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Street dance - known for its freestyle nature and deep cultural roots - includes hip hop styles such as breaking, popping, and locking. Street dance emerged from communities seeking to express their culture through movement. Its foundation developed in places like New York and California, where dance became a way for people to feel seen and heard. Over time, it moved from local communities to the big screen, as films and television introduced wider audiences to its beauty. Social media later spread the genre worldwide. Versa-Style Street Dance Company represents the continued growth of street dance by sharing its culture across the globe. 

Versa-Style Street Dance Company is a nonprofit organization founded in 2005 by Jackie Lopez, known as Miss Funk, and Leigh Foaad, known as Breeze-Lee. The company is recognized for its electrifying and inspiring performances that resonate with audiences around the world. Versa-Style is also a diverse dance company that reflects the cultural richness of Los Angeles. Their mission is to use the stage to empower underserved and marginalized communities through hip hop culture. Their impact reached California State University, Long Beach (91��ɫ), where they connected deeply with students and audiences. 

When Versa-Style came to 91��ɫ, company dancers Divina, Fullout, Precise, Berry Grove, and Passion taught a street dance class to 91��ɫ dance students. The class blended elements such as bounce and roll with high-energy music, creating an engaging and lively atmosphere. Students danced freely with the music, embodying the spirit of street dance. However, the company’s influence extended beyond the classroom. 

Versa-Style also performed at the Carpenter Center at 91��ɫ, delivering an emotional and intentional performance that honored Los Angeles and the street dancers it has produced. The performance included choreography with chairs, dance battles, and a tribute to street dancers who have passed. Each performer showcased their individuality and artistry through precise and meaningful movement. 

One standout performer was Aryeal Lands, who shared insight into her experience on stage. She explained that the process required a great deal of love and intention, with the goal of celebrating life for both past and present street dancers. Aryeal shared that pieces are choreographed by the company’s founders or the main director, Precise. Also, she explained that their performance includes elements of hip hop, house, and freestyle, which are foundational to Versa-Style. When paying homage to funk, popping and locking are incorporated. The most meaningful moment for the team was the closing piece, “Funk Angeles”. The dance before it, titled “Our Guardians,” was deeply emotional as it honored street dancers who have passed. Carrying that emotion, the dancers used Funk Angeles as a release, pushing harder for one another. For dancers inspired by Versa-Style, Aryeal advises finding movement that speaks to them by following their calling. She encourages listening to a wide range of music, finding the right teachers, and developing one’s own identity by immersing oneself in all elements of dance to grow and evolve over time.