"I do not try to dance better than anyone else, I only try to to dance better than myself." ~ Mikhail Baryshnikov
Christine FCBD Teacher & FatChanceBellyDance Sister Studio.
Who would have thought a holiday to Egypt in 2001 and lessons with the hotel's bellydancer could have changed my life in such a positive way? Back in the UK, I found a class locally and was amazed that I could move my body in ways I never thought possible. I loved my cabaret classes, but hated the repetition of choreography and felt no desire to perform myself until around 5 years ago, when I saw my first tribal performance at a hafla. I was completely hooked by the power of this 'new' cool style and was determined to find a class to learn it (although at that time I didn't realise just how many variations of Tribal there were). I remember being totally blown away the first time I saw ATS and FatChanceBellyDance on youtube (I'm still entranced every time I see them perform now!). In early 2006 I found 2 fantastic teachers in Sarah
J-E & the lovely Deana. Originally the classes were more Tribal Fusion with a hint of Gypsy Caravan, but after Sarah trained with Carolena at Tribal Pura in Finland we progressed into solely FCBD ATS. My 3 years dancing with Tribe of Kismet is full of fond memories that I will treasure forever. Deana became the first FCBD Sister Studio in the UK in October '08 and went on to form Tribal Unity. I feel priveleged to be able to perform as Akula and also (when our schedules permit) as a member of Tribal Unity. I have been lucky enough to train with some of the best teachers in the world and share this beautiful dance with so many amazing inspiring people, so to be in a position to convey some of that knowledge onto my own students is a real thrill for me. As I see them gaining confidence and progressing as dancers, I cannot help but feel like a proud 'Tribal Momma'. ATS is a huge part of my life so if I had to list all the reasons why I love it so much it would be endless. However, one of the most important things is that it has brought the most wonderful people into my world who I probably wouldn't have met otherwise, not least of all my wonderfully talented dance partner and friend Maxine, one of the most creative people I've ever met, a fab costumier and the other half of Akula Tribal.
Personal ATS Training & Certification:
GS (General Skills) & Tribal Pura - October 2008 with Carolena Nericcio and Megha Gavin, in Glastonbury, UK.
FCBD Certified Teacher - TT1 24th-27th August 2009 with Carolena in Pori, Finland.
FCBD Sister Studio - 1st September 2009.
TT2 - 22nd-29th November 2010 with Carolena, FCBD Studios in San Francisco, USA.
GS - Day 4 (Floorwork) 24th November 2010 with Carolena.
Private classes with Wendy Allen, Kristine Adams & Sandi Ball of FCBD.
18th July 2010 - Workshop in London with Colleena Shakti.
"Dancing is my obsession, my life." ~ Mikhail Baryshnikov
Maxine FCBD Teacher & FatChanceBellyDance Sister Studio.
After seeing some bellydancing on holiday in 1998 I decided I wanted to learn how to do it myself and eventually found a cabaret class near to where I lived and was instantly hooked. Although I progressed to performing cabaret professionally, I have always been drawn to ATS. My first real taste was whilst travelling in North Africa and in the Sahara Desert during a winter, many many years ago. I witnessed some Bedouin tribeswomen just dancing around the fire with each other, they were really enjoying their dance and being together. That extremely powerful and strong image has always stayed with me and this is the spirit that ATS captures for me - a group of women dancing with and for each other whilst having fun. It wasn't until a few of years ago that I was lucky enough to find and begin studying under two very special teachers, Deana & Sarah of Tribe of Kismet. Deana our very lovely friend, our wonderful teacher and constant inspiration, has now moved on to form Tribal Unity and I am delighted to perform as a member with them as well as with Christine as Akula! I have been blessed in being able to study and dance with some very accomplished and wonderful teachers and dancers along the way and would like to thank them all for enriching my life - you know who you all are. I am now very pleased and thrilled to be able to share my knowledge and teach other like-minded people. Together with my fabulous and wonderful dance partner and friend, Christine, we are so very proud to be able to present Akula Tribal Bellydance to you.
Personal ATS Training & Certification:
GS (General Skills) & Tribal Pura - October 2008 with Carolena Nericcio and Megha Gavin, in Glastonbury, UK.
FCBD Certified Teacher - TT1 24th-27th August 2009 with Carolena in Pori, Finland.
FCBD Sister Studio - 1st September 2009.
TT2 - 22nd-29th November 2010 with Carolena, FCBD Studios in San Francisco, USA.
GS - Day 4 (Floorwork) 24th November 2010 with Carolena.
Private classes with Wendy Allen, Kristine Adams & Sandi Ball of FCBD.
