 
  
 
        
      
      GENERAL SKILLS CERTIFICATION 2025
GENERAL SKILLS CERTIFICATION
NOVEMBER 10th - 13th, 2025
Join Carolena Nericcio, DeAnna Freeman, and Liz Malcom for your chance to take the most popular certification course in FCBD®Style!
In General Skills, you will learn EVERY movement in the core FCBD®Style vocabulary as taught by Carolena and Advanced FCBD®Style instructors. You’ll get a break down of each movement with specific technique instruction.
Our in-person General Skills is a 20 hour training that includes movement instruction, lectures on the history and cultural context of FCBD®Style, a detailed training manual, homework and quizzes to enhance your learning.
Total Price for Four Day, 20-hour Certification Course: $950 USD
**** Discount of $100 USD for FCBDU Annual Members OR Monthly Members who have held a membership for a minimum of one year (12 consecutive months) ****
REGISTRATION: https://www.fcbdu.com/pdxevents
Become a FatChanceBellyDance University Member NOW: https://www.fcbdu.com/
 
        
      
      TEACHER TRAINING CERTIFICATION NOVEMBER 15th - 16th, 2025
TEACHER TRAINING CERTIFICATION
NOVEMBER 15th - 16th, 2025
Join Carolena Nericcio, DeAnna Freeman, and Liz Malcom and make your dreams of teaching FCBD®Style a reality!
In the Teacher Training intensive, you will learn the specific format that Carolena recommends for the instruction of FCBD®Style movements and experience teaching movements to your peers.
This course serves as an introduction to teaching FCBD®Style and is a pre-requisite to apply for Advanced Teacher Training.
Prerequisite: Completion and Certification of General Skills for FCBD®Style
Our in-person Teacher Training is a 10 hour training that includes an introductory lecture by Carolena, instruction on how to present the concept of FCBD®Style, verbal instruction, physical cuing, assessing students needs, answering common questions, structuring a class, and troubleshooting.
Students will be required to teach a step in our movement vocabulary and will receive feedback from peers and the instructor team.
Students must attend all 10 hours to be eligible for certification.
Total Price for Two Day, 10-hour Certification Course: $550
**** Discount of $100 USD for FCBDU Annual Members OR Monthly Members who have held a membership for a minimum of one year (12 consecutive months) ****
REGISTRATION: https://www.fcbdu.com/pdxevents
Become a FatChanceBellyDance University Member NOW: https://www.fcbdu.com/
 
        
      
      Mental Health Essentials for Dance Teachers Podcast Episode
In this episode, we’re diving into the essentials of mental health for dance teachers with psychotherapist and professional development coach Jenn Horton.
 
        
      
      LIVE Ask Carolena Novembe
𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘, 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗤&𝗔 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘆𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲® 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲 to answer all your questions regarding the topics of the month’s classes and workshops at FCBD® University.
This is your opportunity to keep learning 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲.
 
        
      
      Tribal Talk: LIVE Retrospective with Carolena Part 4
Exclusive Members-Only Event
Step back in time and experience the roots of FatChanceBellyDance®Style through the words that helped shape a global movement.
 
        
      
      LIVE Ask Carolena December
𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘, 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗤&𝗔 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘆𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲® 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲 to answer all your questions regarding the topics of the month’s classes and workshops at FCBD® University.
This is your opportunity to keep learning 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲.
 
        
      
      GS and TT Brazil
Takata Production presents: General Skills and Teacher Training Certifications in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
6th-12th of July 2026
Please visit their website for more information
 
        
      
      LIVE Ask Carolena October
𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘, 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗤&𝗔 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘆𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲® 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲 to answer all your questions regarding the topics of the month’s classes and workshops at FCBD® University.
This is your opportunity to keep learning 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲.
 
        
      
      Podcast - The ATS World Wide Flashmob with Heidi and Lisi
In this episode, we sit down with Heidi, the visionary who first launched this global tradition many years ago. Together, her and Lisi (the current curator) share the origin story of the flashmob, how it grew into a beloved annual event, and some of their favorite memories along the way.
 
