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Serpentine Studios - Classes and Instruction

SCHEDULE    PRICES    CLASS DESCRIPTIONS    PRIVATE LESSONS    WORKSHOPS    POLICIES AND FAQ'S

Laura and Monique have passionately studied bellydance since 1998, traveling all over the world to gain the knowledge they are excited to share with you today. Both have also pursued studies in the health sciences; Monique has a degree in Kinesiology and Laura is a Registered Massage Therapist. This all comes together to bring you a safe, well-researched and challenging class where you'll have fun while learning an incredible art form. The Serpentine Studios team of qualified instructors love to teach and see the transformation in their students. Drop into a class and check it out for yourself!

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Weekly Classes
Winter Session 10 weeks: January 8th-March 17th.

Class descriptions can be found below.




TO REGISTER: You can contact us at info@serpentinestudios.com to hold your spot, call 902.406.1668 to register over the phone, or come into the studio to sign up. (Call first to make sure we're in!)


Price List
  Prices do not include tax.


10 Week Session

45 mins (Zylls Class): $125.00
1 hour
(Most Classes): $150.00
NEW! Your first class of Beginner Bellydance is FREE!
So the session is just: $150.00 $135.00
75 mins
(Tribal Fusion 3, ATS 1, Acroflex 2): $175.00
90 mins
(Level 2/3 ATS and Adv. Tribal Fusion): $200.00
2 hours
(Adv. ATS class): $225.00
Unlimited Class Pass
: $495.00
Drop in classes: $17.50 and up

Private Lessons

1 person: $60/hour
2 - 4 people: $75/hour
5 or more people: $15 per person/hour


Studio Rental

Rehearsals: $20/hr
All other uses: $30/hr



Class Descriptions


Bellydance Classes
Egyptian Bellydance with Laura Selenzi
Laura teaches classical Egyptian bellydance or Raqs Sharqi in her signature fun and dramatic style! Sensual and exciting, modern Egyptian bellydance shows influences of Middle Eastern folkloric dance, Russian ballet and golden-era Hollywood movies. Expressive, playful and flirtatious, this dance encourages you to embrace your femininity while learning muscle control, grace, and poise. These classes feature authentic and traditional Middle Eastern dance and music; high technical standards and an understanding of cultural folklore and Arabic music.

Egyptian Bellydance 1
For total beginners, this class will emphasize on foundation technique and isolations, posture, poise and stylistic clarifications. We will learn the basic movements of bellydance and be sure to have fun while discovering muscles you never knew you had!

Egyptian Bellydance 2
Building on technique from Level 1, in this class we will learn a choreography using moves from Level 1 as well as new challenging variations and technique, putting it all together to strengthen our transitions and musicality.

Intermediate Egyptian Bellydance
For dancers who have been studying for at least two years in this style, this level challenges the student with new technique, movements, and transitions.

Shimmies / Drum Solo Choreography
This class focuses on strengthening and improving the ever-elusive shimmy, as well as teaching a challenging drum solo choreography where we will use different kinds of shimmies along with strong isolations, perfectly matched to a drum solo piece of music! Those with a Level 3 technique or higher are welcome.

Egyptian Styling
Designed for intermediate to advanced dancers in any style of bellydance; this ever-evolving class serves as a "bridge to Egyptian style", and for experienced dancers who want to stay sharp and delve deeper into their dance. The student will discover classic Egyptian technique and folkloric dance, learn challenging movements and combinations, and be introduced to the music, rhythms, props and styling of this beautiful dance.

Kids Bellydance with Laura Selenzi
Girls love the sparkling colors and vibrant movements of bellydance! Kids age 8-12 will learn the basic steps and a sampling of folkloric dances of the Middle East. They will discover bellydance props and learn a playful bellydance choreography. This class is fun and energetic! Parents are welcome to hang out in our lounge area during class time. Girls age 13+ are welcome in our adult classes.


Tribal Fusion Bellydance with Monique Ryan
Combining the ancient roots of bellydance with a modern twist, Tribal Fusion incorporates elements of other dance forms such as Indian, hip-hop, flamenco, and vaudeville. Earthy, snake-like, fun and cheeky, music ranges from world to electronic to contemporary. This class teaches you how move fluidly and how to control your body parts independently, while toning the abdominals, encouraging good posture, improving flexibility, and inspiring you to find beauty and power within your body.

Tribal Fusion Bellydance 1
Emphasis will be on isolations, movements, and posture at the beginner level. No previous dance experience necessary.

Tribal Fusion Bellydance 2
The level after level 1. Practice movements from level 1, learn new movements and how to combine them, and a simple choreography.

Tribal Fusion Bellydance 3
Building on technique from Level 2, learn new moves, combos, and a new choreography.

Tribal Fusion Drills
Be prepared to sweat! This upbeat multi-level bellydance class is for students who already have some bellydance experience. This is a bellydance technique class where movements are drilled to increase muscle memory so you can dance fluid and snake-like, or sharp and powerful with ease. Fun combinations as well as a great shimmy and layering section each class will ensure that all levels are challenged.

