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About Us Laura Selenzi and Monique Ryan are Cabaret Serpentine, a dynamic and hypnotic duo interested in the traditional roots as well as the evolving modern potential of bellydance, from Egyptian to Tribal Fusion.
Laura and Monique initially studied and performed with separate bellydance troupes in Halifax, becoming friends at a Halifax Burlesque Society (HBS) show in 2003. They soon discovered they had similar taste and goals in their dancing, and had been big fans of each other for years. They began performing regularly together in HBS and other shows, exploring many styles of bellydance fusion. Soon after the disbanding of the Society, Laura moved to Toronto to further her bellydance training and career, performing and teaching regularly in the city as well as becoming a lead dancer in Arabesque Dance Company. Monique is a popular local instructor and troupe director, enthusiastically introducing Halifax to Tribal Fusion, while helping to put the innovative performance group "Pink Velvet Burlesque" on the map. Laura and Monique's respective backgrounds in fine art and kinesiology result in a complimentary partnership and a common interest in health and healing, creative expression and evolving art. This commitment to a similar vision and inspiration have them working together regularly despite their geographical distance. Their recent projects include producing popular bi-annual shows in Halifax, the goal of which is to represent the full spectrum of modern bellydance by showcasing Halifax's best professional bellydancers.
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Dancing since 1998 and armed with a degree in Kinesiology, Monique's passion for movement is more than just a pastime. Taught by some of the art forms greatest stars including Sharon Kihara, Rachel Brice, Mardi Love, Ariellah and Amy Sigil of Unmata, Monique has pioneered the Tribal Fusion bellydance and hula hoop movement in Halifax. Recently voted The Coast magazine's "Best Dancer" and 1st runner up for "Best Fitness Instructor", you can often find her performing independently around the city, with Pink Velvet Burlesque, or with her own Tribal Fusion group, Mahari Tribal. A popular local instructor, Monique is interested in helping to increase the self-esteem of women through dance and fun, creative expression. She is currently pursuing Yoga teacher training to deepen her practice. |
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Drawing from experience in Turkey, India and Canada, Laura has over twelve years of training in this art form. Having learned from some of the world's best including Aziza, Rachel Brice, Suhaila Salimpour, Aida Nour, Randa Kamel, Sahra Saeeda, Tito and Hadia, she credits her current teacher Yasmina Ramzy of Arabesque for the majority of her professional training.
Performance highlights include dancing in Istanbul nightclubs, an Indian temple, the Miss Pakistan World Competition in Toronto, Canada's MuchMusic and in Arabesque's original productions ASALA and EGYPT as a lead dancer. Laura is also a sought-after solo performer in Toronto and Halifax.
A dynamic instructor, Laura strives to inspire people of all backgrounds to truly connect with their own bodies by combining her in-depth knowledge of anatomy, technique and learning methods with a sense of humor. In addition to her dance training, Laura holds a bachelor of Fine Arts and is a Registered Massage Therapist.