Are you looking for something fun and unique? A friendly place where you can feel accepted just the way you are, and inspired to discover more about yourself through different cultural art traditions?. Join us and check out our fresh approach to a more meaningful life through dance and self-expression!
Hip Expressions Belly Dance Studio is a body-positive, tradition-sharing movement. We are a community, a collaboration - dancers, musicians, artists, yogis, students, professionals, and supporters, of all ages, shapes and sizes. Latest News; Meditation & Yoga are an *amazing* addition to your weekly routine.
Hip Expressions Belly Dance Studio is a body-positive, tradition-sharing movement. We are a community, a collaboration - dancers, musicians, artists, yogis, students, professionals, and supporters, of all ages, shapes and sizes. Latest News; Meditation & Yoga are an *amazing* addition to your weekly routine.
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Join us and check out our fresh approach to a more fulfilling life through dance, fitness, and self-expression! Hip Expressions Belly Dance Studio is a movement, a community, a collaboration - dancers, musicians, artists, yogis, students, professionals, and supporters, of all ages, shapes and sizes.
We often greet with hugs - instead, now we are doing improvisational dance greetings - we'll show you ours if you show us yours!. Phones OFF during class. Keep your personal items against the wall, closest to your space in the classroom, and away from other's items. IF you are diagnosed or become sick, please notify us immediately, hipexpressionsinfo@gmail.com.
We are so pleased to offer you our wonderful programs so that you can dance from anywhere! Classes are offered LIVE through Zoom, and are limited so you still get personal attention. Any questions, please CALL US, 727.251.5241 and we will do our best to help troubleshoot!. Above all, be patient with yourself and technology.
Along with our Class Schedule, which allows drop-ins and great flexibility as you plan your week, we offer Series Courses that get to focus in on a special topic for a set period of time. These classes are not included in your Membership, though that does qualify you for a discount. Space is limited in these courses so we can give you the attention you deserve!
We have a wide variety of classes to choose from, and a wonderful variety of instructors. You'll fall in love with each one in a different way as you explore different styles and cultural traditions - all centered around how you can learn to love yourself and your body in new and joyful ways! Try us all out and see what you think for yourself.
Reviews (23)
Yenifer Alarcon
Jan 12, 2022
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, Value
I came to Hip Expressions lost, insecure, helpless and heavily depressed. Looking for some dance classes to keep me pushing forward, I found a family.
I am so grateful to be in this community of amazing creative human beings ♥️ Come join the magic!
I came to Hip Expressions lost, insecure, helpless and heavily depressed. Looking for some dance classes to keep me pushing forward, I found a family.
I am so grateful to be in this community of amazing creative human beings ♥️ Come join the magic!
Mercedes Livoti
Dec 30, 2021
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Kara LaFleur
Jul 30, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Value
Every class is outstanding. The teachers are very knowledgeable and prepared, and make sure to accommodate the range of experience and ability of the students in their classes. There's a wide variety of dance styles too which makes it fun and accessible to try something new.
Every class is outstanding. The teachers are very knowledgeable and prepared, and make sure to accommodate the range of experience and ability of the students in their classes. There's a wide variety of dance styles too which makes it fun and accessible to try something new.
Kara L.
Jul 09, 2021
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Jessica Prespare
Jul 05, 2021
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Meybel M.
Jun 25, 2021
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Gerie Clay
Feb 13, 2021
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Mara Low
Dec 11, 2020
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Value
Hip Ex is the best! I love the wide array of fun and challenging classes offered from belly dance to fitness to Nia, chair dancing and many, many more! The instructors are fabulous and really break things down and are always responsiveness to questions and student needs.
Hip Ex is the best! I love the wide array of fun and challenging classes offered from belly dance to fitness to Nia, chair dancing and many, many more! The instructors are fabulous and really break things down and are always responsiveness to questions and student needs.
Maria L.
Nov 18, 2020
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What a fantastic find! This is the cleanest, most spotless studio I have ever been to. It was so so clean you could literally eat off the beautiful creaky wood floors. The dance floor for my Nia class was HUGE, with plenty of space to spread out/social distance and dance to your heart's desire.
Btw, Nia is the most unique dance form I have ever practiced. It has so many Eastern elements, particularly from India. It also blends moves with sensuality and a lot of improvisation -- which doubles as a great cardio workout.
They also had a beautiful shop with lots of stunning skirts and dance
Btw, Nia is the most unique dance form I have ever practiced. It has so many Eastern elements, particularly from India. It also blends moves with sensuality and a lot of improvisation -- which doubles as a great cardio workout.
They also had a beautiful shop with lots of stunning skirts and dance
Brandi Elliott
Oct 30, 2020
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Hip Expressions is listed as a belly dance studio, but there's so much more to it than that. There's many styles of dance available and the variety is always mixing up to keep the selection fresh. No other studio in the area offers this many classes in as many varying styles for the price and for new students, there's usually a special offer available that makes it even more affordable. I love all the different instructors because they each bring unique strengths to their classes. Hip Ex is different from a gym. Even though I do get a really good workout, I also am part of a community of dancers
Leahm McCullough
Aug 26, 2020
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I hardly write reviews but thought that I really needed to as I’ve been going consistently to this studio for a couple of months now.
First of all, the instructors are incredible. They are all beautiful dancers as well as very professional instructors that are able to break down each movement to help their students understand each step better. It’s very clear that they all enjoy sharing their passion of dance with the students.
