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Laura's true passions have always lay in the exotic east. Laura Selenzi is an accomplished performer, choreographer and instructor of Middle Eastern dance, known for her joyful stage presence and innovative performances. She has gained a deep understanding of Egyptian bellydance and folklore, constantly exploring the ancient roots as well as the evolving creative potential of this exciting art form. A favorite of Halifax and Toronto's Arabic community, Laura is a sought-after performer at nightclubs, special events and weddings. Performance highlights include appearing alongside Vagabond Opera and Wyclef Jean; dancing in venues such as the Royal Ontario Museum, Premiere Dance Theatre, Club Playshow in Turkey and the Raganath Temple in India. TV appearances include MuchMusic's Much On Demand, the Slice Network's Mr. Friday and CBC's Dragons Den. Laura has released an instructional DVD "Learn to Bellydance", and continues to write articles for esteemed bellydance publications such as The Gilded Serpent, The Chronicles and Mid-Bits Magazine.You can find her teaching dynamic classes and workshops in the city and all over Canada. |
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 strangely profound connection to the music, movements and beauty of this dance. While completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts at NSCAD University, Laura noticed that all of her work centered on the theme of dance and the female form. Since then she has fully immersed herself into the world of dance and never looked back. 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 taught regular classes and workshops at the Academy. An eternal student, Laura has had the great pleasure of learning from renowned artists such as Sema Yildiz, Padma Cheren Dehury, Hadia, Aziza, Rachel Brice, Suhaila Salimpour, Aida Nour, Randa Kamel, Sahra Saeeda, Tito Seif, Mira Betz, Fifi Abdo, 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 current projects include opening 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 fusion 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 yoga, circus arts and flamenco 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 healing, 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 humor 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 and web design, spending time with her family, and enjoying chocolate, red wine, coffee, and the great outdoors.
Performances Private events such as weddings and parties are not listed. RESTAURANTS, BANQUET HALLS and NIGHTCLUBS Cafe Istanbul Halifax, NS Bitar's Restaurant Elmsdale, NS Persepolis Bedford, NS Opa! Halifax, NS National Yacht Club Toronto, ON The Royal Ontario Museum Toronto, ON The Sheraton Hotel Toronto, ON Casino Nova Scotia Halifax, NS LOL Lounge Toronto, ON Desert Nites Richmond Hill, ON Aspetta Cafe Toronto, ON MINK Nightclub Toronto, ON Terrace on the Green Mississauga, ON The Capitol Event Theatre Toronto, ON Splendido Restaurant Toronto, ON Newmarket Town Hall Newmarket, ON Casa Loma Toronto, ON El Rancho Toronto, ON Karoon Restaurant Toronto, ON Hava Nagila Banquet Hall Thornhill, ON Moscow Nights Banquet Hall Toronto, ON Messini Restaurant Toronto, ON Ambrosia Banquet Hall Missisauga, ON Elegance Banquet Hall Richmond Hill, ON Layali Arabesque at Myth Toronto, ON Christina's Restaurant Toronto, ON Prego Della Piazza Toronto, ON Oasis Banquet Hall Toronto, ON Mezza Restaurant Halifax, NS Club Caliente Halifax, NS Aladdin's Restaurant North York, ON Christina's Restaurant Toronto, ON Besharam at Fly Nightclub with Bombay Cabaret Toronto, ON Toula at the
Westin Harbor Castle Toronto, ON Shiraz
Restaurant Toronto, ON Mawaal
Restaurant Mississauga, ON Anatolia Turkish Cuisine Halifax, NS The Regina Revue Istanbul, Turkey Club Playshow Istanbul, Turkey Club Vortex Halifax,
NS The Khyber Club Halifax, NS The Marquee Club Halifax, NS TELEVISION 2011 Breakfast Television with Monique Ryan and Scarlett Sparks 2010 Toronto's Talent on Rogers TV 2010 Breakfast Television with Caitlan Anthony 2009 CBC's Dragons Den performance with Arabesque Dance Company 2008 Much on Demand on MuchMusic with Arabesque Dance Company 2008 "Mr. Friday" on The SLICE Network 2006 Miss Pakistan World Pageant 2004 Breakfast
Television with Yeo hoon Kim 2004 Breakfast Television
with Monique Ryan 2010 IBCC 2010 - Solo performance on Main Stage 2010 OUM - Performance with Arabesque Dance Company 2008 Ali Loz - Performance with Arabesque Dance Company 2008 Learn to Bellydance - Instruction, Performance, Content Author 2007 Asala 1 & 2 - Performances with Arabesque Dance Company 2011 Turkish Society Fundraiser for earthquake victims Halifax, NS 2011 Shamanic Convergence Fundraiser at the Mahone Bay Centre 2011 Mayor's Reception, Canada Games Centre Halifax, NS 2011 Shahram Shabpareh Concert Halifax, NS 2011 Chaharshanbe Soori, Hatfield Farms Halifax, NS 2010 Arabesque Dance Company at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) 2010 Opening Performance for Vagabond Opera 2009 Shawn Byfield Fundraiser at 6 Degrees, with Arabesque Dance Company 2008 Wyclef Jean appearance, Golf Rocks fundraiser co-chaired by Belinda Stronach, with Arabesque dancers 2008 Luminato Opening Party at the Royal Ontario Museum, with Bombay Cabaret 2007 Crave Party at the Bata Shoe Museum 2007 Aradia Fitness Opening Party 2007 Circus Sideshow MAC AIDS Fundraiser at FRED Gallery
