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 accessories. Enough free parking right outside the door as well (but mind you, quite a few steep steps once you open the door, so keep this in mind if you are mobility impaired). Receptionist was covered by a big, clear pexiglass panel installed at the front desk. I LOVED both the space and the instructor. Can't wait to go back!!! read more

Hip Expressions - [Photo: Instagram.com/visitatampabay] STUNNING space / Espacio PRECIOSO - Dance Studios Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

I love this studio, and the teachers are wonderful! I get a whole body workout when I belly dance, and it is just so much fun. The music really speaks to my soul! If you've never tried it before, I highly recommend jumping in and doing it! read more

Extremely overpriced compared to the average drop in group classes for other studios and other group dance styles in the Tampa Bay Area. Omg, $25.00 for a group drop in class? They appear to price gouge since unfortunately right now they do not have alot of competition due to the economy. There used to be more BD studios around. If you want less expensive pricing, they offer locked in pricing for 6 months to a year debited out of your account with no regard if during that time they change their schedule on you and/or drop a class you liked. Bad business. read more

I had a beautiful experience with my classes so far. This is not just a studio but a community and this is exactly what i was looking for. The teacher are so great and truly experienced and make you feel really good and comfortable. I 10/10 recommend it this is by far the best belly dances classes i had in my life. Look forward to every class. Thank you Hip Expressions truly! You are what i was looking for read more

I recently started taking belly dance classes at hip expressions. The teachers are amazing and very nice. Currently, I have taken a handful of classes. I'm really surprised that I can shimmy after a few classes. I love the sense of community and the diversity of the students. Belly dance is perfect for any age or body. read more

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 we were in was absolutely stunning. I'm now going to look into the different classes they offer and see what fits into my schedule. read more

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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 and encouraged to try new things. There is an impressive range of classes, from capoeira to jazz to an assortment of belly dance classes and something new I've come to love: Nia (a sort of yoga dance!) I'm fairly certain there's even more adventurous feats like fire dancing, but I haven't ventured that deep yet! The first class is free and then you can purchase a trial membership at a great deal: $40 for 30 days of unlimited classes, that way you can try everything! Instructors are so nice...I've been encouraging everyone to check it out! read more

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 I lived nearby, I would be there all the time! read more

Hip Expressions - Dance Studios Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

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. read more

I went for the first time and did two classes back to back, it was so much fun and such an inviting space!! Will definitely keep coming back! read more

The best dance studio ever that I have met for the first time.

Hip Expressions offers a variety of dance , exercise & yoga techniques. Sunday Fundays delivered by knowledgeable & cool professionals & dance troupes galore! I thoroughly love my daily classes on zoom. read more

This is such a great studio with a welcoming atmosphere and great people. I have so much fun no matter what class I'm attending and always feel welcome and accepted. read more

Engaging and talented instructor. Quality class with time for interaction before it begins, which is so nice to build community when classes are virtual. Thank you Melia! Thank you Hip Expressions for always providing a great variety of quality classes! read more

I've been a student for several years. I've taken the intro to belly dance a couple times, the fire belly dance class, and now I'm a member and take all sorts of classes from shimmes to tribal to even yoga. I've really enjoyed the online classes since covid came and changed our lives. The classes keep me healthy and in shape. And it's a fun way to work out. read more

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 the exact information): based on a once a week class, you would probably be in total beginner classes for 6 months (+/- depending on practice at home). After that you would move on to add a 1.5 class and mixed levels until the instructors really saw that you should be progressing to 2 (intermediate) and then they would say something like "hey, it's about time you start going to the level 2 classes." You find yourself in level 2 for several more months, and then you move onto level 3 (advanced) only by instructor's approval, and this is where you're supposed to grow as a dancer. You should have all your basic moves in your muscle memory, you should be able to follow the class combinations and choreography easily, and you're at a point where you should be working on the "everything else." This is where you would be forced to piece together your own choreography, work on musicality and interpretation, and keep up with a fast pace. This is also where instructors expect you to be doing solo work and not just group choreography classes. The following is what I experienced over the last 6+ months. There's a mandatory 2-part program for new students called the toolbox. Each part is 2 months and it covers all the basic moves, and if you complete both of them, you can go to any mixed-levels and level 1 class immediately. I have no idea what the numbered levels mean any more because on the calendar level 3 is marked as intermediate/advanced, but I've repeatedly found complete beginners in both 2 and 3 lately. It's distracting to say the least because some instructors will slow things down for the lowest common denominator, and others have to politely say "you should be going to the level 1 classes" and ignore the questions and comments that derail the pace and format of the class. It's like the completion of toolbox gives some students the impression that they're ready for advanced topics and choreography and no one will tell them no for fear of offending someone into not renewing their membership. Hip Expressions used to be my sanctuary, and then they got too big and couldn't figure out how to deal with it other than becoming the big box store equivalent. Sadly, they have a bit of a monopoly on the area's good instructors, and just recently they've added a couple mediocre ones onto the payroll. It's sort of embarrassing to be affiliated with them if this is how they're going to do things, so I guess in the future I'll only be referring to my old instructors by name and not the studio. I will say that their long-term students who go to classes regularly have some of the most flawless technique in the area (even better than some of the "professionals" I've seen around town), but the classes are still lacking in giving them the tools or confidence to do things on their own. It's really unfortunate because it used to be such a better place for people who wanted to be dancers and not people who want a gym or social club. As someone who needs a challenge and disciplined classes, they get a -meh- (2), and for beginners who need the basics they get between a "a-ok" (3) and a "yay!" (4), so the average works out to something like 2.75, which means I'll be generous and round them up to 3. In the meantime I'm left occasionally driving to north Tampa for Madrin'ha, Safety Harbor, maybe Palm Harbor, and then places like Gainesville or Orlando for weekend intensives. Total bummer. read more

