About the Producers
The Iron Cabaret, founded in 2023 by Samantha and Martin, aims to be Ottawa's premier cabaret experience. Both Samantha and Martin have extensive performance backgrounds, with Samantha specializing in trapeze and Martin in fire and rope dart. The cabaret continues to showcase the best of Ottawa's talent while providing a platform for emerging performers. Each show is a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
About Rhythm Around The World
Rhythm Around the World: A Celebration of Culture and Diversity
Rhythm Around the World is a culturally rich and vibrant production brought to you by The Iron Cabaret, celebrating the diverse cultural heritage and history that shapes our world. Featuring a lineup of Ottawa’s most talented dancers, aerialists, pole dancers, and burlesque artists, this show is dedicated to exploring the global roots of its performers.
Each act is a personal journey into the past, embracing the unique traditions, stories, and aesthetics that make each culture distinctive and appealing. The stage becomes a dynamic canvas showcasing the beauty and sensuality of cultural expressions through captivating music, exotic costumes, and expressive dances from across the globe. Additionally, this show is more than just a performance—it’s an educational and exhilarating trip around the world that highlights the power and beauty of cultural diversity.
From the rhythmic beats of African drums to the intricate movements of classical Indian dance, from the fiery passion of a Spanish flamenco to the poised elegance of a French can-can, Rhythm Around the World offers a panoramic view of the world’s cultural splendor. The Iron Cabaret’s commitment to cultural celebration transforms the theater into a place where history meets contemporary artistry in a dazzling display of what makes our world wonderfully diverse and interconnected.
Run time: approximately 2.5 hrs -- includes intermission
Cast of the Show
Zak Zinya has been performing since January 2020 & he performs regularly in Ottawa, Gatineau, Toronto & surrounding areas!
He is very positive, fun, a great dancer, has definite Bieber vibes, & also brings the Kenergy! Zak’s mission is to create performances that inspire his audiences to feel confident, sexy, and AMAZING about themselves!
Since 2022, Zak has competed & placed highly in multiple drag competitions including earning second place in the 2023 Ottawa Capital Pride Pageant!
As a non-practicing lawyer, Zak is passionate about 2SLGBTQ+ advocacy & he regularly participates in empowering gender and sexual diversity outreach programs with schools.
He also guest lectures on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion & teaches his Drag 101 workshop to share the magic of drag!
my bio?
3/4 tunisian 1/4 french, with ancestors from Spain. Mostly Tunisian with a French accent is what I like to tell people. Amazigh ("free people" in the Berber language.) The Amazigh are an ethnic group indigenous to North Africa. They are also known as Berbers, a term that comes from the Latin word barbarus.
The Amazigh have lived in North Africa since at least 5,000 BCE. I am proud of my roots and culture. Tunisians are not Arabs, we were colonized and that's when the mix happened.
The Berber tribes of the region were noted in the Classics as Mauri, which was subsequently rendered as "Moors" in English, Les Maures in French .
I’m a middle aged, plus sized, queer woman that grew up in Florida and made the leap at 23 to move to Canada. It took me over 20 years living here to get citizenship, but I’m so proud of doing it. I’ve been in Canada more than half my life now and feel much more Canadian than American, despite holding two passports. There will always be parts of me that don’t quite fit in here, because I don’t have the same childhood cultural experiences and that’s a strange feeling. To be fortunate enough to pass as Canadian but always be a little out of place.
Expression, art, pride, camaraderie, inclusion, caring, respect. And ultimately celebrating the depths of sameness and differences that are present and embraced in our society. The deeply personal nature of these acts will be a show full of gorgeous humans baring their souls and stories and inviting the audience to see and understand their fellow humans more intimately.
For me, this show is a way to find radical joy through art and community. It's a refusal to conform to societal expectations. It's a reminder that we shouldn't take life so seriously and that each person has a deep well of creativity that is just waiting to be tapped.
I'm excited to bring you a sexy pole and trapeze act straight out of the alligator-infested swamps of the Florida Everglades!
I was born in a little seaside town in Devon England. I have fond memories of hiking the rolling hills of the Moors and having tea and scones with my nan.
This show is dear to my heart. I love the inclusivity and kindness the organizers bring to this show. I never get the opportunity to do something to celebrate my heritage so I'm looking forward to creating something delicious!
I am excited to be able to share my inherited culture. After living in Belgium in my early teens with my family I was able to be immersed in their lively culture and experience many festivals and traditions in the 2015 capital of culture (Mons Belgium). I am exited to be able to share some of these traditions, experiences and the story telling that comes with la ducasse de Mons.
