer who presents the next cue.

But don’t think too hard! Allow yourself to see the whole picture: dancers working together in cooperation; a group focused on presenting the dance as one entity.

For more information including a brief history check out fcbd.com

One of my dear friends, Julia Stoiber, wrote a beautiful description of our dance style and inspired me to put it into a video. Since then it’s been transcribed into 12 different languages from other students all over the world.

While it’s not required, you may feel motivated to practice between classes. In 2020 I opened an online school, FatChanceBellyDance University, FCBDU.com, where you can find a ton of classes, including FREE classes, Costuming classes, Dance Conditioning classes and so much more! My current in-person students are eligible for a free subscription. Simply email me your interest and I’ll send you a coupon code.

The website also has tons of resources including articles on history, origins of steps, etc and we send out a weekly newsletter with inspiration, practice guides AND monthly Instagram challenges where you can win free things every month. All while connecting with our global community.

While you are at it, check out the YouTube channel.

I’ve also added a few drills to this Playlist my Prana YouTube channel

My teachers, Megha Gavin and Carolena Nericcio, instilled in me that we never “graduate” from Level one (foundations), we simply ADD on more advanced classes and concepts. In fact, we weren’t allowed to attend Intermediate classes unless we were also still coming to Foundations. The reasons for this are beyond just technique and really play a key factor in community, being able to dance with those in different level and training your stamina, body awareness and muscle memory. Plus it was a great opportunity for advanced dancers to show leadership and help guide newer dancers.

That said, I understand people’s commitment levels and availability vary so while I don’t require dancers to attend multiple classes each week (when I eventually offer them), those that are interested in one day performing in a professional level troupe will be asked to do so.

How long do I take Level One (Foundations) before I can add Level Two? This varies per student, but typically going through a full series of Level one at least twice is recommended. Of course if you are practicing at home you may be ready sooner. Level two and beyond add layers, variations and more advanced concepts to the foundations so it is essential you feel comfortable with all the steps.

We dance to a variety of music in class. Everything from traditional Egyptian, Indian, Spanish to modern remixes, Arabic Trap music and the occasional pop song just to shake things up!

You can find a lot of my playlists on Spotify, including the one I use for our Foundations/Intro class

A few of my go to artists are:

Hossam Ramzy

Raquy and the Cavemen

Solace

DrumSpyder

Khaled

I never want anyone to feel obligated to purchase items for class, but I know it can be exciting to pickup some costuming pieces and start wearing them to class!

Typical costuming for our dance style consists of:

Choli, Pantaloons, Skirt, Hip scarves and other hip adornments like belts, coin bra, a headdress and a TON of jewerly.

A few of my favorite vendors are:

Flying Skirts - excellent source of cholis and skirts

Tribe Nawaar - another great source of cholis, skirts and a lot of other items

Tribal Hip Scarf - amazing hip scarves handmade from a Ukranian dancer

and Etsy has a ton of great skirt vendors

Zils - if you are interested in purchasing your own zils, I highly recommend Saroyan. You can even listen to all their zil types on their website and chose the ones you like best. You can also purchase student zils for $20 on fcbd.com

If you sew, you can make many of these items on your own! Here’s a great tutorial on how to make pantaloons.

I’m always happy to help you find something that would be great for class and even for potential performances in the student or professional troupe. AND…I’m happy to bring things to class for you to try on before you purchase something of your own.

The main thing is to dress comfortably.  Typically yoga pants and a t-shirt or tank top is perfect. You are welcome to wear a long skirt, but it’s really helpful for me to be able to see your feet and legs.

Hips and Belly - You do NOT have to show your belly. That is a personal choice 😊 If you have a hip scarf that doesn’t have a lot of loud coins feel free to bring it, but don’t feel obligated as I’ll have a few to loan.

Shoes - The studio does not allow street shoes on the dance floor. Personally I dance barefoot, but anytime of ballet or dance shoe will do.

Finger Cymbals - If you have finger cymbals please bring them. I’ll have some to loan. Please don’t feel obligated to purchase anything.

Hair – It helps to wear your hair pulled back, but this will be more important in level 2 and 3.

 If you’ve danced before and want to get dolled up in a choli, skirt, jewelry, etc. you are absolutely welcome to do that.