        
      
      LIVE Ask Carolena August 2025
It's been 3 months since we've had one of these unique LIVE Sessions with Carolena Nericcio, Creator of FatChanceBellyDance® Style, on FcbdU.com
This time, we'll be catching up! Prepare your questions for her on anything related to:
* Pride/Inclusivity in FCBD® Style
* Short Practices for Summer or busy times
* Bodywave and Rhythmic Undulation
These are FcbdU Members-Only Events that you can take full advantage of as a dancer, student, enthusiast or as an Instructor.
Become a FcbdU Member at only $25 USD / Month
Or $299 USD/Year
Log in to your FcbdU Account and access the session HERE
 
        
      
      Tribal Talk: LIVE Retrospective with Carolena Part 3
Exclusive Members-Only Event
Step back in time and experience the roots of FatChanceBellyDance®Style through the words that helped shape a global movement.
Join FCBD® creator Carolena Nericcio for an exclusive multi-part live reading of the Tribal Talk Retrospective—a curated collection of articles from the original Tribal Talk newsletters, produced and edited by Nadia Khastagir from 1997 to 2001.
This rare look into the foundational years of FCBD® offers a glimpse into the questions, inspirations, and conversations that defined the early days of our dance. Carolena will read selections from the compilation and offer personal commentary, insights, and reflections along the way.
More than just a reading—this is a storytelling session, a living history, and a celebration of the community that made it all possible.
You can purchase the downloadable version of the retrospective and read along: https://fcbd.com/product/tribal-talk-the-voice-of-fatchancebellydance-download/
JOIN THE EVENTS HERE: https://courses.fcbdu.com/p/tribaltalkretrospective
 
        
      
      New Podcast Episode: Quick & Simple Ways To Practice Your Dance
In this episode, you’ll get to know her story, her love for FCBDStyle, and what she’s most excited to bring to our community.
We’ll also dive into one of the biggest challenges dancers face: finding time to practice. Whether you’ve got five minutes or twenty, we’ll share easy, doable ways to keep your dance practice alive and joyful—even on your busiest days.
Because sometimes, the smallest moments can lead to the biggest breakthroughs.
JOIN over on our YouTube channel on Sunday July 6th at 10 am Pacific
 
        
      
      Tribal Talk: LIVE Retrospective with Carolena Part 2
Exclusive Members-Only Event
Step back in time and experience the roots of FatChanceBellyDance®Style through the words that helped shape a global movement.
Join FCBD® creator Carolena Nericcio for an exclusive multi-part live reading of the Tribal Talk Retrospective—a curated collection of articles from the original Tribal Talk newsletters, produced and edited by Nadia Khastagir from 1997 to 2001.
This rare look into the foundational years of FCBD® offers a glimpse into the questions, inspirations, and conversations that defined the early days of our dance. Carolena will read selections from the compilation and offer personal commentary, insights, and reflections along the way.
More than just a reading—this is a storytelling session, a living history, and a celebration of the community that made it all possible.
UPCOMING DATES:
May 18th
June 15th
August 17th
AT 10AM PACIFIC
You can purchase the downloadable version of the retrospective and read along: https://fcbd.com/product/tribal-talk-the-voice-of-fatchancebellydance-download/
JOIN THE EVENTS HERE: https://courses.fcbdu.com/p/tribaltalkretrospective
 
        
      
       
        
      
      FCBD® Technique For Teachers Portland
TECHNIQUE FOR TEACHERS
JUNE 3rd - 6th, 2025
APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN!
Join Carolena Nericcio, DeAnna Freeman, and Lore Rojas for the much-anticipated Technique for Teachers event!
This is an opportunity to deepen your expertise, guided by some of the most celebrated teachers in FCBD® Style.
Applications open on Sunday, December 1, 2024.
All applicants will be notified of their status within 5 business days. Once accepted, you’ll receive a registration link and can complete your enrollment.
Don’t miss this chance to refine your teaching skills and connect with a passionate community of instructors!
ABOUT TECHNIQUE FOR TEACHERS (T4T) CERTIFICATION:
Prerequisite: We recommend at least two years minimum teaching experience after taking Teacher Training for FCBD®Style
FCBD®Style has grown into a global phenomenon with an impressive expansion of certified FCBD®Style teachers. The Technique for Teachers Certification Course is an opportunity to ensure that we all share the same high-quality instruction at our studio. In this course for Teacher Training graduates, Carolena and a team of advanced instructors will assess each teacher’s technique, provide feedback, and offer corrections to ensure that all our students worldwide receive consistent instruction.
Each day will consist of a detailed breakdown of two core moves from the FCBD®Style vocabulary followed by chorus drills. Each participant will have an opportunity to lead a two-song drill and receive feedback on their movement technique. We’ll have plenty of time for questions and answers, and bonus drills as well.
Our new refreshed course now includes advanced level formations: Dueling Duets and Cafe Style Format!
Total Price for Four Day, 20-hour Certification Course: $950
Discount of $100 for FCBDU Annual members OR monthly members who have held a membership for a minimum of one year
 
        
      
       
        
