- photo by Denise Hearn

Vikki Gale 

I have always loved music and dance.  Though I have never formally studied any dance form until my adulthood, I remember trying in earnest as a young child to dance along to the Solid Gold Dancers in my living room.  Throughout my childhood I continued to imitate dancers I saw on television and in movies.  It wasn't until my mid 20's that I was introduced to belly dance through The Learning Studio in Langhorne, PA, which was offering an introductory belly dance class by Sharifa.  From the very first class I was hooked (thanks Sharifa!).  I just loved the way the movement felt in my body…it felt so very natural and empowering to me.  Since this initial class, I have studied cabaret style belly dance with Habiba and Valerie Rushmere, both of Philadelphia, PA, as well many other instructors via workshops.

It wasn't long after the beginning of my journey down the road of belly dance that I witnessed my first Tribal belly dance performance.  I was so mesmerized by the earthy, fluid movements.  I knew immediately that was the style of dance I wanted to pursue.  The very next day I bought the Tribal Basics instructional video by FatChanceBellyDance® and went to work on mastering the moves…and so, there I was (once again in my living room in front of my television), a tribal dancer without a tribe.  Then by chance, I received in the mail an advertisement for Tribal belly dance classes with Fleur Frascella of Philadelphia Tribal Bellydance.  I began classes with Fleur in the fall of 2000 and was invited to join Philadelphia Tribal Bellydance in December 2000.  I have also had the pleasure of taking classes/workshops with Carolena Nericcio of FatChanceBellyDance®, Paulette Rees-Dennis of Gypsy Caravan, and Kajira Djoumahna of Black Sheep Belly Dance. 

I danced as a member of PTB (and earned the title of Assistant Director) through July 2003. 

In January 2002 I began teaching tribal belly dance.  Teaching has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.  I love being able to share my passion for this dance with others and watching my students grow as dancers.  In June 2003 I formed a student troupe, Tribal Spirit, which is open to any of my Level II or higher students who want to perform and are comfortable with class vocabulary.  In September 2003, Maeve Doyle, Jessica Staley, and I came together to form Hipnosis.

Aside from dancer & instructor, I am also soul-mate to Russ, my husband.   Every day I give thanks for the joy and release that tribal belly dance gives me, the many wonderful people it has brought into my life, and the love and support I receive from Russ.

 

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