House of Hips

For residents of New York, especially those in the dynamic city of Buffalo, House of Hips offers an exhilarating and unique opportunity to explore the diverse and captivating world of dance. This studio, founded and operated by Mandy Poreda and Hayati, is more than just a place to learn steps; it's a vibrant hub for cultural expression, physical fitness, and joyful community building. Specializing in world dance, House of Hips provides a welcoming and empowering environment for dancers of all ages and skill levels.

At House of Hips, the philosophy is simple: dance is for everyone, and it should be fun and fulfilling. Whether you're taking your "first dance class ever," as one delighted student remarked, or you're an experienced dancer seeking new styles, you'll find a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. Instructors like Mandy are consistently praised for their ability to "explain each move and gave constant, gentle reinforcements," making learning accessible and enjoyable. It's a place where you can "learn more about your body and gain respect for it in the process, exercise your muscles and your mind, find a release from everyday stress and anxiety, and express yourself in a healthy and beautiful way!" This blend of physical activity, mental engagement, and artistic freedom makes House of Hips a truly special destination in Buffalo.

House of Hips is conveniently situated at Side Door, 1863 Clinton St, Buffalo, NY 14206, USA. This location places it within the Kaisertown neighborhood of South Buffalo, an area known for its community spirit and growing diversity of businesses. The "Side Door" indication suggests a distinct entrance, which adds to the studio's unique character.

Clinton Street is a well-trafficked thoroughfare in Buffalo, ensuring good visibility and ease of access for those traveling by car. Parking in the vicinity is typically available on the street, making it practical for students attending classes. For individuals relying on public transportation, Buffalo's NFTA (Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority) bus system operates routes that serve the Clinton Street corridor, providing a convenient option for commuting to the studio from various parts of the city and surrounding areas. The studio's presence in Kaisertown has also been welcomed by the local board, recognizing it as a "new and different" and positive addition to the neighborhood's cultural landscape. This accessibility makes House of Hips a convenient and attractive option for New Yorkers seeking dance education and enjoyment.

House of Hips specializes in a diverse range of world dance styles, offering classes that cater to various interests, skill levels, and fitness goals. Their curriculum is designed to be inclusive and engaging, promoting both technique and self-expression.

• Traditional Belly Dance: Classes focusing on the authentic movements, techniques, and cultural nuances of traditional belly dance.
• Contemporary Belly Dance: An American style of belly dance that fuses traditional movements with Western dance styles and music, offering a modern interpretation.
• Heels Dance: Classes that teach choreography and movement in high heels, focusing on confidence, balance, and performance.
• Dancehall: Energetic and rhythmic dance styles originating from Jamaican dance culture.
• Twerk: Classes focused on body isolation and rhythmic movement, emphasizing fitness and self-expression.
• Bollywood: Lively and expressive dance routines inspired by Indian cinema, combining various dance forms.
• Capoeira: An Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of acrobatics, dance, and music.
• Sword Dance: A unique and captivating dance form that incorporates the use of swords, requiring precision and control.
• Beginner Classes: Dedicated sessions for absolute newcomers, ensuring a comfortable and encouraging introduction to different dance styles. As one student noted, instruction includes explaining "each move and gave constant, gentle reinforcements."
• Intermediate/Advanced Classes: Programs designed for dancers with prior experience looking to refine their technique, explore more complex choreography, and deepen their understanding of specific styles.
• Choreography Classes: Sessions focused on learning and performing specific dance routines.
• Single Day Workshops: Intensive, short-term classes that allow participants to delve into specific techniques or styles without a long-term commitment.
• Dance for Health and Wellness: Beyond technique, classes are designed to provide physical exercise, mental stimulation, stress relief, and a healthy outlet for self-expression.
• Zuut Bellydance Troupe: House of Hips is the home studio for Zuut, a local belly dance troupe, offering opportunities for advanced performers and community engagement.

House of Hips is distinguished by several key features and highlights that contribute to its strong reputation and unique appeal within the Buffalo dance community:

• Diverse World Dance Offerings: Unlike many studios that focus on a few mainstream styles, House of Hips provides an extensive range of world dance forms, including traditional and contemporary belly dance, heels, dancehall, twerk, Bollywood, capoeira, and sword dance, offering a rich cultural and artistic experience.
• Incredibly Supportive and Welcoming Environment: Consistently praised by students, the studio fosters a non-intimidating atmosphere. Newcomers, even those taking their "first dance class ever," feel comfortable and encouraged, with instructors providing "constant, gentle reinforcements."
• Passionate and Patient Instructors: Teachers like Mandy are highlighted for their "great patience" and ability to make learning "so much fun," ensuring that every student feels confident and excited about their progress.
• Affordable and Accessible: The studio strives to make dance accessible to all, with competitive pricing, including single drop-in classes for $15 and session discounts, making it a "super affordable" option for quality instruction.
• Focus on Fun and Exercise: Beyond just learning technique, the classes are celebrated for being a "GREAT EXERCISE AND FUN!" They emphasize staying in shape, releasing stress, and expressing oneself in a healthy and beautiful way.
• Empowering and Positive Community: The studio promotes a positive and inclusive environment, with its founders noting that bellydancing, in particular, is "very positive and inclusive dance that is empowering for people."
• Home to Zuut Bellydance: As the home studio for the Zuut belly dance troupe, House of Hips offers performance opportunities and a deeper connection to the local dance scene for advanced students.
• Flexible Learning Options: With beginner and intermediate/advanced classes, choreography sessions, and single-day workshops, the studio caters to various skill levels and schedules.

For more information on class schedules, workshops, registration, or to inquire about performances, please contact House of Hips using the details below:

Address: Side Door, 1863 Clinton St, Buffalo, NY 14206, USA

Phone: (716) 218-9212

Mobile Phone: +1 716-218-9212

Website: houseofhips.weebly.com (as found in public data for more info and class schedules)

For residents of New York, especially those in the Buffalo area looking to enrich their lives with movement, culture, and community, House of Hips offers an exceptional and highly suitable local option. Its unique focus on a wide array of world dance styles sets it apart, providing opportunities to explore everything from the graceful art of traditional belly dance to the energetic rhythms of dancehall and Bollywood. This diversity means there’s truly "something new along the way" for everyone, whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned dancer.

What makes House of Hips particularly appealing to locals is its incredibly welcoming and patient environment. Many people might feel reluctant to try a new dance class, especially if they consider themselves a "first dance class ever" type of person. However, the consistent praise for instructors like Mandy, who provide "constant, gentle reinforcements," ensures that every student feels comfortable and supported from their very first shimmy. This supportive atmosphere is crucial for fostering confidence and making dance truly enjoyable.

Furthermore, House of Hips delivers on the promise of being both "GREAT EXERCISE AND FUN!" It provides an affordable and engaging way to stay active, relieve stress, and express oneself creatively. The studio's commitment to creating a positive and inclusive space, where dance is seen as empowering, resonates deeply with community values. For any New Yorker in the Buffalo region eager to discover a new passion, enhance their fitness, or simply connect with a vibrant and supportive artistic community, House of Hips on Clinton Street is an absolute must-visit. It’s a place where you can learn, grow, and truly let loose.

House of Hips

Side Door, 1863 Clinton St, Buffalo, NY 14206, USA