Dancing since the age of 3, she adds a hint of spice to her acts incorporating some of her Latin ballroom moves. Play a salsa or reggaeton song and you’ll have her shimmying across the stage! Having been performing Burlesque for 2 and a half years, she captivates the audience with her passion for the art and lets her bolder side shine through. It’s the Elegantly Naughty Abella!
It's truly an honor to be performing for Iron Cabaret! Such an amazing experience and I'm looking forward to sharing my new on your stage again!! This is special to be to be able to share and perform alongside talented humans.
Prepare for an adrenaline rush as TRAPT Ottawa takes the stage! This dynamic Adult Performance Troupe is known for their high-energy routines that blend a variety of dance styles with some great music. Each performance is a thrilling spectacle of athleticism and coordination, with dancers executing complex choreography to a variety of musician's work. TRAPT, Top Rock Adult Performace Troupe, are not just presenting dances; they are powerful narratives told through bold movements and passionate expressions.
I am franco-ontarian, born in Ottawa, but now live in Gatineau because, rent. (Who needs a family doctor anyways?)
I'm looking forward to revisit a Canadian classic - the snowboard! - on new apparatuses, choreo'd to our so very cheezy Franco-Ontarian hymn. I hope this will all be delightfully corny.
Missie Saphir is a breathtaking burlesque performer from the vibrant archipelago of New Caledonia. With a stage name as luminous as her presence, she embodies grace, strength, and sensuality in every performance. Drawing inspiration from her island roots, Missie infuses her acts with a tropical mystique and magnetic energy that transports audiences to faraway shores. Her dazzling costumes, commanding stagecraft, and sultry storytelling make her a standout in the world of burlesque. Whether she’s shimmering under the spotlight or delivering a slow, powerful tease, Missie Saphir is a performer you won’t forget.
Sage Solaris is a Lebanese-Irish pole dancer with a life-long love for dance. She was drawn to music from a young age and had dreams of dancing and performing but the conservative nature of her upbringing was a barrier to truly exploring her passion. Now Sage dances and flies alongside the little girl who dreamed big dreams and yearned for the freedom to spread her wings.
This show is very near and dear to my heart. For one, due to many cultural barriers and stigmas, it was at first very isolated, having to hide my pole dancing from family. It was also very lonely to be one of the very few middle eastern dancers in a white dominated spaces of the pole industry. All that aside, I had to overcome years of shame and guilt, from all the repressions of having grown up under a strict regime for my major developmental years. So for me pole is more than just dance. It is in a sense the representation of my willpower, growth, and freedom, and it is a reminder to pay homage to all the Iranian women who are fighting for basic freedoms and rights.
Being black, alternative and a Caribbean woman … there were never people who looked like me anywhere growing up! I was always the other in one way or another. At some point embracing it meant embracing myself and finding my spirit, self and culture through that. I fight hard now so that people look at me and realize “I didn’t know that was an option”. When I’m around this cast I feel as home and so I’m so glad to just encapsulate what it was like to survive “otherness” in its beauty and toughness.
Sasha, the undeniable Queen of Hearts, will command the stage with an act that’s sure to blow your mind and leave you in awe. With every movement, Sasha brings her character to life, combining elegance, power, and a touch of madness. Her performance is a visual feast, a blend of theatrical flair and jaw-dropping talent that will keep you on the edge of your seat. She has been in every Iron Cabaret Show.
I’m 50% English, 50% Chinese. My dad immigrated from England, my mother from Hong Kong. Growing up I struggled to reconcile having more than one cultural identity, never really feeling like I fit in. But as an adult I have come to appreciate the fact that every facet of my cultural identity can be both welcomed and celebrated here.
I found and fell in love with aerials as an adult, training with and teaching several apparatuses, and have had a years long love affair with aerial hoop in particular. While I do love high flying tricks and poses, my passion is in transitions where I weave together shapes in unexpected ways, twisting and twining within and around every part of the hoop.
I’m Kalmn or Belizeanpoler, and I’ve been dancing for almost seven years. I started at Pole Fitness Academy in Ottawa, moving from student to instructor along the way. Being from the Caribbean, dance has always been a part of me—it’s in my blood!
I fell in love with erotic dance the moment I danced in my first pair of heels. My flow is about feeling the movement through low flow and edge. Finding your connection with the body and the floor through the wiggles.
