Serpentine Circus

About Serpentine Circus

Serpentine Circus is a performance company developed from the imagination of Artistic Director, Monique Ryan, as a way to bring together all of her creative projects.

Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, Serpentine Circus performs frequently around Atlantic Canada and beyond, from small intimate appearances, collaborating with other performance groups, to producing their own large scale, theatrical shows.

Serpentine Circus talent includes tribal fusion and traditional bellydancers, hula hooping, fire acts, hand balancing acrobatics, contortion, burlesque, gogo-dancers and more. Performers can be hired for shows and appearances, teach private lessons, group classes, and workshops, and even produce and sell their own handcrafted merchandise.

Photo by Melanie Titus
About Monique Ryan

Monique's passion for movement started at an early age, taking gymnastics classes, skipping rope, and holding her very own cheerleading practice in her basement. She began studying bellydance in 1998, and was soon performing with several local troupes, including the Halifax Burlesque Society, the city's first burlesque troupe. Her love of performing led her to pursue a BSc degree in Kinesiology and study circus arts with Atlantic Cirque. After being introduced to Tribal Fusion bellydance, Monique sought out training from the art forms greatest stars including Rachel Brice, Sharon Kihara, Mardi Love, Ariellah and Amy Sigil of Unmata.

A popular local instructor, Monique is at the forefront of Tribal Fusion bellydance and Hula Hooping in Halifax. She is interested in helping to increase the self-esteem of women through dance and creative expression. Monique began Yoga teacher training in 2009 as a way to offer a deeper practice to herself and her students.