Ithiliar
Tribal Bellydance & Flow ArtsFatChanceBellyDance® Certified Studio
Hello! My name is Gabriela Zapata, also known in the dance world as Ithiliar. I am a Tribal Dance instructor and performer, and for me, dance is more than an art form—it is a living practice that cultivates physical, emotional, and spiritual balance.
Teaching is one of the most enriching aspects of my journey, which is why I am constantly training and evolving to offer high-quality Tribal Dance classes and workshops. My work is rooted in FatChanceBellyDance® Style and its diverse dialects, including The Siren Project®, Sacred Sword®, Fin del Mundo®, Tamarind Tribal Transformations® (TTT®), and Sombras Impro Style®, among others. Through these practices, I explore creativity, connection, and embodied expression, sharing my passion for Tribal Dance with dancers worldwide.
Born in Venezuela, I have been passionate about dance and movement since childhood. I started my journey with Ballet and traditional dance styles, and in 2015 I discovered American Tribal Style® (ATS®), now known as FatChance BellyDance® Style (FCBD® Style)—a format that resonated deeply with me for its sense of community, respect, and group connection.
Since moving to Madrid in 2016, I have continued my training in Tribal Fusion and FCBD® Style, studying with certified instructors and international mentors. Since 2018, I have been a member of the Sombras Tribal company, developing my artistic language through Dark Fusion, Flow Arts (props), and choreographic composition, under the guidance of Akzara Martini.
My passion for teaching Tribal Dance and FCBD® Style has led me to train continuously at FatChanceBellyDance® Style University and participate in national and international dance festivals and workshops. In 2024, I completed FCBD® General Skills and Teacher Training certifications with Carolena Nericcio, DeAnna Freeman, and Kelley Beeston, becoming an official FatChanceBellyDance® Certified Studio.
In 2025, I became an official representative of The Siren Project® (FCBD® dialect with a flamenco-inspired fan) and completed the Alignment for FCBD® Style program with DeAnna Freeman, further deepening my technique, kinesiology, and conditioning for this style.
