- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Fat Chance Belly Dance
Rating Details »
Categories: Performing Arts, Art Schools [Edit]
Neighborhood: Mission670 S Van Ness Ave
(between 17th St & 18th St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 431-4322
New Miao jewlery shipment@FCBD
New jewelery in.…
Announced 1 week agoMore »
- Hours:
Tue., Fri. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sat. 10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- No
20 reviews for Fat Chance Belly Dance
This business is a Yelp Sponsor
10/15/2009
11/8/2009
2/24/2009
7/29/2009
4/10/2009
7/15/2009
2/23/2009
1/17/2008
8/6/2007
4/7/2005
11/13/2007
4/27/2006
5 photos
6/29/2007
7/1/2008
3/11/2007
11/5/2007
5/4/2007
12/10/2007
11/16/2006
7/12/2007
One of Fat Chance Belly Dance's Favorite Reviews What's This?
From the three beginner classes I've attended I can say that I really like this place and want to continue going!
The instructors are all super friendly and helpful, even after class at the end of the night. My friend and I started on a night that was the last session in a series of beginner courses, so of course everyone else was miles ahead of us in skill, but even the attendees were nice to us and never made us feel like idiots because we didn't know what we were doing.
We're back to day one now and it's sooo much easier to learn that way. Just make sure you start from the beginning, and not the end :)
A major plus is that they sell everything you need to get started in the studio: skirts, tops, videos, zils, and accessories. It's pricier than what you can get on haight street, but much better quality and the real thing.
Also, if you are like me, with a little extra extra on your belly that you're afraid to show in public, have no fear because all shapes and sizes come through and nobody judges you anyways :)
I'm disappointed in myself for only having made it to four class sessions, but I sure did learn a lot!
First off, the studio has a very relaxed atmosphere. I thought that was very important because I joined in on the beginner's class -- and I was a little nervous about belly dancing in front of a bunch of people I didn't know.
The staff and the other students are not there to judge. It was great, they helped me feel comfortable about my body, and I was there to have fun and not feel like I was being watched. At Fat Chance, it's a great place to go if you want to pick up a new hobby, learn something new to show your significant other, or channel all the stress into something fun!
I definitely plan on coming back to finishing a whole beginner's session this time!
Wanted to drop a line for a new dance form I've taken on. I've only been to two of the classes here, so my statements are not final yet. Okay, I've done Butoh for eight years and aerial arts for three. I've always wanted to get into something new, and belly dance won out over Capoiera.
I've been researching belly dancers online and found this place to have a good reputation and reasonable price for beginners. I wasn't informed that the first class I went to was the 6th class in a series. Thus, I attempted advanced moves on a first try! It was okay. My arms were exhausted from the earlier yoga class I did though. The teacher was a little bit too introverted for my taste. I wanted more eye contact, verbal coaching, and the ability to see what her feet were doing under her long dress!
The second class was a bit better. It was a different teacher who was very extroverted, which is what I need as a kinesthetic learner! I must say though, it is odd to be constantly looking in the mirror to mimic and yet, I had to try not to get sucked into my own image for too long!. I prefer using mirrors less. I also felt strange at the request to smile a lot. I suppose it's because of my background in Butoh. However, I've seen famous belly dancers who do not smile outrageously, and I appreciate the honesty in their movement and facial expressions. Another thing, I wished for someone who wasn't so dead serious.
I'm planning on attending the next session with a different instructor who I've heard is lighthearted and good at teaching. I hope she hits the spot. I don't expect the director to teach because it sounds like she is into retirement according the her statement on the website. Boohoo!
The ladies who attend are very friendly. One group was visiting from New York and taking the beginner class. That was fun. We got into groups and followed the New Yorker lead girls. Eventually, I'd like to nail the basics and add a bit of butohesque pop-locking to this American Tribal style of belly dance. All in all, I'd say it's a good starting place to harness the basics.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
Hands down, THE BEST belly dance class you will ever take. Teachers are intelligent, helpful, encouraging and enthusiastic. It does take some time to learn, but I think it's totally worth it. I can now shimmy with style and the costume is just one the most goregous things ever. Take a class--you won't be disappointed.
SO fun!
My girlfriends and I were inspired to learn how to belly dance after a recent dinner at a Moroccan restaurant. After several week trying to schedule a night when we were all available to go, we finally made it to a class last week.
We showed up on a "gap" night, meaning that we were in between 6 week courses. Even though we had missed the 6 weeks of classes that our fellow dancers had, everyone was SO helpful to try and bring us into the group and to give us some hints on how to shimmy. I can't say we were any good, but we sure did have a great time. The dancing is a blast, the woman are all so supportive and kind and the teachers are fantastic.