      
      Tribal Talk: LIVE Retrospective with Carolena
Exclusive Members-Only Event
Step back in time and experience the roots of FatChanceBellyDance®Style through the words that helped shape a global movement.
Join FCBD® creator Carolena Nericcio for an exclusive multi-part live reading of the Tribal Talk Retrospective—a curated collection of articles from the original Tribal Talk newsletters, produced and edited by Nadia Khastagir from 1997 to 2001.
This rare look into the foundational years of FCBD® offers a glimpse into the questions, inspirations, and conversations that defined the early days of our dance. Carolena will read selections from the compilation and offer personal commentary, insights, and reflections along the way.
More than just a reading—this is a storytelling session, a living history, and a celebration of the community that made it all possible.
UPCOMING DATES:
May 18th
June 15th
August 17th
AT 10AM PACIFIC
You can purchase the downloadable version of the retrospective and read along: https://fcbd.com/product/tribal-talk-the-voice-of-fatchancebellydance-download/
JOIN THE EVENTS HERE: https://courses.fcbdu.com/p/tribaltalkretrospective
 
        
      
      World BellyDance Day FREE Dancing in Flow™ LIVE Stream
In celebration of World BellyDance Day FcbdU is hosting a FREE Dancing in Flow™ LIVE Stream with a variety of FCBDU instructors.
"Flow is dancing in the divine subconscious"
This is a one hour community celebration led by some of your favorite FCBDU instructors.
Let the music carry you into a meditative, joyful flow state. All levels welcome. Let’s dance together in honor of our global bellydance community!
JOIN HERE: https://courses.fcbdu.com/p/worldbellydanceday
On SUNDAY May 11th at 9am Pacific time
 
        
      
      Introduction to Canva for design and marketing for FCBD®Certified Studios
Led by Julia Emrich.
Julia comes from the small state of Saarland, Germany, and has been working full-time as a dance instructor at a dance school there since 2017. In addition to FCBD® Style, she mainly teaches Argentine Tango, Line Dance, and children's classes. Her work at the dance school also includes administration and marketing.
Julia will show us how to create a brand kit, set up your own custom templates in Canva, and explore other free tools for marketing and print materials. Together, we will go through the process from designing a personal logo all the way to creating a printed flyer.
Mark your calendar! Certified Studios will be sent the access details via email.
 
        
      
      Mindfulness in Dance: Meet Our New Instructor - Philippa
This month at FCBDU, we're exploring the powerful theme of mindfulness—and we’re thrilled to welcome a new instructor whose teaching beautifully embodies this concept.
In this episode, you’ll meet Philippa, the newest member of the FCBDU teaching team. Philippa brings a grounded and thoughtful presence to her dance practice, and her new class series invites students to explore what it really means to move with intention and awareness.
We’ll talk about:
- What mindfulness means in the context of FCBD® Style 
- How to stay present in movement, even during fast-paced improvisation 
- Philippa’s personal dance journey and what inspires her 
- The importance of breath, stillness, and sensation in building a deeper connection to your practice 
Whether you’re brand new to mindfulness or looking to deepen your awareness in dance, this conversation will inspire you to tune in, slow down, and reconnect with the joy of simply being in motion.
Join us LIVE on Sunday May the 4th at 9am PDT over on our YouTube Channel!
https://www.youtube.com/@fcbdstyleU
 
        
      
       
        
      
      Stage Presence & the Nervous System: Insights from Gesche
In this Podcast Episode, Gesche shares valuable insights and practical tools for understanding what's happening in our bodies when the spotlight hits—and how to work with those sensations instead of against them.
 
        
      
       
        
      
      Practice ‘Til You Make It: Mastering Dance Transitions with Virginia Hojas
In this episode, we explore the art of smooth and intentional transitions in dance—those subtle yet powerful moments that elevate your movement from mechanical to mesmerizing.
 
        
      
      Ask Carolena February 2025
February 2025 Live Session with Carolena Nericcio via FcbdU.com
 
        
      
      The Art of Connection: From Duets to Dueling Duets with Liz Malcom and Lore Rojas
Sunday February 9th, 10 am Pacific
Dance is more than just movement—it's about the energy we share with others, the way we synchronize, and the unspoken bond that forms when we dance together.
Join this session as we explore the magic of connection through dance, focusing on the beauty of duets and dueling duets.
Tune in for practical tips, uplifting stories, and a renewed sense of unity as we dive into the joy of dancing with others, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and ready to embrace the art of connection.
Head over to our YouTube Channel to catch it LIVE! : https://www.youtube.com/@fcbdstyleU
 
        
      
      Ask Carolena January 2025
January 2025 Live Session with Carolena Nericcio via FcbdU.com
 
        
      
      Marketing Strategies For A Multi-Generational Audience
How can we effectively connect with younger generations while honoring the multi-generational appeal of FCBD® Style? Join us for a dynamic Zoom brainstorming session, facilitated by Brigiett, where we'll share ideas, explore strategies, and inspire each other to attract and engage diverse audiences.
 
