AnimA - Tribal Fusion Belly Dance Studio. Ethel

AnimA is a Tribal Fusion Belly Dance studio led by Ethel AnimA, based in Kraków, Poland. Ethel discovered tribal dance in 2009 and has since accumulated over 15 years of continuous dance practice, 5000+ hours of teaching, and more than 1200 students around the world. She trained with iconic figures including Rachel Redfern, Zoe Jakes, Mira Betz, Michelle Sorensen, Ariellah, Violet Scrap, Julieta Maffia, Kira Lebedeva, Nagasita, Sara Lyn Vimana, Olga Meos, Melli Sarina, Moria Chappell, Lamia Barbara, Edenia, Anita Lalwani, and Kristin Adams. As a performer, she has danced over 400 times in solo pieces, group shows, and creative collaborations. The studio has operated since 2011 in Belarus and moved to Poland in 2022.

Ethel specializes in Dark and Gothic Tribal Fusion style and also teaches American Tribal Style. She created her own movement vocabulary called AnimA Shadows, designed to be expressive yet accessible for dancers of all experience levels. Her teaching approach is based on sensitivity, awareness, and gentle guidance, creating a space without pressure or comparison. Classes and performances carry a dark vibe with vivid emotional images—a world filled with demons, vampires, and fairies, emphasizing deep feelings and storytelling.

The studio offers multiple pathways: the Enigmatic Fusion course (beginner foundations), Shadow of Soul course (intermediate-advanced), Dark Fairytale course (creating performance), intensives like Witch's Secrets and Dark Bloom, one-time workshops exploring specific themes or props, private sessions (online or in Kraków), and the AnimA Sanktuarium online club with pre-recorded lessons, live sessions, and creative rituals. The Creative Group is an exclusive training space for dancers who have completed one of Ethel's courses, where technique meets artistry and every dancer becomes a storyteller.

Ethel is also the organizer of the Tribal Festival in Kraków and the Luna Tribal Festival, which appear on the annual schedule. She is available for guest teaching at festivals and events and has taught in Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Hungary, France, Spain, Sweden, and Estonia. She has organized 15+ international events. Students report a supportive atmosphere, emotional safety, structured classes, and a unique approach with dark and mystical flavour. Beginners are welcome—no prior dance experience is required, only curiosity and a small space to move.

A warm, non-pressured welcome into dark tribal fusion dance. Ethel's classes are structured and accessible; even in your first session, you'll experience movement through a unique vocabulary designed to feel natural in your body. The space emphasizes emotional safety and storytelling, with 15 minutes enough to start feeling a shift in your body awareness and confidence.

Ethel AnimA is the founder and primary instructor. She was born in Minsk, Belarus, and has danced since childhood. Over 15 years of continuous practice, 5000+ hours of teaching, 1200+ students worldwide, 400+ performances, and training with major Tribal Fusion figures make her an established figure in the dark tribal fusion community.

Beginners are explicitly welcomed; no prior dance experience needed, only curiosity and space to move.