Tribute: Guardians of Street Dance
Versa-Style’s latest full length work will honor the company’s 20 year anniversary as a Hip Hop and street dance ensemble by paying homage to our artistic journey as it weaves through influential figures, cultural movements and community growth. Shining a spotlight on West Coast Hip Hop and the street dance styles that originated in the L.A. area, the multidisciplinary work will be uplifting and energetic, yet intimate and intentional. Tribute will also honor Hip Hop and street dance artists who are still with us today such as Rennie Harris, Damita Jo Freeman and Toni Basil, as well as those who have passed on, including Stephen “Twitch” Boss, Voodoo Ray and Marjory Smarth. Photo and video elements will be utilized to honor these individuals who have been an impactful part of a global street dance culture that includes Hip Hop, house, popping, locking and more.
Freemind Freestyle
“Freemind Freestyle” consists of high–energy, unadulterated Hip Hop movement that will explore the depths of improvisational dance, using streetdance vernacular such as Locking, Popping, Hip Hop and Krump as vehicles of expression. No show will be the same, each night will offer a brand new experience of FREESTYLE street dance live on stage. Audiences will walk away with a vivid immersion into Hip Hop dance culture.
Box of Hope
Box of Hope explores themes that deal with the inequalities in today’s volatile social climate, more specifically within underserved communities. Versa-Style utilizes Hip Hop dance to navigate and tell these stories as each company member lives, expresses, and struggles within these varied and infinitely complex political and personal landscapes of Los Angeles. These themes are examined through the lens of the sounds of Motown, with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and The Temptations, who sang about these issues in the 1970s. Versa-Style highlights the timeless nature of this struggle through their music.
“The choreography is original, organic and extremely musical”
Jeff Slayton, SeeDance.com
Furious Beauty
The first half is entitled ‘Furious’, showcasing the high-flying skills and technique of the company, wowing audiences with choreography and a pure love of dance. The second half, ‘Beauty’, takes a more introspective look at the hardships and struggles we endure as human beings, and how we can use art and our loved ones to rise up from those struggles and move forward with positivity, empathy and love in our hearts. Throughout the show, the audience will be taking a journey through time and around the world. Versa-Style weaves together the company member’s life experiences and talents to put together a melting pot of creativity, free expression, and overflowing love of dance.
“The most vibrant elements of Hip Hop culture—the spirit of inclusion, innovation, reverence and authenticity…”
– Jessica Koslow, Annenberg Media Center
Feel Our Rhythm
“Feel Our Rhythm” is a multimedia production that entertains and exposes its audience to the flavorful history and complexity of Hip Hop dance culture. It employs rare interviews with dance legends such as Marjory Smarth, Damita Jo Freeman, and Rennie Harris, and reminds the audience of the genius origins of Hip-hop, from African and Latin dance styles such as Sabar and Rumba, to swing styles such as Lindy Hop and Tap, through the Soul Train era of Popping, and Locking, and into today’s street dance rooted in Hip Hop culture. The production touches both the minds and hearts of its audience, and even tickles the humor nerve by concluding the evening with a comedic and uplifting rendition of Los Angeles’ infamous traffic.
“It’s like a live music video, pulsing and driving, quick cutting and dissolving, right before our eyes. It is, in a matter of words, magical.”
– Joel Smith, Dancing In Los Angeles: Political Moves
Educational School Performances
“Origins Of Hip Hop” a dynamic one hour show, Versa-Style performs choreography, demonstrates foundation, and unfolds the history of Hip Hop and Streetdance culture with live lecture demonstration as well as inspiring audience motivation. The intention is that students gain a new perspective on Hip Hop dance culture and the impact that arts can have in their communities.
EXPERIENCE
VERSA-STYLE STREET DANCE COMPANY
Check our Events page to learn about our upcoming performances, workshops, shows and other appearances.
