Dance! Global Fusion Festival Workshops

Since discovering her passion for improvised "Tribal Style" dance in 2004, Gesche has devoted herself to this vibrant art form. After years of learning from local teachers, she began attending workshops with the amazing Wendy Allen whenever she visited Germany, who became a significant influence in her dance journey. Gesche has also learned from other talented artists like Carolena, Sandi Ball, Anita Lalwani, and Kae Montgomery. In 2015, she took the leap to start teaching, and by 2016, she completed her General Skills and Teacher Training in Barcelona, earning her certification as a studio instructor. Since then, she has dedicated herself to teaching weekly classes and hosting monthly workshops, collaborating with renowned dancers like Wendy, Sandi, Jesse Standbridge, and Sofia Salazar-Rubio. In 2018, Gesche expanded her offerings by creating psychology and dance workshops, which have led her to teach in various cities across Germany. She continued to enhance her skills with advanced training in General Skills and Technique for Teachers in 2022, Alignment in Munich in 2023, and Advanced Teacher Training in Soest in 2024.

At the age of five, Rupali Ashok Modak began learning the classical dance style of Kathak. After nearly 12 years of training, she started teaching basic classes alongside her instructors, initially focusing on children and later expanding to adult beginner courses. She was eventually appointed as an independent dance teacher at an international school in Mumbai, India. While pursuing her B.Com degree at Mumbai University, Rupali also studied Indian folk dance and earned a university diploma over three years, becoming a silver medalist in the discipline. She choreographed and performed at various levels, including the opportunity to work with the late renowned choreographer Mrs. Saroj Khan. In 2008, Rupali established Zhanak Dance Academy in Mumbai, showcasing her academy at numerous events in India and abroad. She taught basic Kathak classical dance, as well as introducing Bollywood and folk dance courses for beginners. Rupali worked on TV serials and films in Mumbai, serving as an assistant choreographer for various Bollywood productions. After relocating to Germany in 2015, she resumed her dance workshops, receiving an excellent response at all levels. She conducts regular classes and offline and online workshops in Hannover and nearby cities. Grateful for the chance to participate in auspicious events, Rupali trains her students, providing them opportunities to perform under her academy’s name and helping to foster their confidence and positivity.

Giulietta has studied dance since she was a child. In 2005, she met Middle Eastern dance and a few years later, thanks to the guidance of her teacher, she discovered Tribal Fusion. Member of the company A.T.S. MOOD MILANO directed by Francesca Pedretti with whom she takes part in various festivals.In the summer of 2016 in Barcelona she obtained the certification in F.C.B.D.®. In July 2022 she attended the T4T course of FCBD in England. Teacher of the 200%ATS 2023 edition and in September of the same year she attended two days of WS with DeAnna Freeman in Italy. In 2024 ATT graduated in Soest. Lover of ethnic dances, she enriches her dance path with the study of Polynesian dances, Bharatanatyam and Flamenco.

Carolena Nericcio is the dynamic founder of FatChanceBellyDance® and creator of the worldwide dance phenomenon known as FCBD®Style (formerly American Tribal Style®). An early fascination with permanent body adornment lead 8-year-old Carolena to request that her father, Carl, a collector himself, to buy a ring she could “wear always and not take off.” This concept evolved into the study of folkloric textiles, a body full of tattoos, and a collection of jewelry and textiles from around the world. The discovery of belly dance led to the creation of her own dance style, FatChanceBellyDance®Style (FCBD®Style). Carolena founded the troupe FatChanceBellyDance® in 1987 and immediately captured the attention of audiences worldwide with stunning dance performances featuring majestic costuming and layers of ornate jewelry. The music, a carefully chosen collection of both traditional sounds and modern fusion, adds to the effect. FCBD®Style looks old, but it is actually new. Students can study with Carolena anywhere in the world through online classes and private lessons. Instruction is further augmented by a collection of instructional DVDs and international workshops. In addition to instruction, Carolena provides business consultation in the form of FCBD® Troupe Consulting. When she’s not traveling the globe or working at her studio, Carolena enjoys exercising, sewing, knitting, and reading.

DeAnna has been studying and teaching FCBD® Style belly dance and yoga for over two decades. A passionate advocate for both the artistic and structural elements of movement, she integrates her knowledge of anatomy and holistic practices into her classes. In addition to teaching dance and running the official FCBD®Style education programs, she is also a certified yoga teacher, specializing in therapeutic yoga. DeAnna cultivates a unique teaching style that allows students to elevate their skills in a safe, positive and fun learning environment.