I love all the teachers and the philosophy behind their school. Fair prices and I am surrounded and motivated by people who have passion for their craft. read more

I've been taking classes with the various teachers for over 10 years (not sure how long) and they keep it interesting and challenging.

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. read more

First time there and the place exudes nothing but professionalism. The staff is friendly and genuinely caring. The dance spaces are well-maintained. It feels like a dance sanctuary! read more

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 bay area, you are blessed. Go to Hip Expression and do it diligently. I am regretful that I did not go to the Hip Expression studio everyday. read more

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" new age music, but relaxing and chill beats. I highly recommend this class! read more

Large diversity of classes, great instructors, friendly people, FUN...it's one of my most favorite places to be! I'm thankful that St Pete has a dance studio like this where I have the opportunity to learn & grow in the art of belly dance! read more

This is one of the most amazing dance studios I've ever been to. There are a wide variety of classes available. The instructors are all very knowledgeable, helpful, and so helpful. I leave every class with a smile and excited to go back for another class! read more

2 years ago I was struggling to find something that was 'just for me'.. I didnt have any hobbies or anything that I did just for myself outside of work or my family. I came across Hip Expressions through a groupon deal they were running and decided that it was worth trying. After my first visit I was already looking forward to my next. Everyone is so welcoming and the instructors are very personable and informative. I worried about asking questions in the beginning because I wasn't sure if the questions were 'stupid' and if I would be bothering the instructors but I quickly realized that they are all very willing to answer questions with patience and a smile on their face. Numerous times I have stopped one of them before or after classes to ask them to help me understand a move and none of them have ever turned away a question. They truly are an amazing group of supportive women. I was also worried that with a close knit studio there would be cliques and I would feel out of place as the 'newbie' but I never once felt that I didnt belong. Alot of the members go to classes and get togethers or shows very regularly and as a result they tend to notice new people. But instead of ignoring them they introduce themselves and pull the newcomers into conversations to include them. Not only did I find something to be passionate about but I found a second family. I love all of the instructors and members of this amazing studio. I love that they have numerous teachers and different styles and levels so that I can try different classes to see if a style I have not been introduced to may be something that I could get into. Also with having multiple teachers it helps to get different explanations on moves you are having issues with.. I couldnt get one move no matter how much I practiced but I went to another instructor's class that happened to touch on the same move but her explanation just clicked with me and I finally was able to do it. Sometimes it helps to get multiple people's take on the moves before you can grasp it yourself. They have belly dance on multiple skill levels, tribal, fusion, classic egyptian, hoop dance, Polynesian, burlesque, samba, yoga, poi, hot hula, nia, and probably others that I am forgetting right now. They are currently running a deal for $30/30 days for new members and then its only $59 a months for unlimited classes. In the last 2 years my confidence and my love for this amazing art form have grown thanks to the support and encouragement of the awesome instructors that Johanna has assembled at this studio. I look forward to many more years of growth and fun with my dance family read more

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 :) read more

I love the variety of dance possibilities. I love the acceptance of all body types and experiences. I love the sparkle. Once can belly dance or NIA or yoga or tribal dance. People are so nice. If you have ever wanted to dance,. come here and try it. read more

I just love hip expression. I was introduced to them last year when they hosted a Burlesque Festival. They had shows and classes and tons of fun. I went there for my bachelorette party, and me and my girls had a blast. I moved out of the area after getting married and one year later we moved back to the area and I dragged my hubby to one of their monthly belly dance showcase and we both were in amazement of all the talent. My hubby loved it so much for our anniversary he got me the $30 for 30 days membership and even at 7 months pregnant I am shimming myself to my due date. The instructors are amazingly talented and they work with every level of skill. They are clear, diverse, and fun with the instruction. I have taken about 4 classes a week during my trial membership and if I could be there everyday I would. I have been taking Nia with Christine and she is absolutely amazing. I recommend Nia for getting your sweat on and it's also great if your pregnant. I take Belly Dancing Basics with Omaris and every time I'm in that class I feel great and like a pregnant goddess. Omaris is a great teacher and her beauty and talent is breathtaking. Finally I take ATS with Elizabeth, and at first I was terrified of this class, but Elizabeth is an amazing instructor. She is clear and passionate about the art of ATS belly dance. She explains the steps in a way that stays with you and your fear goes away, even when she makes you add "Zills". Oh and you just have to take her class just to watch her hands. They are mesmerizing. All in all the whole studio is just amazing. From the owner Johanna to your classmates. Hip expressions is an experience and a lifestyle. I have no complaints only Shimmies! read more