Some people go to church, temple or other religious/spiritual gatherings on Sunday. I prefer to sit in an audience packed with dance enthusiasts and meditate on street dance, which is exactly where I was on January 18, 2026 for the last of three performances of “Versa-Style and Friends: Celebrating the Street Dance Community” at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center. For me street dance is emotional, therapeutic, even cathartic. There I sat Sunday at 3:30 p.m. waiting for the lights to go up and my mind, body and soul to be moved.
Versa-Style and Friends – Photo by George Simian.
The exact minute I knew I would enjoy this show was when I saw the face expression of the front-and-center dancer in Versa-Style Next Generation’s opening set. So much is communicated in street dance through facial expressions; and this artist told me with no uncertainty that it was about to be lit on this stage during this song medley, which included “Houston, We Have a Problem.” It was as if they were trying to make the audience flinch from their position on the stage; a combination of bravado and pure bliss. The entire troupe’s moves toggled between sharp and smooth, in sync and solo.
The energy bouncing off the stage—a signature characteristic of Versa-Style shows—was contagious as the audience, too, was nodding their heads and waving their hands. In her heartfelt welcome to the crowd, Jackie “Miss Funk” Lopez, the co-artistic director of Versa-Style Street Dance Company, relayed that cheering and clapping during the performances were highly encouraged.
Versa-Style and Friends – Photo by George Simian.
For the next 90 minutes (excluding the intermission), the spotlight was on the local L.A. street dance community. Whacking Los Angeles performed “Smooth Shot,” Toyin Sogunro offered “Eternal Echoes” and Gbari Gilliam, Shantel Ureña and Nagode’ Simpson delivered “Prayers From the Underground.” Each piece was distinct, spiritual in its own way, and featured exquisite dancers who imbued every move with earth quaking passion and purpose.
Versa-Style and Friends – Photo by George Simian.
All Black Collective’s “Whaddup?!” choreographed by Fantaye is the kind of performance that makes a person feel happy to be alive. Much like most street dance performances, the best parts are often improvised and erupt from cypher or session-like setups. Each dancer embodied hype as they passed the energy around like lightening.
The final two pieces of the first act showcased popping. Boogie Frantick’s “Chicano Power” illustrated why he’s a master. The local legend entered the stage in his signature slo-mo strut and with Carla Morrison’s hypnotic “Azúcar Morena” playing, he combined all his styles—including animation, ticking and waving—into a riveting one-man statement. Femme Fatale followed, comprised of Dassy Lee, Lily Frias and Marie Poppins, representing for the ladies and blending elegance with in-your-face attitude.
Versa-Style and Friends – Photo by George Simian.
Act 2 was all Versa-Style: first Versa-Style Legacy, choreographed by Ernesto “Precise” Galarza, which is a street dance ensemble offering performance opportunities for Versa-Style Next Generation graduates, and for the finale, Versa-Style Street Dance Company, choreographed by Miss Funk and co-artistic director and Lighting Designer for the show, Leigh “Breeze-Lee” Foaad.
Versa-Style and Friends – Photo by George Simian.
There are a few guarantees when attending a show produced by the 20-year-old Versa-Style Street Dance Company, which I will list below in no particular order of importance. Dancers who are passionate about street dance, who love to move with exuberance and share their joy with others. Choreography that’s big, bold and breathtaking. Group work and solos that highlight the magnificence of synchronized movement and the all-out awesomeness of different personalities and styles. A community united in bringing joy and representing the diversity and beautiful complexity of Los Angeles.
Versa-Style and Friends – Photo by George Simian.
At the end of the show, I was smiling ear to ear, silently exhaling, “Amen!”
For more information, visit the Versa-Style Street Dance Company website.
Written by Jessica Koslow for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Versa-Style and Friends – Photo by George Simian.
