Laura Selenzi
Owner and Co-Founder of Serpentine Studios
Instructor: CLASSIC EGYPTIAN BELLYDANCE, FUSION, AND THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE
As a child Laura explored gymnastics, figure skating, music and visual art, but it wasn’t until she discovered bellydance at age 15 that she found her true calling. She felt a profound connection to the music, movements and beauty of this dance. While completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts at NSCAD University, Laura realized that her artistic work always circled back to the theme of dance and the feminine experience. Since then she has fully immersed herself into the world of dance and never looked back, taking her artistic training into the dance world.
After traveling to the bellydance mecca of Turkey, and to India where she studied classical Indian Odissi dance, Laura took the leap and moved to Toronto to apprentice with Canada’s leading Middle Eastern dance company, Arabesque. In 2006 she became a lead dancer and performed for 5 years with the company including three full-scale Arabesque productions and touring across Canada. Laura also appears in multiple Arabesque performance DVDs, and instructed for a number of years at Arabesque Academy.
An eternal student, Laura has had the great pleasure of learning from renowned artists such as Mahmoud Reda, Fifi Abdo, Randa Kamel, Sema Yildiz, Padma Cheren Dehury, Hadia, Aziza, Rachel Brice, Suhaila Salimpour, Aida Nour, Sahra Saeeda, Tito Seif, Mira Betz, and many, many more. Laura credits her mentor Yasmina Ramzy of Arabesque for the majority of her professional training, including the invaluable experience of dancing with a live Arabic orchestra.
Laura’s long-time dream was realized in the Fall of 2011 as she opened Serpentine Studios with Cabaret Serpentine co-founder Monique Ryan in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she now lives. Laura and Monique continue to explore modern bellydance while producing professional dance productions; the aim of which is to bring high-quality bellydance performances to the Atlantic Canadian community, and constantly raising public opinion of this beautiful art form. Laura is currently studying various forms of world dance and fitness, in addition to continuous training in Middle Eastern Dance.
Outside of her dance practice, Laura is also a Registered Massage Therapist. She encourages her clients to take part in their own rehabilitation, fostering a strong mind-body connection. She continues this work in her teaching practice, combining her in-depth knowledge of anatomy, dance technique and learning methods with a sense of humour and passion for this beautiful dance. She strives to inspire people of all backgrounds to truly connect with their own bodies.
When she’s not dancing, Laura enjoys sewing costumes, graphic design, spending time with her family, chocolate, red wine, and the great outdoors.
Professional CV
FORMAL EDUCATION
2008-2009 Sutherland-Chan, Toronto, ON
2200 hour diploma in Massage Therapy – Valedictorian
2000-2004 Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Halifax, NS
Bachelor of Fine Arts – Photography Major
Dance Training
Since 1998 I have studied Middle Eastern dance in its many forms including Egyptian, Turkish, American Cabaret, folklore, fusion, musicality, improvisation, choreography creation, and much more. Places of regular study include Arabesque Academy and Hannan’s Bellydance Studio in Toronto, in addition to countless weekly classes and workshops by international instructors. I own Serpentine Studios in Halifax where I teach weekly classes and facilitate workshops with international instructors.
Intensive Training Highlights
2018
Bellydance Blossom Festival: Egyptian bellydance workshops TORONTO. ON
2015
The Tribal Massive: 47 hours of fusion bellydance instruction LAS VEGAS, NV
2013
Raqia Hassan Egyptian Bellydance Intensive OAKVILLE, ON
2012
International Bellydance Conference of Canada TORONTO. ON
2010
International Bellydance Conference of Canada TORONTO. ON
2009
Sahra Saeeda’s Journey Through Egypt Levels 1 & 2
Certificate in Egyptian Folkloric Dance KINGSTON, ON
2005-10
Arabesque Dance Company Weekly Rehearsals and Training TORONTO, ON
2008
International Bellydance Conference of Canada TORONTO, ON
2008
Hadia’s Teacher Training Level 2 Certificate Program TORONTO, ON
2007
International Bellydance Conference of Canada TORONTO, ON
2005
Arabesque Professional Course TORONTO, ON
2005
Hadia’s Teacher Training Level 1 Certificate Program HULL, QC
Performance Highlights
Original Productions: Co-Producer, Choreographer and Dancer
Created 17 staged dance productions in Halifax with co-producer Monique Ryan; featuring local dance artists and occasional guest artists. Highlights include:
2019
“Night Garden” Alderney Landing Theatre with support from Arts NS HALIFAX, NS
2016
“Les Folies Serpentine” Atlantic Fringe Festival, Paul O’Regan Hall HALIFAX, NS
2015
“Spellbound” Atlantic Fringe Festival, Paul O’Regan Hall HALIFAX, NS
2014
“ARCANA: Dance. Magic. Wonder”, Alderney Landing Theatre HALIFAX, NS
2012
“Dreams of the Silk Road” Atlantic Fringe Festival, Rowe Heritage Hall HALIFAX, NS
Original Productions: Lead Dancer in Arabesque Dance Company
I danced with Canada’s leading Middle Eastern dance ensemble from 2006-2010, under the artistic direction of Yasmina Ramzy. These highly acclaimed productions were supported by the Canadian Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council and the Toronto Arts Council; and involved minimum twice-weekly rehearsals, culminating in multi-show runs and occasional tours. Highlights include:
2010
“Oum” – Fleck Dance Theatre TORONTO, ON
2009
“Egypt” – Fleck Dance Theatre TORONTO, ON
2006
“Asala” – Premiere Dance Theatre TORONTO, ON
Other Notable Original Productions: Featured Dancer
2014
“A Night of Middle Eastern Music” with Nafas, The Conservatory HALIFAX, NS
2012
“Abduction From the Seraglio” with Opera Nova Scotia,
Sir James Dunn Theatre HALIFAX, NS
Dance Events
2018
Bellydance Blossom Festival, Soloist TORONTO, ON
2010
International Bellydance Conference of Canada, Soloist TORONTO, ON
2010
International Bellydance Conference of Canada, with Arabesque Dance Co. TORONTO, ON
2008
International Bellydance Conference of Canada, with Cabaret Serpentine TORONTO, ON
2008
International Bellydance Conference of Canada, with Arabesque Dance Co. TORONTO, ON
2007
International Bellydance Conference of Canada, with Arabesque Dance Co. TORONTO, ON
Awards/Grants
2017
Creation Grant for Individuals from Arts Nova Scotia
To create new work for a proposed show “Night Garden”
2016
Professional Development Grant for Organizations and Small Groups from Arts Nova Scotia
To study with master instructor April Rose (modern fusion bellydance)
2015
Presentation and Production Grant for Organizations and Small Groups from Arts Nova Scotia
To present a performance as part of a larger production in Austin, TX
2015
Professional Development Grant for Organizations and Small Groups from Arts Nova Scotia
To study with master instructor Aziza (traditional bellydance)
Memberships and Associations:
En Piste National Circus Arts Alliance, Dance Nova Scotia, Massage Therapists Association of Nova Scotia