Belly Dance Tradition Comes to Central Avenue Saturday

Hip Expressions performs first “1001 Nights” belly dance showcase on Central Avenue in St. Pete Saturday
Performance also features Polynesian, Burlesque and Indian styles of dance by Hip Ex teachers and students

A 17-year tradition comes to Central Avenue Saturday when the Hip Expressions dance community performs their “1001 Nights” showcase at The MAR at 8 p.m.
Hip Expressions Belly Dance School, Tampa Bay’s center for cultural dance arts, continues its tradition of monthly performances by teachers and students known as “1001 Nights,” offering opportunity and space for dancers to practice their passion. Hip Expressions dancers of all ages will perform Polynesian, tribal, Indian, Burlesque and various styles of belly dance. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are available in limited numbers online at www.hip-expressions.com. Or pull up a virtual front seat by registering online as well.
This is the first “1001 Nights” showcase since Hip Expressions moved from its studio on 54th Avenue North in St. Petersburg on August 31. Saturday’s event brings together teachers and students who have been dancing in two locations including The MAR and St. Pete Dance Center on Route 19 and 62nd Avenue in north St. Petersburg.
“We began our 1001 Nights Showcase 17 years ago as a way to bring the community together, so we can showcase what we’ve been working on,” explained Hip Expressions Owner and Director Johanna Zenobia Krynytzky. “It celebrates all the diversity of dance arts from around the world, while highlighting our commonalities – expressing our personal experience through movement. It’s such a joy to watch, whether you’re a dancer, a student, or coming just for the spectacle. It’s fun!”
On Saturday, Krynytzky will perform belly dance. Hip Expressions co-founder Karen Sun Ray performs Tahitian, a style she’s known since childhood when she danced with her mother in Polynesian reviews. Hip Ex teacher Zoe Van West will perform a Tribal Fusion Tray Duet. West has been studying classical Indian dances for more than a decade and holds a UNESCO certification in Rajasthan dance music and culture. Djinn Zoo Dance Company, which celebrates femininity at all ages and sizes, performs a group improvisational Belly Dance. Dancing Branch Dance Company, a contemporary dance company directed by teacher Evelyn Tosi, will perform a Burlesque number. And more!
Interested students can sign up for classes in many of these genres through www.hip-expressions.com. New Beginner Belly Dance classes just started and it’s not too late to join!

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