American Tribal Style® Belly Dance 

American Tribal Style (ATS)® Belly Dance is a style of Belly Dance that is characterized by group improvisational dance.  Carolena Nerricio created ATS® & FatChanceBellyDance® in 1987.  This unique style of dance consists of 100 plus dance movements and combinations, which a group of dancers are able to cue to one another without using verbal communication.  The beauty of ATS® Belly Dance relies on a movement vocabulary infused with non-verbal “cues” that empower a group of dancers to improvise together, while giving the appearance of a choreographed dance piece. 

Beginner/Level I ATS® Belly Dance Class 

This class covers the basic dance moves, posture, music theory, group formation, cues & transitions breakdown, and follow the leader concepts and guidelines for both slow and fast vocabulary.  Slow vocabulary movements include exotic, mysterious, snake-charmer movements, such as body wave.  Fast vocabulary movements include hip-articulating movements, such as shimmies.

The first of the month starts a new session, each month alternating slow and fast vocabulary.  The odd number months focus on fast vocabulary (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, and Nov), while the even number months focus on slow vocabulary (Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, and Dec).

No dance experience needed.

Intermediate/Level II ATS® Belly Dance Class

In this class, you will review the basic movements and concepts from Level I, and expand your ATS® vocabulary with variation and extension of the basic movements.  You will also receive zilling (finger cymbal) instruction.  * All students must have zills for class.

The Intermediate class is ongoing, with each class focusing on slow and fast movements.

Completion of a full session of fast and slow months is required to move to the Intermediate/Level II class.

Advanced/Level III ATS® Belly Dance Class

In this class, dance movement combos and drills are taught to refine individual technique by drilling the advanced steps and their variations in creative combinations.

The Advanced class is ongoing, with each class focusing on slow and fast movements.

Permission from Maria is needed to move to the Advanced/Level III class.