Origins of the Pivot Bump

The Pivot Bump is a fundamental steps in any style of bellydance. In fact, whether soft and bouncy or punchy and staccato, many dance styles have some sort of Pivot Bump.

Since this is such an organic and universal step, the following origins are specific to FatChanceBellyDance® Style.

The Pivot Bump, along with the Choo Choo, is not only a foundational and Classic step, but we have an entire family of movements dedicated to this beautifully simple, yet diverse, hip movement.

This step was taught to Carolena Nericcio, founder of FCBD® Style, by her teacher Masha Archer who learned a similar movement from her teacher, Jamila Salimpour.

Whie the FCBD®Style Pivot Bump/Choo Choo may have roots from Jamila, it is quite different from the Salimpour version and compliments our aesthetic and general rule of focusing the energy upwards.

Here’s a clip of Abigail Keyes (Salimpour School of Dance licensed instructor) and DeAnna Freeman (Advanced FCBD® Style instructor) having a little fun while reviewing similaries and differences of the Choo Choo between the two styles. The full “What’s in a Name” interview can be viewed here.

Over the years, this step has inspired some of our favorite movements and combinations including the Resham-ka, (Chico) Four Corners and even the Shell Game Concept.

Here’s a are some of our Pivot Bump and Choo Choo classes.

What is your favorite Pivot Bump/Choo Choo movement or combination?