        
      
      New Podcast Ep.: Empowered Dance: Self-Love and Self-Compassion
How To Become A Confident Dancer
 
        
      
      Ask Carolena December 2024
Live, Monthly session with the creatrix of FatChanceBellyDance® Style to answer all your questions regarding the topics of the month’s classes and workshops at FCBD® University.
 
        
      
      New Podcast Episode: The Past, Present and Future of FCBD®Style
Join us for an extraordinary conversation with Carolena Nericcio, the founder of FCBD® Style, and DeAnna Freeman, founder of FCBD®University, as they explore the journey of this iconic dance form.
 
        
      
      Ask Carolena November 2024
LIVE at 10am pacific - Members only event
Live, Monthly session with the creatrix of FatChanceBellyDance® Style to answer all your questions regarding the topics of the month’s classes and workshops at FCBD® University.
This is your opportunity to keep learning straight from the source.
Ever dreamed of being able to ask her anything you wanted after a FCBD® class you’ve just taken? That is a reality now!
She’s here for our Community!
Log In your FcbdU Account and access the event HERE
 
        
      
      The Spirit Of Flamenco - Live Masterclass with Sara Jimenez
This Masterclass will be a LIVE Broadcast via Zoom on FcbdU.com on Friday November 15th from 8am to 10am Pacific U.S. time
Sara Jimenez is currently considered one of the best Flamenco dancers in the dance scene, she is a regular performer in the most prestigious Tablao of Spain: El Corral de La Moreria in Madrid. And her career and record are impressive, she offers a very unique artistic expression.
Learn more about her: https://courses.fcbdu.com/p/sarajimenez
This class is for you if you are a FatChanceBellyDance® Style, traditional Raqs Sharqi, Fusion Bellydance Dancer, Student, or enthusiast.
Flamenco is one of the biggest influences in FCBD® Style, we want to honor it (even a little) by learning some of the original technique and movements directly from an amazing Bailaora.
You will get a taste of the History and intention behind the powerful art of Flamenco, as well as learning some of its most outstanding technique characteristics focused on the upper body, such as:
• Posture
• Traditional ARMS technique and movements
• The Floreo
• The “Giro de Pecho” *
* Did you know that the original turn that inspired our FCBD Barrel Turn has 2 versions with a different technique each? You will learn those in this class!
Among other amazing surprises.
The instructor will be able to interact with the students during class and there will be a Q&A Session at the end of the class.
This class is included with your FcbdU Monthly or Annual Membership, and is available for single purchase, with lifetime access!
JOIN HERE: https://courses.fcbdu.com/p/spiritofflamenco
 
        
      
      New Podcast Ep.: Flamenco's Footprint in FCBD® Style
In this episode, we explore the rich influence of Flamenco on FatChanceBellyDance® Style. From the powerful posture and dramatic arm movements to the rhythmic complexity and emotional expression, Flamenco has deeply shaped the evolution of FCBD®.
Join special guest Haima Garcia, a certified studio from Spain and prior student of the professional flamenco school “Marta de la Vega” in Madrid, and DeAnna, as we dive into the historical connections, movement parallels, and even costuming inspirations that bridge these two art forms.
Whether you're a dancer or an enthusiast, this episode will bring you new knowledge on the topic and inspire you to bring a little Flamenco fire into your practice.
Watch this Episode LIVE on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fcbdstyleU
Wednesday November 6th at 10 am Pacific
 
        
      
      Ask Carolena October 2024
LIVE at 10am pacific - Members only event
Live, Monthly session with the creatrix of FatChanceBellyDance® Style to answer all your questions regarding the topics of the month’s classes and workshops at FCBD® University.
This is your opportunity to keep learning straight from the source.
Ever dreamed of being able to ask her anything you wanted after a FCBD® class you’ve just taken? That is a reality now!
She’s here for our Community!
Log In your FcbdU Account and access the event HERE
 
        
      
      New Podcast: The Healing Power of Dance
In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of FCBD®Style as a holistic healing tool for the mind, body, and soul. Discover how movement can reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and unlock emotional release, all while boosting physical health.
 
        
      
      Mapping Your Success Part 8 - Rhythmic Undulation (Arabic) Family
Join Liz for the final class of this series as you explore the Rhythmic Undulation (Arabic) family. See how this alternative name helps you to better understand the action in the body. After completing this series with a strong drill, you’ll emerge with more confidence and expertise.
