SPOTLIGHT ON JOHANNA: VISIONARY
BY STACY REYER
Visionary. That is the word which comes to mind when one thinks of Johanna. Here are a few more: talented, creative, artistic, hardworking, supportive, trusting, tireless, warrior. She really does do it all.
Johanna’s Links:
INTERVIEW WITH JOHANNA ‘XENOBIA’ KRYNYTZKY
Talented? Whether it’s the plethora of dance styles she does (American Caberet, Fire, Fusion, Tribal, Burlesque, Ukranian/Russian) or her mad skills as a percussionist (dumbek, frame drum, zills) she is a wellspring of information and technique regarding bellydance. Oh, and did you know she also paints, writes, web-designs, is learning the accordion (at warp-speed), sews, and makes those charming Ukranian eggs? No? Well, now you do.
Hardworking? Yes. While most of us are sleeping Johanna is the Executive Director of Hip Expressions Bellydance studio, Director of Loud Zoo, performing member of The Meow Factor, musician in both Blue Dunai and the Sunset Hookah Lounge Band, bellydance and yoga instructor, massage therapist, and has a solo dance career.
Warrior? Hell yes. She is a breast cancer survivor. Enough said.
Currently, Johanna is planning the new studio space Hip Expressions is moving into. Just like a true visionary, the space she has secured is four times the size of our present studio…and just wait until you see what is in store! This is where the above referenced ‘trusting’ adjective comes into play…Johanna just trusts everything will fall into place…and it does-just like magic.
Now, with all her passion and drive you might be thinking she is all business; she’s not. I liken Johanna to a mullet hair-do: business up front and party in the back! Let’s get to know Hip-Expressions’ fearless leader and visionary, Johanna.
I was in college at the time; my grandmother took me with her to Turkey, and it was there I saw my first belly dancer. I was enthralled! I also loved the Turkish nightclubs – all ages were there, and all were dancing with such sensuality, beauty, and power – I didn’t know what it was, but, I knew I wanted it!
When did you first discover your creative talents?
My parents have always encouraged my sisters and I to explore our creative talents… I was encouraged to draw, play piano, paint, and sing; oddly enough I remember asking about dance classes but it was pushed aside. I just found out this year that my mother kept me out of dance classes because she didn’t want me to grow up to be a girly girl!!! Ha! What’s that quote from Kung Fu Panda? “One often meets one’s destiny on the path one takes to avoid it...” I remember doing a lot of tumbling, and gymnastics when younger, too…
Was there a definitive moment when you knew you wanted to dance?
In the Turkish nightclubs. I wanted to DANCE!!!! However, a few years later, I discovered I wanted to pursue a lifestyle of dance after going through ‘The Artist’s Way’ by Julia Cameron. The book helped me focus on what was important to me, to my growth, to my art, so I quit my job, took a three month road trip around the US with my sister Stepha, and ended up in Florida to be a belly dancer. I went to massage therapy school, thinking I could work part-time and dance on the side, but my dance teaching and performing grew and grew until it was my full-time career. I have to say I have never looked back!
What turns you on so much about dance?
Improvisation… the moment where you let go of your personal ideas, of how you look or if you are doing it right. The moment where you give in to the music, the audience, the band, the emotions, and let it all sink into you and then allow the emotional to mix with the physical and BAM! You’re dancing and it’s not you, it’s not them, it’s the moment and it is DIVINE.
Community… the sisterhood bound together with a common artistic goal… and the inspiration it brings!
How did you come to teach dance?
My dance teacher at the University of Chicago was moving, and asked me to take over the Troupe. Sure, I’ll try anything once…
Has there been anyone in your career that gave you a “big break”?
Oh yes! Leila Aziz in Chicago took me under her wing, when I was still a baby belly, and I shadowed her to her gigs. She showed me the ropes – from costuming, to negotiating, to how to conduct myself in the Arabic nightclubs and Turkish restaurants. What she taught me I was able to bring with me to Florida when I moved here, to establish my successful performing career!
How would you describe your style?
