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Lacey Sanchez
Wild Garden Bellydance Director

Lacey began her journey into Belly dance at the early age of 15 in southern California with Patricia Johnson. Her love for this beautiful art form was immediate; she began performing at bellydance events and around campfires at SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) events almost instantly. The thrill of live drums and dancing with her sisters was inspiring. She took this love for the dance all the way through high school and pursued a dance degree at Victor Valley Community College. She studied many forms of classical dance including Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Ballroom. However, Lacey sustained an injury that would prevent her from ever pursuing a career in classical dance. To her surprise though, because Belly Dance is best danced barefoot her doctor approved and encouraged her to continue Belly dancing.

Lacey then traveled cross country from California to Central Florida where she was exposed to the large community of American Cabaret Belly dancers in Florida. Lacey then spent the next four years studying, teaching, and performing American Cabaret Belly dance in Florida as well as in Southern California. It was in her last trip to California where her original love for Folk Fusion Belly dance was re-ignited. Lacey then made the decision that she wanted to bring her experience and love of this unique style Belly dance to Florida. So she began Wild Garden Bellydance (originally known as "Florida Tribal Dance") in November of 2006 for just that reason.

Lacey is the director of Wild Garden Bellydance Troupes: Aeonium Dance Collective, offering professional Modern Folk Fusion performances, Blue Caravan, a troupe specializing in Folk Fusion Group Improv, and Silver Sage, Wild Garden Bellydance's student troupe. Lacey and Wild Garden Bellydance also host  "A Garden Gala" our annual recital in the Spring, celebrating the students, troupes, and extended family of our school.

In addition to teaching online and in-studio classes, Lacey is also available for instructional workshops both on location and online. She prides herself on her upbeat personality, meticulous breakdown of movements, and energy that puts students in a fun place to learn, so whether you are a first time dancer or a seasoned professional you will find Lacey's teaching easy to comprehend and useful in any dancer' s progression.

Lacey holds a beginning certification in the
YogaFit Method.

Lacey completed the FatChance   Style General Skills Certification by
FatChance Bellydance Style in June 2009 as well as Teacher Training in 2017.

Lacey completed and passed the necessary requirements and testing for Phases I, II, and III of Rachel Brice's 8 Elements program.
Phase 1: Intitiation in 2012, Phase II: Cultivation in 2013, and Phase III: Culmination in 2016.

Lacey completed and passed the necessary requirements and testings for 8 Elements Phase IV in 2019, and is now a Certified Datura Style Instructor.