Kelley Beeston - Kalash Tribal

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In 2007, after a short introduction to Egyptian cabaret and folkloric belly dance, Kelley discovered FatChance® Style Belly Dance — and absobloodylutely fell head over heels in love with it.

The roots, rhythms and music, together with the camaraderie, costumes and jewellery, and the peoples, cultures and history that surround the dance, spoke to her fascination with all things tribal. Little did she know that this would become the beginning of an extraordinary journey of self-discovery and a lifelong passion for this dramatic and eclectic dance form. Never in a million years did she imagine that she would one day step onto a stage, let alone teach.

Kelley initially taught herself using the FatChanceBellyDance® instructional DVDs and, as an eternal student, continues to train regularly and keeps in touch with her mentor and founder of the dance, Carolena Nericcio, and other FCBD® Style masters. Although based in South West England, she was a regular visitor to the FatChanceBellyDance® studio in San Francisco, attending classes and private lessons and completing the intensive General Skills, Teacher Training and Technique for Teachers courses multiple times.

She became a Certified Teacher and Studio in 2010 and was subsequently selected as one of only ten teachers worldwide to undertake the first-ever Advanced Teacher Training. In June 2015, she graduated and was invited to become a Tribal Pura International FatChance Continuing Education (FCCE) Instructor.

Kelley is dedicated to teaching and presenting FatChanceBellyDance® Style as created and developed by its founder, director and her master teacher, Carolena Nericcio. She is particularly well known for her inclusive and approachable teaching style, combined with a thorough and detailed understanding of the dance.

Her innate ability to break down and simplify even the most challenging steps and concepts has earned her a reputation as a knowledgeable and supportive teacher. A self-confessed FCBD® Style “geek”, Kelley loves nothing more than delving into the minutiae of the dance — from its underpinning foundations to advanced ideas and concepts, formations and musicality.

She is fascinated by the many layers that transform steps into a compelling group dance: communication and interaction, group dynamics, connection with the audience and confident performance. For Kelley, it is all about how we deliver our dance — from the moment we enter the stage to the rapturous applause at the end.

In 2008, Kelley launched her much-loved “Oasis”, a sanctuary for mind, body and soul. Created especially for students, teachers and Certified Studios, Oasis provides structured workshops and a regular gathering place for dancers who find themselves in a FatChanceBellyDance® Style desert, without a teacher nearby.

Over the years, Oasis has welcomed dancers from across the UK, offering in-depth tuition in a warm, friendly and supportive environment. Alongside these workshops, Kelley’s annual weekend retreat, “Serendipity”, held in Devon, has become a much-anticipated event in the dance calendar, attracting dancers from throughout the UK and Europe, as well as visitors from the United States.

Kelley’s passion for the dance radiates through everything she does — from her online classes, live workshops, events and international coaching, to her performances and collaborations. Over the years she has nurtured a wonderful tribal family and vibrant dance community, with home workshops often continuing long after the dancing has finished: drum circles around the fire pit, haflahs and film nights in the infamous barn have all become part of the Oasis experience.

As a performer, Kelley has danced with her troupe Kalash Tribal, her international online troupe Panacea — created during the Covid-19 pandemic — and through numerous other collaborations with dancers all over the world.

She believes there is something truly magical and empowering about FatChance® Style Belly Dance: the connection, the communication, the music, the creativity, the community and the sheer joy of dancing together.

After almost two decades immersed in this remarkable dance form, Kelley remains as passionate and curious as ever — and is delighted to share that magic with you.

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