Johanna Zenobia Krynytzky

Owner, Instructor

Hip Expressions

Owner and Director, Hip Expressions.  Professional Belly Dance Performer, Instructor, Fire Dancer, Troupe Leader, and Dance Coach. “It is my vision to share my passion for belly dance, to promote the evolution of the art, and to inspire others through the beauty and power of this expressive form.Belly Dance celebrates the life, soul, and uniqueness of every individual, while proving that by working together, it holds the possibility of transformation and healing for all...” ~ Johanna "Zenobia" KrynytzkyJohanna is a mover and shaker in the Tampa Bay Area. Performing and teaching in St Petersburg since 2000, what began as a passionate hobby has now manifested as a mission to change the world!First inspired by belly dance while visiting Istanbul, Turkey, as a student at the University of Chicago, Johanna never dreamed her passion could become her life. Her philosophy, life is too precious to be wasted not following your passion, led her to continue exploring her inspiration without apology. What started as a side hustle performing at various ethnic restaurants and parties, blossomed into a decade of full time performance.Johanna found teaching and collaborating just as rewarding as performing; and co-founded Hip Expressions Belly Dance Studio in 2004 with dancer Karen Sun Ray Coletti. Together, they encouraged their students to explore joy in movement, and their community grew. What started as two women dreaming… ended up a reality! Now Hip Expressions houses over twenty artists and instructors, and genres from Burlesque to Ballet, Yoga to Flamenco. Host to performing troupes in Belly Dance, Polynesian, Jazz, Fire, and Brazilian Samba, as well as a myriad of student performances in other genres as well. Hip Expressions hosts monthly showcases that read like dance variety shows with something for everyone, and a biannual fire festival Tribal Burn as a fundraiser for local Sacred Lands non-for-profit here in St Pete.Hip Expressions mission manifests as reality as an inclusive, creative movement community. Known for its amazing friendly and supportive vibe, non-judgmental zone, and creativity, all are completely at home! Johanna mindfully crafts this vibe, teaching and mentoring on maintaining this culture. Indeed, the Hip Expressions Leadership Program (HELP) is a teacher training like no other, challenging potential teachers/leaders to not only attain knowledge of their chosen art form, but also to attend to details behind th scenes that set the tone for the culture of their class.Johanna is honored to be head of this revolutionary movement in dance. She performs and teaches, and deepens her study of her body and her self through yogic practices and leadership skills. The community continues to grow, Hip Expressions a container in which the arts can blossom, each flower with its unique bloom. This radical acceptance and mindfulness challenge attracts those interested in adding more joy and peace into the world - something we all truly need more of!Choose love - every time.NamastéWhile her vision includes touching souls through her art, true transformation can only be achieved as a personal journey, and it is her goal to inspire you to explore yours. Check out her latest interview, at: https://www.wtsp.com/video/entertainment/places/bobby-lewis-on-the-road/st-pete-belly-dancer-leans-on-performing-through-pandemic/67-5d3abdd9-ccc8-46ba-b120-19eac519e075