Every Troupe Hipnotica performance is a unique Tribal Belly Dance Experience. Our dances are sometimes “hypnotic“, sometimes festive and always improvised. Our movements are spun from a language of the body as first originated by Carolena Nericcio and Fat Chance Belly Dance.

Troupe Hipnotica is comprised of seven seasoned performers who have the versatility to adapt to any venue size. We dance to music from around the world, both traditional and modern club-style. Our performances include the use of finger cymbals, swords, baskets and candles.

For more information on troupe members and how to schedule us for your next special event, please see the Dancer Biographies (below) and Contact & Booking Information sections of this site.

Adriene Rice is the founder and director of Troupe Hipnotica. She has been studying American Tribal Belly Dance since 1994 when she first discovered Fat Chance Belly Dance. As a member of the well known San Francisco troupe she had the opportunity to appear in instructional videos and perform in a variety of venues from international festivals to cafes and private parties.

For Adriene, Tribal Belly Dance allows her the opportunity to explore some of her favorite subjects: creativity, self-expression, and world cultures. She is forever fascinated by the "structured chaos" of improvisational choreography and she is continually inspired by the strength and creativity of the women in her troupe.

Julia's interest in tribal belly dance began in the mid 90's when she first saw performances by the mesmerizing Fat Chance Belly Dance. Shortly after moving to the Seattle area in 1995 she began studying traditional oriental style belly dance. In 2002 she began study with Adriene Rice and proudly joined her newly forming troupe. Julia received her B.A. with an emphasis in Buddhist Studies and Psychology from Evergreen State College in 2004 and her Master of Social Work from the University of Washington in 2006. In the future she would like to find creative ways to join her interest in social change with belly dance.

Julia sees tribal belly dance as a reflection of the increasing interconnected global community and feels blessed to be sharing the experience with the members of Troupe Hipnotica and the belly dance community as a whole.

Carmel is a lifelong dancer who has studied and performed many styles in the U.S. and abroad. She acquired her B.F.A in modern dance from the State University of New York (SUNY Purchase) where she studied ballet, Cunningham, Graham, Limon, and Klein techniques among others. Soon thereafter she discovered tribal belly dance and performed in New York with Planet Caravan. Locally she has performed and created multi-media works with Lunache and SIL2K. She is inspired by the true source of dance, how it is used both in the everyday and for rites of passage and celebration in various cultures. For her, tribal belly dance embodies this authentic expression beyond performance alone. She has been studying with Adriene Rice since 2002, has been with Troupe Hipnotica since its inception and has appeared in instructional videos including prenatal belly dance. She is honored to share this journey with the spirited individuals who comprise Troupe Hipnotica.

Jennifer is a Seattle native, and became interested in creative expression through art, music, dance and costuming at an early age. She graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 1994 with a BA in Apparel Design and Construction.

Jennifer has been committed to the study of tribal belly dance with Troupe Hipnotica since 2003. She has also been instrumental in the creation of signature costume pieces used by Troupe Hipnotica. The study of tribal bellydance has brought positive changes to all areas of Jennifer's life. Her favorite things are the technique & skill involved in the dance, the opportunity for each dancer to express themselves as individuals, and the friendship and connection with all the strong, beautiful women that make up Troupe Hipnotica, past, present and future.

Lisa was introduced to American Tribal Style belly dance in 2002 when she began studying with Adriene Rice. For Lisa, Tribal belly dance encompasses many of her life-long inspirations: world cultures and music, fine art, connectedness, antiquity and ceremony.

Lisa attended the Seattle Art Institute and School of Visual Concepts and currently works as a web designer and freelance graphic artist. She also enjoys henna/body arts, stained glass, mountaineering, yoga, paragliding and rock climbing.

From a family which included accomplished artists and costume designers Siobhan inherited a marked talent for art, photography, special effects make up, cosmetology and costume design. She attended the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA.

Siobhan's tomboy youthful rebellion and physical sports abilities almost landed her in the roller derby. A competitive individual she excelled at sports and avidly competed in hip hop style skate dancing.

The enchanting multi-cultural music and costumes initially drew her to American Tribal Style Dance. A public performance of Adriene's troupe made a lasting impression that captivated Siobhan's creative spirit. Upon discovery that the tribal community empowers women of all ages, shapes and sizes, she placed herself under Adriene's care and committed herself to American Tribal Style Bellydance.