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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 that they had similar taste and goals in their dancing, as well as being each others biggest fan! Soon they were performing regularly together in HBS 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, and is now apprenticing with Arabesque Dance Company as well as performing and teaching regularly. 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.



Monique

Dancing since 1998 and armed with a degree in Kinesiology, Monique Ryan'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 and Amy Sigil of Unmata, Monique is at the forefront of the Tribal Fusion bellydance movement in Halifax. You can often find her performing independently around the city, or with Pink Velvet Burlesque. She has recently had the pleasure of creating the stunning 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.


Laura

Laura's diverse training includes over ten years of bellydance, as well as a sampling of Latin, Hip Hop, Bollywood, and Odissi. Her degree in fine arts brings a sense of aesthetics to her performances and an observant eye to her classes. Laura has learned from some of the world's best bellydancers including Aziza, Rachel Brice, Suhaila Salimpour, Aida Nour, Randa Kamel, Sahra Saeeda, Tito and Hadia. She is currently apprenticing with Yasmina Ramzy and Arabesque Dance Company in Toronto, where she performs and teaches bellydance regularly. As a teacher, Laura combines a sense of humor with her knowledge of anatomy, technique and learning methods. She strives to inspire people of all backgrounds to truly connect with their own bodies while having fun and working up a sweat. Laura is currently working towards becoming a Registered Massage Therapist which she anticipates will add further depth and understanding to her role as teacher.



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