And, side note, the part of my body that was the sorest the next day was my arms!
I can't wait for our next class!
I would give them 6 stars! This place is like my temple. I could be having the worste day ever and it seems to melt away as I drag myself up the stairs. I'm so addicted! I haven't had a teacher that I didn't like, and the energy is extremely positive. Make sure you show up early so that you're not stuck in the back with no mirror.
i've been taking classes here for a couple of months and it's been a blast. i was introduced to tribal style belly dance by urban gypsy of houston and took lessons there for months. when i found out i was moving to the bay area and i could take lessons at the source of ATS, i was ecstatic.
so far i'm on my second cycle of level 1 and the classes are so much fun. i've had class in the city from christine, anita and sandy, and they're all great, supportive teachers. carolena herself even dropped in to do some zil drills with us! i also go to the alameda classes with wendy and she is just awesome. she's very explicit in her break-downs of all the moves and has helped me focus on my trouble areas so much.
i'm having so much fun and i can't say enough good stuff about all the fcbd girls!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
American Tribal Style (ATS) belly dance is an group improvisational dance form based on a shared movement vocabulary.
Founded by Carolena Nericcio, originator of ATS, the Fat Chance Belly Dance studio provides a firm foundation in the elements of the form. Once you get the hang of it, it's a whole lot of fun to dance with other people. ATS dance moves are also a good basis for solo or choreographed belly dance.
There's a lot to like about the FCBD studio. The practice space is clean, well lit and ventilated. There's adequate space to change and store your gear, but no showers. The store/lounge area is a nice place to hang out before class and shop for belly dance-related items. The space is decorated with Carolena's considerable collection of world garments and jewelry.
FCBD classes are taught by experienced members of the troupe, and teachers vary from class to class and week to week. I've found all of the teachers to be high energy, good at explaining things and receptive to questions from the class.
The material is presented in a very structured way. The first level has a six-week cycle that covers all the basic elements of the form, leading to more complex steps and patterns in the 12- week second level. Students are encouraged to complete all classes at one level before they progress to the next, however, the classes can be taken out of order. There's an excellent description of the classes and schedule on the web site. http://www.fcbd.com/in...
I've studied at FCBD on and off for two years. The FCBD studio is a welcoming space for women of all shapes, ages and levels of dance ability, and it's a supportive yet low-pressure environment to study dance.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
I too have been coming to FCBD for years on and off. I like pretty much everything about them.
The fact that I can pick and choose my classes - I can stay in Level I for 6 years if I feel like it, or drop in on a Level II when I feel up to it is very nice. Not to feel forced or expected to move on when you don't feel ready is wonderful.
The instructors are great. They rotate instructors so you may not have the same one every time, but that's good too as sometimes you get a piece of a movement from one of them and a piece from another and it all comes together into learning the whole thing.
It's a lot of fun, great exercise, and there is no pressure. You are encouraged to improve, encouraged to participate in their student salons and the like, but you don't have to and what you learn is at your own pace. No one tries to make you bend in a way you aren't ready for yet, or reach for a range of movement you aren't flexible enough for.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
Over the last 3 years, I've flirted with these classes every few months; I stay committed for a little while, and then I shomehow decide it's too much fun to continue. Of course, months later, I go shimmying back, because it's just too hard to resist a belly dancing class with extremely dedicated insructors (who notice your absence) who seem to breathe this dance. They've added structure to the classes with an 8-week instruction course, so you know what you've missed, and the classes are staggered so there's room to make up a class. Belly dancing works muscle groups you don't often use in concert in other activities, and sharing a dance room with women of all ages who each enjoy this dance can be empowering.
People thought this was:
- Useful (6)
- Cool (2)
Fat Chance makes us beginners feel warm and fuzzy, while keeping the experienced interested and coming back. I have never been to a dance studio that could do that. Plus you will amaze your friends, coworkers, and other lucky people with your newly developed skills. I thought I would fall down and have a seizure the first time I tried to use zils (those finger cymbals) and move my arms and wrists and hips and feet and belly all at the same time, but I didn't! Magically, it all improves...looking forward to my first coin bra!
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Cool (1)
I agree with Suhani I too have been a flirt with FCBD and these ladies are SSO amazing to watch. The beauty in their form of dance and expression of art. They have a studio where you can learn and understand the dance of Belly Dance. And Carolena Nericcio is one hellaof a women as well as her dancer/sisters these ladies are all amazing.....I give them 50 stars all inGold.......