Fairy Fifi (she/her) joined the Canadian burlesque scene in 2018. She has been crowned Ottawa Fresh Follies “Judges choice” 2019. She originally comes from Reunion Island (Google it!), a French volcanic and sulfurous Island – which explains her passion for spreading lava on stage. She performed at the Vermont Burlesque Festival, Saskatoon Burlesque Festival, Panama Burlesque Festival, the Croatian Burlesque Festival, and more!
Off-stage, she is also a songwriter, contributing to the vibrant musical scene of Réunion Island with folkloric songs in both French and Creole, celebrating her island’s rich culture and rhythms.
Take your temperature now, the sensual and extrovert Fairy Fifi will heat things up!
Sereia is a French Canadian and Grenadian pole dancer who has never quite felt like she belonged. Straddling the line between two worlds and wanting to find her place, she often found herself escaping into a fantasy world or finding solace by the water.
Grenada is known as The Isle of Spice and spice is what Sereia is going to bring to the stage! Sereia is very excited to invite you into her fantasy world through this piece inspired by her favourite books from childhood by Grenadian author Richardo Keens-Douglas.
Rhythmic gymnast turned aerialist and pole instructor, I continuously find my happy place in the performing arts world, surrounded by such a supportive community. Could not ask for a better place to be!
As my classical dance style is more contemporary and ballet based, I aim to showcase a different style of cabaret performance that is just as elegant and captivating as a ballerina on pointe!
Being in the show Rhythm Around the World means a lot to me. It’s more than just performing – it’s about connecting with people from different cultures through the universal language of music, dance and rhythm. It gives me a chance to share my moves , my creativity, and my love for dance while also learning from others. It’s exciting to be part of something that celebrates diversity, expression, and unity through dance
I am a student at Carleton and been doing circus for 4 years now, I love everything that is being upside down and in contortion :) . I am on the carleton cheer team and love to tumble. Very artsy person, I play classical guitar and love to draw architecture. I am Latina and trilingual, speak Spanish, French and English. I work with kids and love teaching them music and gymnastics. My real dream of course is to one day be in a circus and travel
Producers & Stage Crew
Samantha is an extraordinary trapeze artist and a vibrant force in the entertainment world, notably serving as one half of the dynamic MC duo and the other integral part of the Iron Cabaret. Beyond her aerial prowess, Samantha's charisma shines through as she takes on the role of Stage Manager, where her quick wit and engaging personality light up the stage, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all.
Martin is the Producer of The Iron Cabaret that will be delivering The Shadows. He has always love theater and dance yet was cursed to have two left feet. However, a great sense of humour and quick wit meant that the role of producer came naturally.
No show runs smoothly without a little backstage magic, and that’s where Julia shines! As tonight’s incredible stage kitten, Julia keeps the show flowing seamlessly, ensuring props and costumes are in the right place at the right time. With quick hands and an eye for detail, she works behind the scenes to make sure every performer has what they need to dazzle the crowd. But don’t be fooled—Julia’s role is just as vital to the spectacle as the acts on stage. Her hard work and dedication help make tonight’s performance an unforgettable experience for all!
Meet Alastair, our powerhouse and the strong set of arms that keep our productions soaring to new heights. Whether he's behind the scenes rigging equipment or offering a steady hand to our performers, Alastair's reliability and strength are unmatched. His expertise ensures that every stunt is executed safely and every performance runs smoothly, making him an indispensable member of our team. With a keen eye for detail and a dedication to perfection, Alastair goes above and beyond to support our creative visions, embodying the spirit of collaboration and excellence. Join us in celebrating the hard work and dedication of Alastair, the unsung hero whose efforts elevate our performances and inspire us all.
Keitha stands out as not only an incredible pole dancer but also as an invaluable member of our stage crew. Her dual roles allow her to shine both in the spotlight and behind the scenes, bringing a unique blend of talent, dedication, and technical expertise to our team. On the pole, Keitha's performances are characterized by her remarkable strength, fluidity, and expressiveness, captivating audiences with her elegant and powerful routines.
Off-stage, her commitment to the crew highlights her versatility and team spirit, ensuring every aspect of a show runs smoothly. Keitha's contribution to both performance and production embodies the essence of collaboration and artistry, making her an indispensable part of our community.
