Group Improv Performance Project 5-Week Course with Debbie Despina
Explore the dynamic group improvisation style formerly known as American Tribal Style® (ATS®), now FatChanceBellyDance® (FCBD®), a belly dance format created by Carolena Nericcio. This powerful style is rooted in cued movement, deep connection, and rich cultural inspiration.

Message from Debbie Despina:
“Bring your finger cymbals and your appetite to dance a lot!”

Despina began her ATS® journey in 2005 and completed her ATS® Teacher Training at Homecoming in San Francisco in 2015. In 2013, she began training in the Salimpour School and continues her studies to this day. Through the Salimpour format, she deepened her understanding of the foundational movements, many of which trace back to Jamila Salimpour’s groundbreaking documentation of dances from the SWANA region.

In this project, you’ll focus on:

• Classic FCBD® vocabulary

• The art of cueing for group improv

• Playing finger cymbals confidently

• Plus: Despina’s signature combos and deeper insights into step names inspired by Jamila’s teaching & archival work

Finger cymbals are required. Never played before? Perfect! This is a great chance to start.

Sample movements & combos you'll learn:

• Egyptian Basic (with dynamic hip technique) + Egyptian Basic with turns

• Walking ¾ Shimmy on the Up + ¾ Shimmy to 4 Corners

• Arabic Step + Arabic with Turns

• Shoulder Shimmy Combo

• Ghawazee Combo (a.k.a. Mazin Combo, inspired by the legendary Mazin family)

• Tifonas – Despina’s signature fast barrel turn combo (Greek for “typhoon”!)