2007 Arabesque Dance Company at the Canadian Arab Federation
2004 Black Rose Cabaret Vaudeville Show with
Monique Ryan 2004 The Halifax Burlesque Society presents Burlesque Goes Bust 2003 The Halifax Burlesque Society presents Beaver Fever 2003 The Halifax Burlesque Society presents Hot and Wet in the Marshes 2002 The Halifax Burlesque Society presents Bottoms Up 2002 The Halifax Burlesque Society presents Under the Big Top 2001 The Halifax Burlesque Society presents Pasties and Petticoats 2001 The Halifax Burlesque Society presents The Burlesque Show
2010 Arabesque Dance Company at Taste of the Danforth 2008 Peruvian Festival with Arabesque Dance Company 2008 Muhtadi Drum Festival with Arabesque Dance Company 2007 Carassauga International Festival, featured performer for the Turkish Pavillion 2004 St. Mary's International
Festival with Yeo hoon Kim
2011 Cultivated featuring Mira Betz, soloist Halifax, NS 2011 Tribally Yours, duet with Monique Ryan and solo Quebec 2010 International Bellydance Conference of Canada Main Stage, soloist 2010 International Bellydance Conference of Canada, Gala Stage with Arabesque Dance Company 2010 Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington Market, soloist 2009 Bellywood Funkabelly produced by Om Laila Bellydance, soloist 2009 HIPnosis Gala with Arabesque Dance Company 2009 Inversion: Rouge produced by Audra Simmons, soloist 2008 International Bellydance Conference of Canada, Main Stage with Cabaret Serpentine 2008 International Bellydance Conference of Canada, Gala Stage with Arabesque Dance Company 2008 Women in Dance show with Arabesque Dance Company 2008 Orit Gala with Arabesque Dance Company 2008 Dance Ontario Dance Weekend with Arabesque Dance Company 2007 The Dark Side produced by Audra Simmons, soloist 2007 International Bellydance Conference of Canada, Gala Stage with Arabesque Dance Company 2007 Hysteria at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre with Arabesque Dance Company 2006 Ansuya's Ex-zyll-ation Gala show, soloist 2005 Aziza Gala Show: Evening At the Oasis, soloist 2004 The Old Ranji (Raganath) Temple, soloist Pushkar, Rajasthan, India 2004 Lala Hakim workshop show, with Neely Vincent 2004 Dalhousie Dance Festival, with the Ruby Troupe
2010 OUM with Arabesque Dance Company -Canadian Tour
2010 OUM with Arabesque Dance Company at Fleck Dance Theatre
2009 EGYPT with Arabesque Dance Company at Fleck Dance Theatre
2009 Kariat el Fingan with Arabesque Dance Company at Ontario Dance Weekend
2006 Inte Omri with Arabesque Dance Company at Ontario Dance Weekend
2006 ASALA with Arabesque Dance Company at Premiere Dance Theatre 2004 Caravan to Cairo in The Atlantic Fringe Festival with Belindance 2003 Desert Dance in The Atlantic Fringe Festival with
Belindance EVENTS PRODUCED with Monique Ryan
2011 Mesmerize at Neptune Studio Stage, Atlantic Fringe Festival 2010 Serpentine Nights at Pacifico's Capitol Theatre 2011 Adorned featuring Colleena Shakti at The Casino Nova Scotia Schooner Showroom 2010 Serpentine Circus at The Casino Nova Scotia Schooner Showroom 2009 Cabaret Carnivale at The Casino Nova Scotia Schooner Showroom 2008 Serpentine Nights at The North Street Church 2008 Raqs Hypnotique at Club Caliente 2007 Cabaret Serpentine at Club Caliente
Summer 2010 Cabaret Serpentine (Cover Feature, Interview by Mayada) - Mid Bits Magazine Winter 2009 Behind the International Bellydance Conference of Canada - The Gilded Serpent Winter 2009 A Bellydancers Guide to Gigs - Mid Bits Magazine Winter 2009 Working with Live Musicians - The Chronicles Fall 2009 Review of Arabesque's Al Khaima Workshop - Mid Bits Magazine Fall 2009 Adventures in Apprenticing with ADC - The Gilded Serpent Fall 2008 Review of Arabesque's Pro Course - Mid Bits Magazine Spring 2008 My Turkish Adventures, Part 1 - Mid Bits Magazine Summer 2008 My Turkish Adventures, Part 2 - Mid Bits Magazine
2011
Weekly Classes: Bellydance Beginner 1 & 2, Egyptian Styling, Folklore, Advanced Choreography and Kids Bellydance
Workshop: Double Veil
Workshop: Folklore: Saidi, Khaliji and Zeffah
2010
Workshop: Double Veil
Workshop: Sword Skills
Weekly Classes: Bellydance Beginner 1, 2 and Bellydance Combos and Musicality
Weekly and Substitute Classes: Beginner 1, 2 and Intermediate 1
Workshops: Veil Technique 1&2 for The Arabesque Allspice Company
Weekly Classes: Bellydance Beginner 1
2009
Weekly Classes: Beginner Bellydance
Weekly Classes: Funky Fusion, Foundation and Beginner 2
Regular substitute teacher
2008
Workshop: Indian Fusion and Serpentine Combinations
Weekly Classes: Foundation, Beginner 1, Beginner 2 and Intermediate 1.
