Composed of professional bellydance artists from St. John's Newfoundland, Seraka combines precise technical skill, creativity in movement & costuming to create a truly rich, unique experience of world dance.

Combining forces in 2010, the all-female company strives to present elegant, rich and, above all, professional performances; the highest quality of bellydance. Strongly influenced by various genres of bellydance (including atseguin, modern and tribal), Seraka fuses their precise hip and chest isolations with fluid undulations and expressive hand and arm gestures to create dynamic and engaging pieces.

The name Seraka, (more properly spelled Sraka) is a Hungarian word meaning "magpie". The magpie is an intelligent & social bird known to gather bright, jewel-like found objects to decorate their nests. Much like this collector, Seraka is inspired to learn dance movements from a variety of sources to create their own unique interpretation of bellydance. To augment regular rehearsals with the company, all dancers also participate in guest workshops and outside training whenever possible, most notably training with Audra Simmons (Canada), Samantha Hasthorpe (UK), Mira Betz (US),  Linda Bursey (Canada), Diane MacDonald (Canada) and Ainsley Dicks (US).

 Vanessa

 “Belly dance is focused on finding what is beautiful for yourself and being true to who you are as a person, not fitting into some stick figure mold of what a dancer should be.  You don't need to change who you are to belly dance, just embrace it for what it is.”

Vanessa Paddock (Artistic Director) began studying bellydance in 2007 - unlike many, it was not until some time later that her love for the dance blossomed. Joining the Neighbourhood Strays bellydance troupe in 2009, she performed and trained with the Strays until 2010 when she left to found Seraka. In addition to dancing as a solo artist and with Seraka, she is co-owner of Wild Lily Dance Centre in St. John's NL where she teaches weekly bellydance classes.

Taking inspirations from dancers such as Kami Liddle, Samantha Emanuel, Zafira Dance Co., Heather Stants & Audra Simmons, she builds on her background in music and theatre and strives to push her creative boundaries on a daily basis. She is identified by her rooted posture, strong arm and hand movements, and subtle nuances that gives her dance a powerful quality - she's really quite motivated by beautiful, fluid sea creatures... and peanut butter.

Karen 

"Belly dance challenges me to push my body in natural ways - with it I don't have to attempt to pull my leg out of socket to hold it in a perfect attitude.  I still love other styles of dance, but belly dancing inspires a desire to create and express music through dance in a way other styles do not."

Karen Erl (Technical Director) began dancing at the age of four and has trained extensively in ballet, jazz, and ballroom. In addition to dance, she has studied the martial art Kobujitsu for five years, and was first exposed to bellydance though Egyptian style classes in Ottawa, ON. Karen began studying with The Neighbourhood Strays in 2007, and joined the troupe in 2009, continuing with them until 2010 when she founded Seraka.

Karen finds inspiration from dancers such as Rachel Brice and Mira Betz, and is currently developing her skills in layered movements, emotive dancing, and precision movements. In addition to her long red curls and Pi tattoo, she's known for her sharp isolations, quick footwork, and endless arm and leg extensions, creating flawless lines and shapes; a true composition of art.

Mallory Power began bellydance classes in 2007 with Andrea Kitta & Kristine Nolte. She joined the Neighbourhood Strays in 2009 and Seraka in 2010, and continues to dance with both groups in and around St. John's. She augments her regular training with workshops and classes in modern, ATS, and tribal fusion bellydance.

Mallory is inspired by dancers such as Zoe Jakes, Carolena Nericcio and Linda Bursey, and is currently concentrating her training on expression, solo choreography, and working with props. Her smooth and seamless movements, are strikingly graceful, and when combined with her calming expressions you can't take your eyes away.

Susan

After taking classes at Wild Lily Dance Centre for only 1 year, Susan quickly and gracefully adopted bellydance as a passion.  Susan's punctuated isolation and sheer strength are a welcome addition to the company. Susan officially joins Seraka in January 2012.

More details on Susan coming soon!

 Melissa

Being classically trained in music and dance, with years of bellydance experience, Melissa officially joins Seraka in January 2012. She packs in her arsenal fine tuned technique and an array of beautiful lines and poses, all packed with a loveable personality.

More details on Melissa coming soon!