Sam PG is the audio wizard behind the curtain, making every show sound absolutely incredible. As the sound engineer for our productions, Sam brings technical precision, creative flair, and a deep love for live performance to every mix. From crisp vocals to thunderous basslines, he ensures that every beat, whisper, and dramatic pause hits just right. With an ear for detail and a passion for perfection, Sam PG transforms each performance into a rich sonic experience that elevates the entire show. Simply put—he makes us sound amazing.
Friends of the Show
Larocque Photography is the creative genius behind the captivating images that grace our Instagram and Facebook pages. With Melissa's expert guidance, the majority of the photos showcased on our website have been brought to life, capturing the essence and emotion of each moment with impeccable detail.
Specializing in photography services that cover a wide range of life's milestones, Larocque Photography offers expert sessions for newborns, milestones, birthdays, maternity, families, and professional portraits. Our studio is equipped with a diverse selection of backdrops and outfits, allowing for personalized and unique photo shoots that cater to each client's individual needs and preferences.
Whether you're looking to capture the tender moments of maternity, celebrate a birthday, or immortalize your family's current chapter, Larocque Photography provides a professional and welcoming environment to create memories that will last a lifetime. Visit our in-studio options to explore the available backdrops and outfits, and let us help you tell your story through beautiful, timeless photographs.
Some moments deserve to be felt forever—Shaypeshift makes that happen. As a visionary videographer, they don’t just record performances; they transform them into cinematic masterpieces.
Every shot, every angle, every frame is crafted with precision, passion, and an artist’s eye for storytelling.
From the raw intensity of the stage to the smallest, most breathtaking details, Shaypeshift’s work brings performances to life long after the final bow. Whether capturing the energy of a live show, the elegance of aerial movement, or the magic of a moment in time, their lens sees what others might miss—and turns it into something unforgettable.
Lights. Camera. Shaypeshift.
3sixty Dance and Fitness stands as one of Ottawa's premier pole dancing studios, offering an elite selection of lessons in aerials and dance. Embracing a warm and inclusive atmosphere, the studio welcomes individuals from all backgrounds to learn under the guidance of world-class instructors. With a focus on fostering talent, confidence, and a sense of community, 3sixty Dance and Fitness is dedicated to providing a supportive environment where everyone, from beginners to seasoned performers, can explore and grow their passion for pole dancing and aerial arts. Whether you're looking to elevate your skills, get fit, or simply embark on a new and exciting journey of self-expression, 3sixty Dance and Fitness invites you to join their vibrant community and discover the artistry and athleticism of pole and aerial dance.
Since its establishment in 2018, Bloom has revolutionized the world of dance with its focus on technically trained heels dancing, providing professional entertainment and education for individuals of all backgrounds. Based in Ottawa and extending its reach globally through an online academy, Bloom is dedicated to uplifting women by honing their dance skills in a supportive and empowering environment. Their commitment to excellence in dance education is matched by their mission to foster self-confidence and artistic expression among women.
At the heart of Bloom's philosophy is the challenge against the global stigma surrounding women's sensuality, especially in forms of dance that celebrate the body. Recognizing the adverse effects of societal shaming on women's self-esteem and body image, Bloom offers a safe space for women to embrace and express themselves fully. Through both local classes and accessible online courses, Bloom empowers women to explore and reclaim their sensuality with pride, fostering a community where every woman can thrive.
Keajazz Apparel, hailing from the vibrant city of Ottawa, stands as a beacon of creativity and innovation in the world of pole fashions and costume pieces. Founded by a super talented maker with a passion for dance and performance wear, Keajazz Apparel specializes in creating custom-order clothing that promises not only a perfect fit but also unparalleled style and comfort. Each piece is meticulously designed to enhance the wearer's movement and confidence, whether on the pole, the stage, or any performance arena.
With a keen eye for the latest trends and a deep understanding of the unique needs of performers, Keajazz Apparel crafts garments that are both functional and fabulous. The brand's commitment to quality, individuality, and personal expression makes it a cherished name among the local and broader pole and performance communities. Choose Keajazz Apparel for your next custom costume piece and experience the magic of wearing something made just for you, where every stitch reflects your personality and every design celebrates your artistry.
Our primary goal is to empower our customers on their journey of self-discovery by offering a diverse and inclusive selection alongside a highly knowledgeable service team. We welcome individuals of all sexual interests, lifestyles, and orientations, striving to create a safe and welcoming haven where you can explore your desires without fear of judgment.
What It Means to Be a Kink-Positive Ottawa Sex Store
Kink represents the embrace of sexual practices beyond the traditional, a journey that allows you to tap into your desires, express your creativity, and experience heightened satisfaction. At Wicked Wanda's, our team, well-versed in the realm of BDSM, is here to not only help you navigate this world with care but also emphasize the utmost importance of safety, respect, and consent.
