Serpentina began with partners Joanna and Orkideh in New York City. They began dancing together via a tribal dance workshop in October 2004 with Sarah Locke and Susan Frankovich; this workshop later evolved into the eight-piece troupe, the Alchemy Tribal Collective.

After numerous performances with the Collective, Orkideh and Joanna performed as a duet at an outdoor faire. They continued to develop their own style, fusing their background in traditional bellydance with tribal fusion, Classical Persian and Indian dance styles (bhangra, Bollywood and kathak.)

Serpentina performed in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, and various spots in Northern New Jersey. They have also taught workshops, such as at the Black Sun Festival in New Haven. They parted ways amicably, when Orkideh moved to Canada in October 2007.

In December 2007, Orkideh formed The Serpentina North Ensemble, based in Toronto, Canada. The members are Steph, Elana, Sandy, Daluah, Elaana and auxiliary members, Zoe Serious and Bean.

Orkideh is the director of the Serpentina North Ensemble. She began studying bellydance in 2000 with Safiya in New York City, but has also studied with Anahid Sofian and Susan Frankovich, various workshops with Rachel Brice, Ariellah Aflalo, Zoe Jakes, Heather Stants and Hadia, as well as kathak with Najma Ayshah (in New York City) and (currently with) Joanna De Souza. Bellydance has proven to be an integral part of her life, and she built upon a solid foundation of training with tribal fusion. She discovered her love of ATS and the special commaderie of dancing with other women. She is constantly looking for inspiration with integrating other dance styles (such as other forms of classical Indian and Persian) and seeks to continue growing as a performer, teacher, and choreographer. She considers the bond with her troupemates to be an honour. Orkideh became a certified ATS teacher by Carolena Nericcio of Fat Chance Bellydance in October 2009.

Steph began formal training in dance only a few years ago. She was introduced to bellydance through her local community center, and became enamoured with the fact that this form of dance is accepting of all body shapes and types. She trained mostly in Egyptian cabaret for two years at a studio in Richmond Hill, and performed at the studio’s hafla. Due to disparaging ideas with her instructor, Stephanie decided to discontinue taking classes. Almost a year later, she found an invitation online to try out for Serpentina North, and, as a result, gladly became a member. She had never danced tribal before, but she has been enjoying it thoroughly and has been with the troupe since December 2007, making her one of the original members.

Elana discovered bellydance a few years ago through a class at the gym, and fell in love with the art form. She has studied predominantly Egyptian style, but enjoys exploring other styles and training with different teachers, as she finds it inspirational and it gives her a new perspective on the dance. In addition to bellydance, Elana has taken workshops in hooping, Kathak and Bollywood dance. A friend encouraged her to audition for Serpentina North, and Elana instantly felt a connection with the troupe’s unique blend of ATS and tribal fusion bellydance, with a sprinkling of Indian and other dance styles. She is pleased to be a member of the troupe and looks forward to training and performing with these wonderful dancers.

Sarah Daluah accidentally discovered belly dancing in high school through a novel by Tom Robbins, "Skinny Legs and All", and has been hooked ever since. She has extensive training in Egyptian bellydance from Habeeba's (Toronto studio) and became interested in tribal when she first saw Rachel Brice perform. The tribal aesthetic appealed to her on many levels and allowed her to dance to her music and her community. She also has a strong interest in flamenco and gypsy flavoured dances.

Sandy recently joined Serpentina North Ensemble to fulfill a long standing desire to dance ATS. Having studied bellydance with Roula Said for close to five years, Sandy loves learning tradition but as her personality dictates, must have it intertwine with her own artistic and spiritual exploration. In more recent years, Sandy has travelled to San Fransisco for an authentic taste of tribal fusion where she took workshops from some of tribal fusion’s pioneers. After dancing with the Om Laila Troupe for three years, Sandy has delved into the self-exploration of solo work. Her pieces are a unique fusion of dance interests with a vintage flare, and she is inspired by collaborations with other artistic forms. A lover of vintage dance, Sandy is a member of Toronto’s only 1920s flapper troupe, the Sugar Shakers. Dedicated to pushing her own creative boundaries, Sandy is honoured to have the pleasure and pain of dance in her life.

Originating from Texas, Elaana grew up with a love of dance and gravitated toward Middle Eastern dance as an adult. With her foundation laid solidly in Egyptian bellydance, Elaana’s love of dance has led her to explore many forms including ATS, Bollywood, Bhangra, Kathak, Hip Hop, Salsa, Folk, and Jazz. Elaana has studied extensively with Roula Said, owner and creator of Om Laila. Other teachers Elaana has studied with that inspire her include Meaghan Shields, Mayada, Sarah Skinner, and Yael Naim. Elaana has performed in various cities across Ontario. Elaana continues to shape her skills by participating in classes, workshops, and private intensive sessions with various teachers in Toronto and abroad. Elaana was a member of The Om Laila Troupe and currently Elaana is a member of Serpentina North Ensemble. Elaana loves the energy in a troupe atmosphere and she finds working with the women in Serpentina North Ensemble truly inspiring.

Justin is the first male member of the Ensemble, accompanying the dancers on dumbek, djembe or frame drum. He is a self-taught musician with a strong ear for picking up rhythms and a love of world music. He is also a member of gothic band Amy's Arms and horror punk/deathrock band Cadillacs & Cadavers.