Monique Technique

Introducing Monique Ryan of Cabaret Serpentine in Halifax! Monique comes from Halifax and started bellydancing when she was younger, but put it on the back burner when she realized that it's not what she wanted to do and the style she was studying wasn't true to who she was. She checked around a bit and found Tribal Fusion; which is right up her alley. She joined forces with Laura Selenzi (spelling) of a "rivalry" troupe in town, so to speak, and formed Cabaret Serpentine. Laura now dances with Arabesque in Toronto, but still comes back to CS to dance with her longtime friend. Here's a video snapshot of Cabaret Serpentine.


So Monique came down to St. John's for a special weekend workshop. I convinced my friend Kiah to join in and get a feel for bellydancing, she's always been curious, well since I started at least. So we took the workshop together, and let me say, "ouch!" My legs were burning the next day. We did a solid 45 minute warm-up and muscle training and then followed it with fundamental technique and some seriously amazing combinations. Which I might ask if I can throw in my solo ;) One in particular is one that involved "mardi jumps" and "melting." It looks pretty. It was nice to get a different take on a different style of bellydance. I do enjoy a lot of the elements of Tribal Fusion, but I realize the Gypsy is more free flowing and it's easier to "feel" the music and become a part of it. So I'm somewhere in between... Gypsy Fusion? I guess that puts me in there with ATS as well doesn't it? *sigh* Oh to find a style.



Back on track; OhMaya hosted a show (monique ryan show case = MRSC)later that evening featuring performances by 6 or 7 local bellydancers and troupes and an interesting addition; Ted & Jenn Crawford. They do drumming! I thought a lot of their rhythms were mesmerizing. I can't wait until another show comes together like DOTE or MRSC.

Audra Simmons is coming to town soon as well :) OOOO more workshops