© All Rights Reserved 2009-2012 ucanto bellydance  Dress for Class Full skirt or loose pants, hip scarf, short top or leotard (just wear something comfortable), and hair pulled  back.  Bare feet or dance shoes on in dance studio.  You will need a pair of zils (finger cymbals).  For Level 2  and higher, full skirts over pantaloons, yoga pants or leggings are preferred. What is ATS? American Tribal Style® Bellydance or ATS is both the celebration of the female spirit and physical display of  the strength and beauty of women in its origins. Its roots can be traced back to the rituals of past matriarchal  cultures and to the secular entertainments evolved as the gypsies traveled through India, Central Asia, the  Middle East, North Africa and Spain.  Being nationally and internationally accepted, the dance has taken on a  diversity that has embraced all dancers of all genders.  There are many styles of belly dance.  The most authentic styles are cabaret and folkloric.  Other styles have  evolved as the dance migrated from the Middle East and North African into Europe and the US and back again.  What distinguishes Tribal from other styles of belly dance is the way in which steps, movements, gestures,  even costumes are redesigned to suit the common denominator of a group dancing together.  The music is  selected for its clarity, the steps for their universal application and yet, whether performed as choreography  or improvisation the result is one of simple elegance and rhythmic style.  The complete extended version of the creation of ATS is available here. The history of FatChanceBellyDance® can be located here. What is a Sister Studio? Sister Studios are graduates of General Skills for ATS, ATS Teacher Training and exclusive FCBD Teacher  Training.  These teachers are dedicated to presenting ATS as created and developed by FatChanceBellyDance®  director and master teacher Carolena Nericcio.  Sister Studios do not blend ATS with other styles of dance,  tribal or otherwise.  They present ATS only, or clearly separate ATS from other styles of dance they are  presenting.  Our goal is that you, the student, should be able to attend a FCBD ATS class anywhere in the world  and recieve consistent, quality instruction. A Sister Studio in not a building, but a “sister” in the studio.  For a complete list of the Sister Studios, please click here. FatChanceBellyDance and American Tribal Style are registered trademarks. FAQ Made with Xara 206.407.5407