Depends on what I’m doing! My origins are in Egyptian style dance but I work hard to try to honor any particular genre I represent in different performances – Tribal, Fusion, Bulresque, Russian, Ukrainian, Polynesian… I want to make sure it has a completely different flavor.
Does instinct play a part in your dance? Hmm, I don’t think I’d call it instinct. For me instinct is about basic needs, fight or flight… dance is more about communing with your soul.
Do you believe rules are meant to be broken?
Sorry …I don’t understand the question?
What inspires you? Hip Expressions!!!!!! We have such an AMAZING community here. I am inspired by the beautiful dancers I work with, our eager and committed students that I see constantly improving, by our audience who comes back to see us time and time again, reaffirming that we are on to something!
Where do you choreograph? Lying down trying to sleep. While driving. In my office, and/or living room. At the Beach. Occasionally in the Studio. The muse of Inspiration seduces at whim.
Do you consider yourself a collaborative or solo artist? Do I have to choose? On second thought, I don’t have a choice. I am both.
Do you have another job? ANOTHER ONE? You know I AM only human. Directing a Dance Studio, Entertainment Company, Event Company, and running a Boutique aren’t enough? I’m surprised I have any time to teach classes and perform regularly too! Oh yes I do massage on the side actually.
What would you be other than a dancer? Graphic Designer. Nah, too boring. I did enjoy my career in Museum Education. When I was a child I wanted to be an airplane pilot! How about an explorer?
Any influences or anyone you look up to when it comes to dance? I have great respect and honor for the pioneers… Delilah in Seattle, Jill Parker, Suzanna del Vecchio… there are too many to name.
How do you bridge the gap of the business side of dance? I listen to everyone’s advice, read a lot, crunch some numbers, take a deep breath, and then do whatever the hell I want. The key is to stay informed & organized… have a lot of help… relax… and trust that the way will become clear. It does.
What has been your greatest accomplishment as a dancer? Hip Expressions!
Describe yourself in 5 words: Flexible. Hard-Working. Bold. Fearless. Visionary.
Any words of advice for aspiring dancers? Don’t quit your day job. Draw inspiration from the world around you. If you want it, be willing to work hard. Always respect those around you – they are your biggest supporters. Study with everyone!
What are you working on currently? Where do I begin? Expanding Hip Expressions in St Pete to three studios, with a facial room and a massage room, expanded boutique and lounge? Expanding to Tampa, Clearwater, Sarasota/Bradenton? Next year’s Cruise, Beledi Beach Bash, Tribal Burn!, and Burlesque Festival? Let’s just say I’m currently working on Transforming the World and leave it at that; it’s a constant process.
Favorite music to dance to: Anything with an awesome beat. House, Latin, Middle Eastern… live music will ALWAYS be my favorite to dance to!
Favorite color: Blue. Sometimes Purple. I’ve learned to like Pink, and I’m getting re-acquainted with Orange. What about Green. Though, Red is nice… Yellow will have to wait.
Favorite Drink: My latest favorite is a B-52 shot in an iced coffee. That’s Kahluah, Grand Marnier and Irish Cream… mmmm!
Other hobbies: yoga, sewing, boating, writing, laying on the beach, meditating (is that a hobby?)
What is your guilty pleasure? Doughnuts. And Shisha.
Share with us something funny that has happened to you recently: I loved being painted blue as the Goddess Kali for the downtown St Pete nightclub gig a few weeks ago. After the show, I walked around downtown. Guys would yell, ‘Avatar’. I yelled back, ‘Kali, Goddess of Destruction!’ They stopped, took a second to look at me, then again yelled, ‘Avatar’! Ah well, world transformation is a slow process. I’m okay with that.
Is dance enough for you? Nothing is enough for me.
I feel so honored and blessed to be spearheading the movement that is Hip Expressions. A big Thank You to everyone - for your trust, for believing in me, and for contributing in so many ways to the vision and community that is Hip Expressions. I can not wait for our new Studio and Center! Thanks for being involved, and joining me on my journey! I couldn’t do it without you!
Photo by John Mazzello
