ATS   What is American Tribal Style Belly Dance? American Tribal Style Bellydance is both a celebration of the female spirit and a physical display of the strength and beauty of women. It's 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. There are many styles of bellydance. The most authentic styles are cabaret and folkloric. Other styles have evolved as the dance migrated from the Middle East and North Africa into Europe and the US and back again. What distinguishes Tribal from other styles of bellydance 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 it's 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. Sister Studio 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 the 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 receive consistent, quality instruction. A Sister Studio is not a building, but a “sister” in the studio.  For a complete list of the Sister Studios in the US and Internationally, please click here. What are the different class levels? What level am I? When can I move up? Class levels are: Dance Fundamentals (Level One) Tribal Combinations (Level Two) Drills (Level Three) Improv Choreography (Level Four) Previously we required that you take six of the Basics Level One classes before moving up to Basics Level Two.  As we see it, our style and steps are unique to FCBD and the main feature of what we do is the uniformity of steps so that several dancers can dance together improvisationally. To achieve this magic of improvisation all dancers need the same vocabulary. Without it the outside dancer can easily follow, but the result is the frustration of the more knowledgeable dancers who have to slow down to accommodate the newcomer. However this proved an unpopular request, as so many dancers are teaching and performing "Tribal Style Bellydance", learned from our videos long distance or from other sources. So, in response to popular demand, we have created two new classes for the Entry Level student. Entry Level being defined as anyone new to our studio, regardless of experience. So, now we offer you this: Dance Fundamentals (Level One) is still a basic class. It is the best place for a new student to start. It can also function as review for a more experienced student. This class will always feature the Fundamentals of one slow movement and one fast rhythmic step. Also included are stretches, posture, awareness of body mechanics, music and history as appropriate, and simple zils (finger cymbals). Next is Tribal Combinations (Level Two). This class takes you through one slow and one fast combination. You will follow the teacher through a drill, review it for technique and application, then dance it on your own. It is best used after several Fundamentals classes, or at least concurrently as there are no breakdowns of basic steps. But, the adventurous beginner or visiting dancer can take this class as the focus is individual technique.  We introduce partnering and improv as time allows. After you're comfortable with Fundamentals and Combinations, ask a teacher about joining Drills and Improv Choreography (Level Three.) Drills covers technique of the Intermediate and Advanced Steps used in Improv Choreography. Here is where you will learn to put the information from Level One and Level Two into practice as you pair up to dance with a partner or work as part of a trio or quartet. For these classes to be beneficial to all involved, you really must have experience in Fundamentals (Level One) and Combinations (Level Two.) What should I wear? For your first classes you should wear something comfortable until you decide that you want to continue with lessons. When you are ready for costuming, we recommend a full skirt worn at the hips, a shawl or scarf tied around the hips, pantaloons or tights, and a choli top. How long will it take for me to learn? There is no real answer to this question because everyone learns at a different pace. However, if you attend classes consistently every week, pay attention and practice at home you will have a good understanding of what's going on within a few months. Where do I get music to practice with? Videos? Books? Finger Cymbals (Zils)? Etc? There are many resources to find these items, please check on the links page to find these resources. reviews & media