SOUTH of the River in AUSTIN, TEXAS

DANCE BACKGROUND: Lucila Velez has been in the Austin dance community since 1979. Her first teacher and mentor on Belly Dance was Maria Amaya in Austin, TX by 1977. Other great teacher that influence. Lucila, to mention a few: Jamila Salinpour and Carolena and FCBD of Ca., Elena Lentini and Della Carella of N.Y., Vashti of Dallas and the Icons of Belly Dance, Bert Balladine and De Ann Adams of Ca. Lucila study the Russian Ballet in her childhood and the Flamenco Dance as a teenager in Colombia, South America.  

DANCE PHILOSOPHYLucila believes in the beauty and benefits of dance, sharing her passion with students of all ages, shapes and backgrounds. Lucila’s philosophy is: “Live to dance and dance to live.”

DANCE BACKGROUND: Michelle's love for dance started at the age of six when she began participation in ballet and tap classes. She became interested in bellydance when her mother enrolled in a bellydance class in the 70's and with her background in anthropology, the study of ethnic dance seemed to be a natural progression. Michelle has studied the art of bellydance for six years including Suhaila Salimpour technique (Level I certified), various forms of Tribal Bellydance, and Egyptian Cabaret. She has also supplemented her knowledge of dance and movement by taking Bharata Natyam and yoga classes.  After years of intensive study of different forms of bellydance and a year-and-a-half of assisting her former dance partner Tashar's class, Michelle started teaching Tribal Fusion classes in Austin, Texas.    

DANCE PHILOSOPHY:  Michelle believes that mastering and drilling safe, solid technique allows a dancer to focus on stage presentation and communication with one�s audience.

DANCE BACKGROUND: Stacey began studying bellydance in 1995.  In 2001, she was introduced to Suhaila Salimpour�s format and has been hooked ever since.  Certified Level I in 2001, Level II in 2002, Level III in 2008, and Level IV in 2009;   Stacey is currently pursuing her Level V certification.  She enjoys cross training in other physical pursuits such as ballet, jazz, Pilates, weight training, running and yoga.  She has attended numerous bellydance workshops throughout the years with instructors from around the world:  Momo Kadous, Randa Kamel, Yasmina of Cairo, Aida Nour, Mo Geddawi, Farida Fahme, Jillina, Magda & Atef Farag, Aziza, Bozenka, Delilah, and many others. 

DANCE PHILOSOPHY: The most inspiring performances fuse strong technique with personal style, passion, honesty and inventiveness.  Bellydance as art is a lifelong pursuit and an ongoing personal process.

STUDENT TROUPE or DANCE OPPORTUNITIES: Annual student recitals and periodic dance opportunities for group performances.

STYLES TAUGHT: Middle Eastern dance, American belly dance, Staged folk dance, Experimental Middle Eastern dance, Bellates