Performance Opportunities
Our Dance Troupes are for EVERY Body
Dance is a celebration of our bodies, minds, and spirits. Don't think you can't do it because you don't have what it takes, or look a certain way... dancers come in all shapes, sizes, colors, genders, and walks of life. Dance comes from combining the joy in your heart with proper technique, and that skill comes from - practice! Find a dance that makes you WANT to dance... and do it!
Be gentle & patient with yourself, some learn faster than others. It takes time to learn a new instrument, and as dancers our bodies are our instruments. All our programs start with Level 1, and have different paths to work up from there. Train the technique, practice, take classes and ask questions so that instructors can correct you. Don't just take classes online (though it's a good supplement or start), you'll have to un-learn improper muscle memory. Don't just take class once a week, it takes dedication to improve. Don't just practice in class - dance at home, while you're cooking, cleaning, walking the dog - make everything a dance!
Above all, DO keep the joy in your heart and remember... all our professional dancers were beginners once too! DO be gentle with yourself, it's okay to make mistakes! DO know it just takes practice, you'll get there!
Our troupes perform at various events and festivals locally, and travel to participate in larger festivals, as people's schedules allow (not a requirement).
Please read the Hip Ex Guidelines that give an overview of ALL performing parts of Hip Expressions, to get a feel for how we operate. Also, each troupe has their own specific Troupe Charter. Take a peek, and we hope to be dancing with you soon!
I never wanted to perform... until...
I started belly dancing because I fell in love with the music, the moves, the freedom, the celebration of embodying my own spirit! Then I found the connection of the community, how a common bond forms when you move with other people in synch with the music... and I found an acceptance and peace that gave me a safe place to be creative and make mistakes.
I never wanted to perform, however, my instructor had different ideas. As a community, we came together to create performances at the University of Chicago's dance program events and festivals. I discovered a whole new joy and confidence that creative accomplishment can bring.
Lastly, it was the costuming that did me in. I skeptically eyed a glittering, gold sequined and heavily beaded costume from Egypt that was just dripping jewels and sparkles... Then I put it on. I'M SO SPARKLY!!! Deal sealed. I've been on stage ever since.
It's so inspiring to create dance art with others... Come see how fun it can be!
- Johanna
Hip Stars Troupe Auditions
We are looking for dancers who are ready to take their dancing and performance to the next level!
The Hip Star's mission is to honor and share the ancient tradition of the sacred art of belly dance, as an empowering, healing art that celebrates the divine feminine in all her aspects. Join the artistic, uplifting troupe... the Hip Stars - a celebration of the divine feminine at play!
Dance Troupes
Belly Dance
Hip Stars - Powerful, Meaningful & Transformative Belly Dance!
Troupe's Purpose:
To strengthen our individual and collective confidence, grace, and joy, by working together to honor, share, and grow the Art of Belly Dance.
See how YOUR performance skills grow by leaps and bounds; as you feel great about your skills, your confidence will permeate every aspect of your life! Success in dance means success on AND off the dance floor.
The Hip Stars is Hip Expressions' performing belly dance troupe, sharing our love for this dance with the world! Directed by Johanna Zenobia, Karen Sun Ray, Kimberly Freed, and Lizza Hasan,...
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Tribal Belly Dance
Djinn Zoo - Improvisational Tribal Troupe
Djinn Zoo is our Tribal troupe, Directed by Marcella Skiff. These ladies explore the evolution of Tribal belly dance, which combines traditional dances from around the world such as belly dance, Flamenco, Indian Dance, and Modern. The focus is on the sisterhood of the dance, playing with structured improvisational tools, using cues to transition from one move to the next.
Djinn Zoo evolved from Loud Zoo Tribal, of which Marcella was a part, directed by Johanna Xenobia from 2001 - 2012. Marcella continues the Tribal tradition at Hip Expressions in her growing troupe. Influences...
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Flamenco
Alma y Fuego Flamenco: The passion... the power...
Directed by Vanessa Cerallo, professional Flamenco dancer & instructor.
Interested students start with Flamenco Basics, continue into Intro to Flamenco, then graduate to her Intermediate class. Have some Flamenco experience? Contact Vanessa directly!
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