What We Do
Tessera Dance performs and teaches group improvisational dance inspired by dances from the MENAHT (Middle Eastern, North African, Hellenic, and Turkic) region popularly referred to as “belly dance.”
Group improvisational dance uses a shared vocabulary of movements that allows two or more dancers to move in unison and spontaneously create choreography in the moment—every performance is an entirely unique experience! This structured improvisation is made possible by subtle cues that enable dancers to communicate, established formations, musicality, and, most importantly, teamwork.
Our Philosophy
Tessera Dance’s unique twist on group improvisational dance builds on the movements and concepts of FCBD®Style as created and taught by FatChanceBellyDance®. Strong foundational technique in this dance style is an essential component of our creative process.
The name Tessera, which is the word for an individual tile in a mosaic, expresses our approach to developing movement vocabulary. In a mosaic, simple shapes are combined to create intricate and complex combinations. We envision the core movements as tiles in a mosaic that can be arranged and rearranged in infinite ways to create a unified and harmonious whole. Rather than create new movements, our guiding principle is to explore the boundless possibilities within the format by applying new concepts and discovering unexpected ways of using what already exists.
These innovations are rooted in our dedication to excellence in technique and a deep understanding of the FCBD®Style aesthetic as certified instructors and former members of FatChanceBellyDance®. As perpetual students who love to learn, we also draw inspiration from other dance styles and disciplines.