FatChanceBellyDance® University
FatChanceBellyDance® University (FCBD®U) opened its virtual doors in June 2020 with one heartfelt intention: to give our worldwide FCBD® Style community a true “home studio.”
At a time when distance and uncertainty were pulling us apart, we chose connection. We created a space where dancers from every corner of the globe could gather, learn, grow, and feel supported—no matter what was happening in the world. What began as a response to a moment in history has grown into something much bigger: a thriving, international hub dedicated to the art, technique, lineage, and magic of FatChanceBellyDance® Style.
What We Offer
FCBD®U is the official, most comprehensive and accessible online resource for FCBD® Style education, offering:
- Hundreds of technique, drill, conditioning, and specialty classes
- Community events, livestreams, and global practice sessions
- The FCBD®U Podcast, featuring interviews, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes stories.
- Resources on our history, origins of steps, teacher support and more
- Official certification courses, including General Skills and Teacher Training, Technique for Teachers, Advanced Teacher Training and other programs including Continuing education opportunities for Certified Studios and instructors
Meet Our Founder: DeAnna Freeman
FatChanceBellyDance® University was created by DeAnna Freeman, an internationally respected instructor and lifelong student of FCBD® Style. DeAnna discovered the dance form in 2004—an experience that reshaped her life and ignited a deep curiosity for movement, anatomy, and the connection between science and artistry.
With more than 20 years of devoted study and teaching, DeAnna has supported thousands of dancers on their FCBD® journey. Her background in yoga, anatomy, and kinesiology adds depth and clarity to her teaching, blending grounded technique with an intuitive understanding of how bodies learn and move. As a former accountant, she brings a love of process, structure, and “the why” into every class she teaches.
DeAnna founded FCBD®U with a simple but powerful vision:
to create a global home where dancers feel supported, inspired, and united through the shared language of FCBD® Style.
Through her classes, workshops, trainings, and leadership, she continues to nurture a worldwide community rooted in authenticity, integrity, kindness, and connection.
Explore more of DeAnna’s story, classes, and offerings on her personal page:
Our Purpose
FCBD®U exists to preserve the integrity of FCBD® Style as created by Carolena Nericcio, while helping dancers and teachers everywhere deepen their knowledge, refine their skills, and stay connected to the global community.
We believe that learning FCBD® Style should feel like coming home—welcomed, encouraged, challenged, and inspired. Our online school provides a space where you can check in with your technique, refresh foundations, explore advanced concepts, and discover new layers of artistry within this dance form.
Our Vision
We envision a world where FCBD® Style continues to flourish for generations to come. A world where dancers feel connected from Portland to Paris, from Mumbai to Melbourne. A world where the shared language of movement creates unity across cultures, backgrounds, identities, and life paths.
At FCBD®U, learning is not just about steps—it’s about community, growth, and the transformative power of dance.
As an FCBD®U Member, you'll unlock:
Unlimited access to hundreds of classes, from fundamentals to advanced training taught by master-level FCBD®U instructors
Early access to exclusive merchandise, premium content, discounts on certification programs, and special events
Enjoy member-exclusive access to special classes like Ask Carolena, instructor Q&As, and community gatherings