Jenny's interest in belly dance began while she was still a teenager watching dancers at the Renaissance festival in Southern California. It wasn't until moving to Omaha, Nebraska though in 2002 that she finally began studying Raks Sharki with Della. Being a busy mom, Jenny found belly dance to be a great way to release and to bond with fellow women. Unfortunately after only a year studying with Della she was forced to put belly dance on hold for a relocation. Having to relocate twice in a short period of time kept Jenny separated from belly dance until arriving in Birmingham, Al. Moving to Birmingham was a stroke of luck. Jenny was hooked while watching Devyani perform American Tribal Style(ATS) at a local benefit. She immediately began classes working her way up under the leadership of Megha Gavin in the spring of 2004. Nearly one year later Jenny was invited to begin performing as a troop-member with Devyani Dance Company. Jenny performed with Devyani for a year until having to relocate once again to Charlotte, NC. With no available ATS in Charlotte Jenny was forced to make a choice. Being transformed by the art of ATS Jenny decided to begin teaching in Charlotte. Jenny recognized ATS has the unique ability to bring dancers together at a deep level and remains dedicated to it's true form as taught by Carolena Nerricio of Fat Chance Belly Dance and Megha Gavin of Devyani Dance Company. Jenny has completed her Generals Skills Certification and ATS Teacher Certification through Carolena Nerricio of Fat Chance Belly Dance and continues to maintain her dedication to the original form of ATS making Potbelly a Sister Studio to Fat Chance. |
|||
 |
|
|
|
Jen grew up dancing and was a competitive gymnast throughout her teenage years. Since 2003, Jen has been a Pilates instructor in Charlotte and felt a huge tugging in her heart to dance again. She very happily discovered the art of belly dance in 2005 when she began practicing at home and taking various classes in Charlotte. But it wasn't until she was at the Carolina Renaissance Festival in October of 2006 when she first saw Jenny perform on stage and was immediately mesmerized with Jenny's dancing and American Tribal Style. She knew at that point that was the style of belly dance that her heart and soul had been calling out for! She began taking classes with Jenny immediately and was hooked right away. She feels very blessed that she was able to meet and learn from Jenny and was extremely thrilled when Jenny asked her to join Potbelly. Jen loves all forms of dance, but feels most connected with and to American Tribal Style with its improvisational style and the nonverbal communication and connection among the dancers. It fills a void that other styles of dance left in her spirit. Jen is so excited to continue to learn everything that she can about the art of the ATS dance from Jenny and to perform with PotBelly. Jen has a very supportive husband, Kenny, is a mom of 4 wonderful little spirits who are her greatest teachers and keep her busy, and loves knitting, organic gardening and cooking, homeschooling, and hanging out with her family. |
||
|
|
|
Suzy fell in love with bellydance in the Fall of 2003 after taking her first class with Yasmine in Charlotte, NC. She found it to be not only a great form of excercise, but a wonderful way to express her creative side. She's been dancing ever since and has performed locally with the Beledi Beat dancers and as part of Jewels of the Caravan at the Carolina Renaissance Festival. In preparing for the 2006 Carolina Renaissance Festival, Suzy began her training in American Tribal Style with Jenny and had the priviledge to perform with her that year for the first time. Although she enjoys all forms of bellydance, with ATS Suzy immediately felt at home. What she enjoys most about ATS is the earthiness and improvisation as well as the wonderful vibe felt while leading and following other dancers. Suzy is thrilled to be the newest member of Potbelly! and looks foward to continue learning, growing and performing with Jenny and Jen! |
||
|
|
|
