Before I head north back to the frozen tundra formerly known as Minnesota for the weekend, I have exciting news for you, Dance Fanatic. A new dance studio will take over the historic district of Tampa Heights.
The Hip Room, owned by Matthew Garfinkle, is expected to open its doors in March 2016. With professional staff and instructors, this studio hopes to reach dancers from age 3 to 80. While the Hip Room emphasizes on ballroom, ballet, and hip-hop techniques, they'll offer classes in nearly every style.
So what’s the story behind this place? After talking with the owner, Matt, I learned that he was inspired to dance by television and music videos when he was seven years old. The passion continued growing when he took on a ballroom dance teaching job about seven years ago and continues to grow as he opens a studio of his own.
The vision for The Hip Room in the future is predominantly to provide a place for people of all ages to lose themselves in music and improve their physical, mental and emotional health. As a broke college student desperate to find affordable places to dance, I have high hopes for this studio. Check back soon for the official opening date of The Hip Room as well as its Grand Opening Party!
If you and your Valentine (no shame in it being yourself) need some ideas on what to do this weekend, here’s your list:
Shows
Hip Expressions has an anniversary! Go see the Hip Expressions 1001 Nights Belly Dance Showcase – 12 Year Anniversary Show on Friday (Feb. 12) at its St. Petersburg studio location. $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Learn more.
Collective Soles Dance Company presents their annual production of Love is a Two Way Street, which explores themes of love, lust and human interaction through dance. Shows are Friday (Feb. 12) at 8 p.m. and Saturday (Feb. 13) at 3 p.m. $20. Visit their website or call 813-979-2222.
Classes
Belly Dance, Nia, Yoga, Acro-Balancing & Dance Fitness at Hip Expressions in St. Pete. Location, time and payment information online.
Bomba Body is offering their One Dance and Dance Fitness weekly classes this Saturday (Feb. 13) at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in Tampa and New Port Richey. 813-446-5068.
This article appears in Feb 11-17, 2016.