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Cool (4)
If they still taught in the East Bay I'd still be taking FCBD classes- they were wonderful. Best of all for me, no one minded if I stayed in the beginning class for years and years, which is pretty much what I did. I'm a slow learner, and I always end up dropping out of the classes that try to hussle you up through their curriculum. (You know- 8 weeks of beginning and then you have to move up to 8 weeks of intermediate, and so on. And if you can't or don't move up, they view it as a slight to their teaching abilities, even when you've told them it's just that you're really really slow to learn things). At FCBD, when you feel ready to move on to the next level you can, and you can also stay in the beginning class AND do the intermediate. I never got as far as the advanced, so I don't know about that. I do know that if the teachers ever rolled there eyes at me for never moving up, and for being generally flaky about practicing outside of class, they hid it well.
The style is American Tribal Style, and if you want "authentic" this isn't it. Carolena Nericcio has taken a bit of this dance style and a bit of that one, and ended up with a wonderful Middle Eastern/Indian/Flamenco dance masala. It's a collaborative style, which is wonderful for those of us who aren't comfortable with the exploitative CFM vibe that comes off of some (not all) of the practitioners of the caberet style (the solo belly dance that's more common.) You're ALWAYS dancing with a whole group, although you'll get a solo now and then. To a big extent you're dancing for them, and not for your audience, and as an audience member I've often felt like I was getting in on something somewhat private. Sort of like getting included in your older sister's hair-and-makeup-with-the-girls session, when she's usually too cool to associate with you. It's fun and sexy and feels like a privilege.
If you don't have tattoos you'll feel a little out of place, but no one seemed to mind my lack of ink. There are some GORGEOUS tattoos there. Oh yeah- and young, old, fat, skinny- it's all good. You're still having a good time.
Carolena is a great teacher- she explains how movements work. She doesn't just say- do what I do! And expect you to figure it out. (Those of us without experience in dance or yoga or anything really need the explanations.)
Most of the classes I went to had a couple of advanced students in them, too. I'm not sure why they bothered, but most of them were incredibly sweet and inspirational, and didn't feel condescending. There were exceptions to this, but mostly they were very very supportive, no matter how much of a dork I was.
Anyway, the beginning and intermediate classes are great. If I ever venture over the bay into the SF classes and somehow miraculously progress up to the Advanced level, I'll let you know how it goes.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Cool (3)
I took my first intro class series and loved it, the music, the teachers and Spike the Mexican hairless that sometimes cheers us on. I will be back for another go at the intro class soon. The intro book is a great deal!! You get a CD, instructional DVD, a bindi and some finger zils, worth the 14.95 for sure.
Yet another absolutely glowing review for Fat Chance Belly Dance. I'll be honest, I was a little put off by the name, but once you enter the studio and environs you are immediately immersed into the beauty of all that is belly dancing. The instructors are extremely dedicated to their craft and are patient teachers. The boutique and library is filled with a wonderful assortment of belly dance accoutrements as well as instructional videos, books and magazines for purchase. Lastly, there is nothing like dancing in a room with women of all sizes, shapes, backgrounds and ability...who have come together to learn this most sensual of arts. It is a very empowering experience.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (2)
I love this place. The teachers are such fun, open, and professional people. It doesn't matter if you are younger or older. It doesn't matter if you are a prima ballerina or only dance in your room. This is the place where I go to dance with other people and let my tummy hang out, and to the side, and then rolling up and down. People have come from China and France to be here. You should come too!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (2)
Excellent instructors who are clearly passionate about their art, and amazing performances - definitely catch one if you can! I have taken lessons sporadically over the past couple of years, and I enjoyed every one. The instructors are patient and very good at breaking down the small movements that add up to good technique for each move.
The vibe is very open and welcoming, non-judgmental - which was great since this was my first formal dance class of any kind. Lots of fun, and a great workout for those abdominal muscles that don't get used very often! The classes really helped improve my posture, too.
Highly recommended!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
What a great great way to feel graceful, strong and SEXY! The classes get really full so you have to be ready to share a relatively small space with lots of women friends gyrating and pulsing to some killer music! It's more fun if you dress the part and bring those zils! The instructors are all talented dancers and encouraging to even the most freshman belly dancer. Shimmy girls shimmy!!!
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
These ladies are amazing!
People thought this was:
- Cool (2)
FCBD is a wonderful little studio. I have never taken dance classes before and Sandi got us all dancing on the first class, just like they said they would! I have been coming here for only a few months, but I would highly recommend learning belly dance to women of all shapes and sizes. Ladies, this will make you feel POWERFUL and PROUD to be female. FCBD has a bunch of amazingly inspiring and talented instructors who are very encouraging and helpful. If you're still not sure whether or not to join the studio, go to one of the student salons where the students get to show off all the delicious moves they've learned. If that doesn't blow you away, I don't know what will!
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
