You don't have to look far in the world of Tribal Bellydance to find Paulette Rees-Denis, for she was among the handful of dancers in FatChance Belly Dance who founded this style 2 decades ago which now has such an incredible profusion of offshoots. But to us, the latest troupe which she named Gypsy Caravan Dance Collective, she is our mother and sister; the living, sharing, laughing, working, playing creator, partner and soul of our dance.

So, with honor and gratitude to Paulette, the originator of Gypsy Caravan as well as Sister Caravan, Caravan Daughters, Urban
Berbers, Caravan Dance Collective and Gypsy Caravan Dance Collective, we respect her decision to take a hiatus from troupe
management and involvement.

After many years under the Caravan umbrella and for the past two years having danced as Gypsy Caravan and the Caravan Dance
Collective (often fused), our troupe has decided to change its name to GypsyHeart [Dance Collective], which blends the remaining dancers from all of Paulette's former troupes.
Carol Vance, the acting director, and long-time member of Gypsy Caravan and all of the aforementioned troupes, as well as instructor since 1997, will continue directing the troupe with the same dancers that have been performing in Paulette's troupes for anywhere from 2 to 17 years, adding and subtracting as we go.

We carry on with a renewed sense of joy and purpose, knowing that we proceed from the living core of the dance which has captured our hearts and enriched our souls.
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Gypsy Heart is the new incarnation of the Caravan tribal belly dance experience created by dance legend Paulette Rees-Denis. This troupe of accomplished and experienced dancers represents a fusion of the classic Caravan vision: Gypsy Caravan, Sister Caravan, Caravan Daughters, Urban Berbers, and the Caravan Dance Collective.

Gypsy Heart builds on this heritage while re-energizing, reinterpreting, and, re-imagining tribal belly dance for contemporary audiences and a new generation of belly dance students. The artistry, beauty, and vision of Gypsy Heart draws on traditions— old and new— from cultures including the Middle East, Africa, Spain, and India. Carol Vance, long-time member of GypsyCaravan, is the troupe’s director.

Bringing the spontaneous and improvisational core of American Tribal Fusion Bellydance to each performance, this Troupe will take you on a dance journey as old as time and as new as this moment.

Contact Peggy Hewitt to book Gypsy Heart for your next special event.

For information about belly dance classes in Portland, contact Carol at

Photos by kaizennw.com