Advanced Bellydance
This class is reserved for students who have been practicing with Monique for a number of years. Watch for upcoming performances at haflas!


American Tribal Style ® with Elinor Crosby
American Tribal Style Belly Dance (also known as ATS ®) is an improvised group belly dance style that relies on Middle Eastern Dance technique and a vocabulary of cues, transitions, and combinations to form a cohesive dance. Each performance is unique, making it dynamic and entertaining for both the audience and the dancers. Every dancer also leads and follows, performing in large groups, duets, trios, and more. Started in the 1980s by Carolena Nericcio of FatChanceBellydance ®, it quickly spread across the United States and Canada. Many other innovators branched out from FCBD ®, including Gypsy Caravan and Black Sheep Belly Dance, who are also considered to be "grandmothers" of Improvisational Tribal Style (ITS) dancing along with FCBD. UberWench Tribal focuses on having a strong base in the original FCBD style while adding combinations and cues from other improvisational Tribal belly dance styles, and occasionally inventing their own.

Intro to American Tribal Style
Intro to ATS requires little to no belly dance knowledge (in any style) and introduces students to the basic vocabulary of movements, combinations and cues of American Tribal Style belly dance and other Improvisational Tribal Styles (ITS). Each class students will continue to learn new dance vocabulary with cues, work on developing good core strength and dance posture, review previous class materials, as well as practice group improvisational dancing. All students will learn to both lead and follow, gaining confidence through practice and the support of their fellow dancers.

Level 2/3 American Tribal Style
Level 2/3 ATS requires some experience with basic ATS or Improv Tribal dance vocabulary either as taught by UberWench Tribal or the equivalent experience at another studio. (Introductory workshops, intro classes, etc.) Variations on the basic vocabulary of movements, combinations and cues of ATS and ITS will be introduced, and work will begin on dancing in duets as well as more complex formations. Each class students will continue to learn new dance vocabulary with cues, work on developing good core strength and dance posture, review previous class materials, as well as practice group improvisational dancing.

Advanced American Tribal Style
An ongoing and challenging fast-paced class, exploring advanced movements and combinations and formations for improvised Tribal belly dance. More challenging isolations will be taught, different rhythms will be utilized, as well as more intricate ATS formations, cues, and transitions. Zills will be used, and other props may be introduced such as skirts or swords. Registration in this class is by instructor permission only.

Multi-Level ATS Jam
Part drills, part improvisational dancing, and a whole lot of fun! This 1-hour class is open to all levels of American Tribal Style dancers. Come for review, come to practice in a larger group than your class may provide, collaborate and improvise with dancers of all levels.


Hula Hoop, Fitness and Yoga Classes

Hula Hoop with Monique Ryan
Hula Hooping is a fun, anti-stress workout that boosts metabolism! Burn 400-600 calories in a one-hour class. Heavy, adult-sized hoops with friction tape help you keep the hoop up. You can order your hoop on the first day of class, or get you hoop in advance so you will have it for the first class. Check out the shop to order your hoop.

Hula Hoop 1
For beginner hoopers with little or no experience. Join this energetic class for a great cardio workout and learn some easy tricks to keep it fun and interesting.

Hula Hoop 2
For students who have completed the beginner level and have a good understanding of all the basic tricks. This class concentrates on learning new tricks and mastering the harder tricks from the first level.

Kids Hula Hoop
A fun class aimed at kids age 7 and up. The focus will be on games, tricks, and having fun while getting some healthy exercise. Parents are welcome to join this class as well!


Acroflex with Monique Ryan
A one hour class that focuses on poses that will stretch and strengthen the the body, developing that long and lean dancer look. This class is is a creative combination of yoga and circus that will engage students of all levels. Focus will be on splits, bridges, balance poses and partner hand-balancing.

Acroflex 1
This level is appropriate for those who have not taken this class before, or do not have experience in acrobatics, advanced yoga, or similar disciplines.

Acroflex 2
For students who have taken this class before at least twice, or who have a history of flexibility, strength, and strong body awareness from other disciplines.


Ashtanga Yoga with Erica Schmidt
Ashtanga yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures - strengthening and healing the body. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind. This class is open to anyone seeking a challenge, beginners to advanced students.


Circus Fit with Caitlan Anthony
Tired of boring exercise classes? Get your butt kicked with circus! Energize and tone your entire body with a series of fun exercises with a professional circus artist. All levels are welcome as all exercises have a beginner, intermediate and advanced variation.



Private Lessons
Individual instruction designed to help you reach your dance goals; private lessons are great way to get concentrated, personalized attention and feedback on your dancing. Private lessons can be conducted in your own home or venue, or in our studio in downtown Halifax.

Private lessons are available from both Laura and Monique. Please email us for more information.


Workshops


Laura or Monique are currently available for out of town and international workshops. Choose from our repertoire of unique workshops, or choose a perfectly customized class for your group. A great option for out-of town dancers. For workshop/performance combos for parties and events, visit our Hire page.
Please email for prices and more information.

