About Serena
After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Contemporary dance from the University of Calgary in 2003, Serena turned to Middle Eastern Dance and began extensive training with various artists across Canada and Internationally. Her deep interest in this art form is derived from her Egyptian heritage. Though born and raised in Canada, Serena’s mother, Nervine, was born in Cairo, Egypt, and is also a professional belly dancer. Through the course of her belly dance training, Serena discovered she has an innate emotional connection to Arabic music and culture that enables her to perform with a graceful and authentic Egyptian quality. Combining this connection with her powerful stage presence, Serena has developed her own personal style which has delighted many audiences .
Serena continues to perform professionally both as a soloist and with the Little Fish Belly Dance Company in Calgary under the artistic direction of her teacher, Jumanah. Her performance highlights include the International Belly Dance Conference of Canada held in Toronto; she performed an acclaimed duet with her mother in the 2007 Main Stage event, as well as a solo performance in 2008. With the Little Fish, she has been in various Calgary events such as “Bellies For Breast Cancer” and “Sojourn”. In addition to theatrical performances, Serena has provided belly dance entertainment for private parties such as weddings, birthdays and bachelorettes as well as some corporate events.
Utilizing her BA dance degree, Serena has recently become an emerging choreographer in the Calgary dance community as well as a seasoned belly dance instructor. Serena’s choreographies include the exploration of Middle Eastern and Contemporary dance fusion, exploring this idea in Dance Montage 2007, and Alberta Dance Explosions 2008. Serena also enjoys teaching belly dance at the Wildflower Arts Centre through the City of Calgary’s recreation program.