Weekly classes: Bellydance Workout
Workshop: Egyptian Bellydance, Levels 1 and 2
2007
Weekly Classes: Intro, Beginner 1, Beginner 2, Intermediate 2 and Kids.
Intermediate/Advanced Egyptian Technique Workshop
Weekly Classes: Beginner Belly Dance
Various parties and private events
2006 Variety Classes: "Indian Arms and Hands", "Sword
Technique", and "Veil Technique".
Weekly Classes: Beginner Belly Dance 2003-2005
Odissi Indian Classical Dance: Introductory
Workshop
Middle Eastern Dance: Assistant Teacher
2011
Weekly classes at Atlantic Cirque -Circus skills, Flexibility and Handbalancing 2010
Weekly classes at Cirque-ability -Beginner Acrobatics and Aerial
Weekly classes at Arabesque -Ballet, Flamenco, and Egyptian Bellydance
International Bellydance Conference of Canada
Sarah Skinner Workshop -Taqsim and Slow Rhythms
Weekly Classes and Company Rehearsals with Yasmina Ramzy -Advanced Egyptian Bellydance
2009
Mira Betz Performance Intensive
Sahra Saeeda's Workshops-"Journey Through Egypt 1 & 2" Egyptian folkloric dance and culture
Mira Betz and Ariellah -Fusion bellydance
Weekly Classes and Company Rehearsals with Yasmina Ramzy -Advanced Egyptian Bellydance
2008
Level II Teacher Training with Hadia -
Orientale Bellydance: safe technique, course planning, anatomy, and more.
Weekly Classes with Suleiman Warwar- Drumming: Doumbek
International Bellydance Conference of Canada -
Panel discussions, lectures, and workshops with Tito, Aida Nour, Bozenka, Amy Sigil of Unmata, Nath Keo, Ferda Bayazit and more.
Orit Mastfir Workshops -Personal style and Egyptian Folklore
Weekly Classes and Company Rehearsals with Yasmina Ramzy -Advanced Egyptian Bellydance
2007
Weekly Bellydance Classes with Hannan Sultan -American Cabaret Bellydance
Aziza Intensive Workshop -American Cabaret Bellydance
International Bellydance Conference of Canada -
Panel discussions, lectures, and workshops with Randa Kamel, Amir Thaleb, Sahra Saeeda and Bellyqueen.
Rachel Brice and Mardi Love Workshop -Tribal Fusion Bellydance
Weekly Classes and Company Rehearsals with Yasmina Ramzy -Advanced Egyptian Bellydance
2006
Weekly Classes with Hannan Sultan -American Cabaret Bellydance
Suhaila Salimpour Format Workshop -Modern / Tribal Fusion Bellydance
Zoe Jakes Workshop -Tribal Fusion Bellydance
Ansuya Workshop -America Cabaret, including sword
Aida Nour Workshop and Master Class Egyptian Bellydance
Weekly Classes and Company Rehearsals with Yasmina Ramzy -Advanced Egyptian Bellydance
2005
Suhaila Salimpour Workshop Modern bellydance / Tribal Fusion
Arabesque Academy Professional Course 1997-2004
Workshop with Hadia -Turkish Style Bellyance
Weekly classes with Jenny Gowen -Hip-Hop
Weekly classes with
Bernadette Dawson -Bellydance Weekly classes with Andrea Haines and Pat Mcmenemy -Bellydance
Weekly classes with Erin Kim Turnbull -Bellydance
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