Specialty Workshops:

Drunken Master
2 hours of instruction with Cabaret Serpentine
Taking inspiration from the storytelling of Turkish Rom, the relaxed ease of Egyptian bellydance, and even Jackie Chan's "Drunken Master", this workshop is a light-hearted exploration of deeply relaxing into your dance, letting go of inhibitions and releasing unnecessary tension, while maintaining precision and impressive balancing skill to keep your audience on edge. Some fun combos will be taught in this workshop to illustrate the ideas presented. Actual drunkenness is not required.

Sword Skills
2 hours of instruction with Laura Selenzi or Monique Ryan
Sword technique and a enthralling fusion choreography are taught in this exciting workshop. Includes balancing, dramatic poses, floorwork and more.

1001 Shimmies
2 hours of instruction with Laura Selenzi
Tuesday August 30th, 7-9pm Love to shimmy, or dying to learn the secrets of this elusive art? Let Laura show you more shimmies than you thought possible in this fun and comprehensive workshop. Egyptian, American Cabaret, Hagalla, 3/4, stomach shimmies and MORE!

Double Veil
2 hours of instruction with Laura Selenzi
Learn beautiful single and double veil techniques to create a grand entrance and emotional impact in this exciting workshop! Veils can be used to create drama, excitement, emotion and to express music that seems to call for something bigger than the body alone can create. Technique and combos will be taught. Bring two silk veils if possible, some veils will be available to borrow as well.

Folklore Sampler
2 hours of instruction with Laura Selenzi
Learn the fun and fascinating folkloric dances of Egypt and the surrounding regions. Choose two of the following: Saidi, Khaliji, Port Said, Fellahi, Hagallah and Debke; props like the assaya (cane), shamadan, tahtib and more! We will explore character, technique and the history of these dances.



Studio Policies



Payment and Refunds

Classes must be paid for in full before the first class. Unlimited Passes may be paid for in two installments. We accept cash, credit card, debit, or email money transfer, but cannot accept personal cheques. There are no refunds on classes, workshops or merchandise. You may transfer to a different class in the studio within the first 3 weeks of the session at the discretion of the instructor and depending upon availability of spots. You cannot transfer payment to a future session, except in the case of an emergency medical situation, with a note from a physician.

Missed Classes
If you miss a class for a valid reason, you may take another class during the same session as a make-up. You cannot make-up a class in a future session. Please talk to the instructor prior to the make-up class to ensure that the class you want to take is suitable for drop-ins, and has space.

Cancelled Classes
If a class has to be cancelled because of weather, a teacher illness, or unforeseen circumstances, we will make all efforts to contact you. It is important that we have your updated phone number and information so we are able to contact you. A class will either be added to the end of your session, or you will receive a credit for one extra class.



Frequently Asked Questions



What's the difference between Egyptian style, Tribal Fusion, and American Tribal Style Bellydance?
At Serpentine Studios we have instructors who specialize in these 3 major styles of modern bellydance. Each has its own particular look, feel, costuming and music. For more info, read the
class descriptions on this page.

In a nutshell, classic Egyptian (also known as "Cabaret") is for you if you like fun, flirtatious and feminine movements, getting in touch with your "juicy" side, and learning grace and poise. If you're interested in the traditional roots of bellydance, this style is the most true to arabic styling. Although both styles will help you learn great posture and tone your core, if you prefer a modern urban edge to your expression, check out Tribal Fusion, a modern fusion of world dances based in bellydance technique. Using funky music and concentrating on precise, slick movements, this style has a darker, more mysterious feel. American Tribal Style is another modern fusion of bellydance, and is great if you like to have structure and enjoy group dynamics. You'll learn beautiful movements and combinations that fit together in fun sequences that you and the group eventually cue to each other to create a structured improvisation. Like Tribal Fusion, this style takes influences from Indian, African, and Spanish dance. For a detailed look, check out Laura's blog entry "Tribal Fusion and Egyptian Cabaret, what's the difference?"

What should I wear to class?
Wear something you can comfortably move in. Yoga/sweat pants and a t-shirt or tank top is fine. A sports bra underneath tends to be more comfortable than a regular bra. We often need to look at our legs to correct movements so slim pants are great, or if you wear a skirt, leggings underneath are a good idea. If you like you may bring a scarf to wear around your hips, or buy a new coin scarf at the studio. Aside from being fun and pretty, these scarves provide visual and acoustic feedback from your hip movements, helping you learn!

I don't have any dance experience, is that ok?
The majority of our beginner students come to us with no dance background, so don't worry, you'll be fine!

I have a lot of dance experience, can I start at the Intermediate level?
While a solid dance background means that you'll likely learn more quickly, it is tricky re-train your body to a new dance form or style. Bellydance has a very specific movement vocabulary and nuance, and each teacher may have a very different style as well. We recommend taking at least a couple beginner classes or private lessons to gain a strong foundation before moving up.



FatChanceBellyDance®, FCBD®, ATS® and American Tribal Style®, are federally registered trademarks of FatChanceBellyDance, Inc. For more information, please visit www.fcbd.com/about/legal.shtml.

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