Morning Wood Toys
Morning Wood Toys has been providing kinky people with bespoke adult toys for impact play since 2018. Specializing in floggers and paddles, each item is hand-crafted, often using locally sourced wood and leather. They are uniquely designed and will stand out as distinctive pieces in your toy bag or home dungeon.
Simply put: we make beautiful pieces of art for beautiful pieces of ass!
In the heart of Ottawa resides a visionary leather artisan named Vicky, whose journey into the world of craftsmanship began as a self-taught artist. What sets Vicky apart is not just her skill with leather but her unwavering commitment to sustainability. With a keen eye for innovation, she repurposes recycled leather, fabrics, and metal hardware, transforming them into works of art that transcend the boundaries of conventional design. Vicky's portfolio reflects her eclectic range, spanning from intricate costumes to daring accessories tailored for the kink and BDSM community. Her creations serve as expressions of individuality and empowerment, resonating deeply with those who seek authenticity beyond the mainstream
Aerial Antics, founded in 2015, was created to facilitate and motivate participation in aerial circus arts. We are the place to learn and practice a variety of circus style aerials in Ottawa!
We are a proud member of En Piste, the national circus arts alliance which brings together circus arts professionals and organizations in Canada.
In addition to classes, Aerial Antics provide refined and inspiring performances, mixing the elegance of aerial dance with the excitement of dynamic twists and falls. We chose to call ourselves “Aerial Antics” to reflect our playful approach to choreography that incorporates elements of other performance arts. We happily tailor performances to your needs and can get you involved in the act if desired.
Serving you rebellious realness since 2014, ShoeFreaks is footwear for the non-conformist. From platforms to pinup, and creepers to combat boots, ShoeFreaks is where pole prodigies, ghoulish goths and festival fairies come to play. Jump into a pair of unique, stylish shows that make your personality shine, and leave a memorable footprint behind!
Myfanwy Van Vliet (she/her) is a certified Somatic Sex Educator and Sexological Bodyworker. She is passionate about supporting people access more aliveness in their bodies by providing shame-free, safe-enough space and cultivating clients’ sense of voice and choice as they navigate their own erotic journeys. She loves working collaboratively with clients of all genders, sexualities, ethnicities, and abilities in finding pleasure that feels right for them in their bodies. You can find out more on her website: https://www.illuminatingpleasure.com
Located in Ottawa, Lady Lux Design is your destination for exceptional leatherwork and fashion designs. Our collection includes exquisite leather bags, wallets, and accessories, as well as sophisticated and contemporary fashion pieces. Each item is meticulously crafted by our skilled artisans, ensuring timeless elegance and unparalleled quality. Visit our boutique in Ottawa to explore our luxurious creations and experience the epitome of style and craftsmanship.
Outfitz.co – Where Vintage Meets Vibe 💗✨
Looking for fashion that’s as bold, unique, and unapologetic as you are? Outfitz.co has you covered—literally. Curated by Anya Zofia, this vintage and thrift wonderland is a treasure trove of funky, Y2K-inspired fashion that lets you express yourself with confidence and flair.
🏳️🌈 Queer & Neurodivergent Enby-Owned
✌️ A Safe, Inclusive Space for All
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Whether you’re after statement pieces, nostalgic Y2K vibes, or dreamy thrifted gems, Outfitz.co is here to help you build the wardrobe of your dreams. Because fashion should be fun, fearless, and 100% you.
🛍️ Shop. Express. Slay. 🛍️
Vintage with an edge, lingerie with a story—High X Vintage is where classic meets unapologetic. This queer & women-owned boutique curates bold, beautiful, and one-of-a-kind pieces that celebrate self-expression in all its forms.
From sultry vintage lingerie to iconic statement pieces, every item on the rack is handpicked to empower, inspire, and make you feel unstoppable. Because true style isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about owning your power, your history, and your future.
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🛍️ Find your next obsession at High X Vintage.
Minimalism? Not here. At Curious Times Vintage, it’s all about bold, eclectic, and personality-packed fashion that tells a story. Handpicked by Chelsea (she/her), every piece is a celebration of individuality, nostalgia, and the kind of vintage that turns heads.
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Because style should be fun, fearless, and full of life—just like you.
🛍️ Step into the chaos. Embrace the charm. Find your next vintage obsession. 🛍️
