Skin Deep Dance: American Tribal Style (ATS) Belly Dance Company

Every Skin Deep Dance performance is unique and mesmerizing…

Skin Deep Dance is dedicated to American Tribal Style (ATS) Belly Dance. A modern form of Belly Dance that includes elements of Spanish, East Indian and Egyptian Folkloric dance. The fundamental characteristics of ATS is a group improvisation through the use of cues, which emphasizes being both a confident leader and an engaged follower. As body movement is the basis of our artistic expression, we strive to cultivate a positive affirmation and acceptance of all bodies. Therefore, the spaces we dance in share this same understanding.

We can be seen performing at various events in Seattle such at NW Folklife Festival, World Rhythm Festival, Cues & Tattoos and more. We perform throughout the USA, including Tribal Fest in Sebastapol, CA and Internationally at the Women's Dance & Music Festival in Thailand.

Testimonials:

"One group "Skin Deep" rocked the house with an amazing ATS piece. Of course I started crying when I saw them dance because it was so phenomenal." ~Monkeh, Vancouver B.C. 

"as always, i enjoyed your's and the girl's (skin deep) performance! you all put so much joy and energy into it, and it is wonderful to watch. the dance with the mask was very cool too! i liked the audience reaction when you turned around...priceless!" ~ Cindy Higgins 

"I really enjoyed your performance last night. Both my student and I felt your set was the best. You two were so excited about dancing together and it was awesome to see some pure tribal for once!" ~Tayissa, Professional Dancer

Katrina McCoy, Artistic Director
ATS Belly Dance Instructor, Certified by Carolena Nericcio of FCBD

By skill, grace and humor, you are sure to be charmed by Katrina's mesmerizing persona. She is notorious for her engaging "stage face". Having Katrina and/or Skin Deep Dance at your event will be a memorable experience that will last a lifetime. 

Katrina has been teaching ATS Belly Dance since 2001. She was the first American Tribal Style (ATS) Belly Dance Instructor in Seattle and formed Diatribe (Seattle's first ATS Belly Dance Troupe.) From 2002-2004, she was a member of Troupe Hipnotica. In 2007, she was amongst the first group of Teachers to become certified Sister Studio ATS Belly Dance Instructors by Carolena Nericcio of Fat Chance Belly Dance. In 2009 she launched The ATS Belly Dance Directory. In 2010, she launched the ATS Belly Dance Virtual Studio . Katrina is committed to providing consistent, quality instruction of ATS Belly Dance as originated by FCBD and has been nominated as the Best in Western Washington by King 5 / Evening Magazine. She is also the Artistic Director of The Bollywood Project, a Certified Zumba Instructor, Licensed Massage Practioner and Ayuvedic Lifestyle Specialist. She is currently working towards her Entry Level & Primo Ano Certification in Flamenco through the Spanish Dance Society. more

Off stage, she enjoys empowering and contributing to her student’s growth in the studio while being silly and down to earth. Those aha moments and the first time a woman has the confidence to reveal her belly are what bring her the most joy. For her, dance is another mode for healing. When she is not dancing, she is enjoying vegan vittles with her family & friends.

"...You are a very creative person..." ~ Carolena Nericcio, FCBD

 


Caryn Vaino, Principal Dancer
Assistant Director of Music
General Skills in ATS Certified by Carolena Nericcio of FCBD
A musician all of her life, Caryn has always been attracted to music but never thought she would want to become a dancer until she saw a tribal bellydance performance and was hooked. Watching the dancers improvise but be in perfect harmony with each other, she realized it felt like a jam session between like-minded musicians. Since setting foot on the path to learning this wonderful form of dance she's been introduced to so much more than just how to move the body -- she's learned about self-confidence, built friendships through the dance community, and seen how the seemingly simple act of learning to bellydance can transform any woman's confidence and esteem. In addition to performing with the troupe she enjoys dancing in class with all of the students that learn at Skin Deep Dance, and she's also working on the next stage of her bellydance experience: teaching this beautiful dance to others.

When she's not dancing, she's spinning! Check out her etsy shop: The Glorious Grazers

 

Bridget Ralston, Company Dancer

Bridget has always found different ways of expressing her creative spirit, from fine arts to crafts. Bridget discovered the joys of bellydancing in the Midwest. Her first instructor, Margaret Lion of Different Drummer Bellydance, showed Bridget the power of strong women and rocking out. Later, Bridget studied with Molly Mitchell and Ann Schaffer of Dark Side Tribal Bellydance where she was formally introduced to American Tribal Style Bellydance. Finding her true calling, Bridget took classes and workshops furthered her skills and happiness. Amercian Tribal Style bellydance welcomes and celebrates all who come to the Dance, which is an inspiration for Bridget. Seeking new adventures, Bridget moved to the Seattle area in 2009 and sought classes with Katrina McCoy. Joining Skin Deep Dance in 2010, Bridget is excited for the opportunities and community she will share with the dancers and audiences. Belly dance combines Bridget's artistic background with her love of building community.