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Patrice Norris
Sacramento, CA
(916) 736-1730

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Manasa (Tribal Fusion Belly Dance)

Manasa is an American Tribal Style (ATS) belly dance troupe based in Sacramento. Carolena Nerricio, the director of FatChanceBellyDance (FCBD), created the unique format of ATS belly dance in 1987. Manasa's co-directors, Trice Norris and Cintia Bonham Escobar, have performed this style of belly dance since 1995: dancing with Invaders of the Heart (an ATS troupe founded by a FCBD member), Anahata (a dance cooperative consisting of six "Invaders"), and for the past five years with Manasa, an artistic evolvement of Anahata.

This style of belly dance has as its foundations the Middle Eastern tradition of women dancing together in an improvisational context. The isolated muscular movements associated with belly dance have been layered with dance stylizations from Northern India, Central Asia, North Africa, and Andalusia Spain. Manasa uses costumes and music that reflects this fusion. Manasa"s costumes offer a delicious visual treat for its audiences: colorful ...        > Read moreIndian cholis, coin-embellished bras, three-tiered ten yard skirts over billowing pantaloons, embroidered and mirrored tassel belts, and a slathering of tribal jewelry.

Each of Manasa's performances is a reflection of our collaborative creative efforts. Carolena developed core ATS movements and Manasa has expanded upon those and crafted its own exceptional repertoire. Also, Manasa finds its inspiration in diverse music that reflects the spirit and intention of ATS, but is not necessarily traditional or folkloric. Some dances are choreographed, but for the most part, the troupe prefers to dance within the improvisational context. In tribal fashion, one dancer finds the underlying rhythm and leads the rest of the troupe through intuitive communication. Within a dance, the lead is shared, the dynamics of the troupe changes and allows for the dancers to interact with and play off each other. No performance is the same, each presentation taking on the personality and artistry of the dancer in the lead. It all adds up to an amazing entertainment adventure!

Manasa has performed with several live (Middle Eastern and world fusion) bands and also uses recorded music. Manasa is proud to have danced at the Kasbah (two nights a week) since its opening in June of 2005. Manasa delights in performing for benefits, cultural festivals, private parties, art events, and at restaurants, including:

C.S.U.S Earth Day
C.S.U.S. Women's Conference
CA State Fair
CA World Music Festival
Desert Dance Festival
El Dorado County Fair
Folsom Street Fair
Gateway Healing Arts Festival
Health + Harmony Music and Arts Festival
Rakkasah (belly dance festival that celebrates its 28th year in 2008)
Restaurants: Casablanca, Greek Connection, Marco's, Marrakesh, Thai Hut
Sacramento Downtown Street Fair
Sierra Nevada World Music Festival
Tribal Fest
Whole Earth Festival

Styles: Belly Dancing

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