The choreography is always fun and challenging, although you really do not need an elaborate dance background to learn. Again, the instructors do such a great job
First of all, the instructors are incredible. They are all beautiful dancers as well as very professional instructors that are able to break down each movement to help their students understand each step better. It’s very clear that they all enjoy sharing their passion of dance with the students.
The choreography is always fun and challenging, although you really do not need an elaborate dance background to learn. Again, the instructors do such a great job
Adira Elham
Oct 18, 2019
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What I like the most about this studio is the atmosphere! The staff wear beautiful flowers in their hair, they are courteous and helpful too! They have a wide variety of classes for you to choose from. They are also have a wonderful boutique in which women of all shapes and sizes can find items to wear. I love the shows and its just a great overall experience! Id add more but Id be typing forever!
Kristina H.
Aug 24, 2018
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Angela B.
Sep 30, 2017
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I love this place. It's my new home away from home. I am blown away by the staff who are welcoming, encouraging and beautiful people. I can't wait to take more classes. I started with beginning belly dance which is a good value and gives you a foundation to build upon. The only constructive comment I would say about the studio is, during busy times the parking lot is full. They should maybe put up a sign informing patrons where overflow parking should go so they are not ticketed. I overheard one staff say they could park at the school.
Vanessa T.
Aug 29, 2017
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Get your butt over here, start moving and feel good!
I don't know about you guys, but sometimes I just need to find myself again! I was looking for something active to do here in St. Pete after work rather than driving home in traffic and thought this would be a great way to engage my mind and body. One of my goals is to really start understanding what my body is capable of and this cozy, welcoming studio is turning out to be a great place for that!
This is a creative movement studio and they accept everyone! There is no judgement about your size, your age, etc. and everyone is welcome
I don't know about you guys, but sometimes I just need to find myself again! I was looking for something active to do here in St. Pete after work rather than driving home in traffic and thought this would be a great way to engage my mind and body. One of my goals is to really start understanding what my body is capable of and this cozy, welcoming studio is turning out to be a great place for that!
This is a creative movement studio and they accept everyone! There is no judgement about your size, your age, etc. and everyone is welcome
Dianna B.
Feb 13, 2016
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I attended 1001 Nights at Hip Expressions last night. Coincidentally it was also their 12th anniversary (YIP YIP). This was my first visit to the location, because honestly I always thought it was "too far away" from my home in Tarpon. Turns out that it's actually closer than the place in Lutz.
The show was good, opening with "Kiss Kiss" by the school troupe the Hip Stars, lead by Johanna. All I can say is that they were fantastic. There were people who went to the school, and those who didn't, all who where there to entertain us and make us smile.
The space
The show was good, opening with "Kiss Kiss" by the school troupe the Hip Stars, lead by Johanna. All I can say is that they were fantastic. There were people who went to the school, and those who didn't, all who where there to entertain us and make us smile.
The space
Darcy G.
Mar 24, 2015
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Lacey S.
Mar 24, 2015
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Nina P.
Sep 30, 2014
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I love this place so much.When I was in St. Pete I did not write any review because it seemed to be the only legit one so I could not compare it with any other studio. The instructors, the music, the ambiance, everything there is great and so affordable. I usually caught myself smiling thinking the moves and conversations we made in class. My husband even thought i had a crush on an instructor. We have moved to Atlanta, and I attended a session of a popular belly dance studio here. It fails in every aspect when compared to Hip Expression. If you love belly dance and live in St. Pete ore Tampa
Marty C.
Feb 24, 2014
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This place is fantastic :) Has truly helped me develop as a dancer in the few short months I have been in town - great passionate teachers, unique class selections, many classes per week at various times, and with an affordable monthly membership fee, I can take as many classes as I want. Excellent group, excellent studio :)
Tiffany H.
Feb 03, 2014
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I've been conflicted about posting an updated review because I've bonded with some of the instructors in that time. Four and a half years later, things are really different though. They went from a single small room with a clearly defined "path" for their students to having a new location with three rooms and way too many people who just want to strap something jingly or sparkly on. So if you have no experience, check this place out for great foundations.
A few years ago their path was something like the following (they've updated their website and so I don't have
A few years ago their path was something like the following (they've updated their website and so I don't have
Tamara L.
Oct 28, 2012
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I attended a "Yoga for Dancers" class there on a Sunday afternoon with teacher Nyamekye Laird. She was wonderful -- a very balanced teacher who really knows how to relax her students by taking them through a series of postures. The class was 90 minutes long and guided us through several sequences, holding them for a few minutes each so we could get a nice, deep stretch. The teacher explained how to modify some of the more difficult poses, which was also helpful.
In addition, she played some of the best music I've heard in a yoga session -- not traditional chanting or "yoga"
In addition, she played some of the best music I've heard in a yoga session -- not traditional chanting or "yoga"
Rhea P.
May 02, 2011
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Best. Teachers. Ever. I have never attended a class at the studio, but I attended many classes on their belly dance cruise. All of the teachers--Omaris, Johanna, Karen are all really excellent.
Hip Expressions is much more than going to a studio and leaning how to dance. . .it's really about pure enjoyment and personal expression through dance, as well forming a dance community.
The studio offers plenty of opportunities to attend haflas, along with the drumming band as well as poi spinning.
Truly incredible community--you're lucky if you live in the area and want to learn. . .wish
Hip Expressions is much more than going to a studio and leaning how to dance. . .it's really about pure enjoyment and personal expression through dance, as well forming a dance community.
The studio offers plenty of opportunities to attend haflas, along with the drumming band as well as poi spinning.
Truly incredible community--you're lucky if you live in the area and want to learn. . .wish
