Community Participants

Full Expression is a fusion-based company that combines elements of musical theatre, drag, contemporary, belly dance, tap, and more. This is their second year participating in Body/Speak.

Artistic and executive director for Full Expression, Savannah Svoboda said, “To collaborate with arts and education programs within the community means the world to us and is a huge part of our mission. We love being in spaces with other companies because it gives us a chance to honor other artists in their craft.”

Full Expression describes its place in the dance world as one where performance, training, and social justice intersect to bring more than just one style or functionality of performance art to its storytelling and collective mission of creating more safe and equitable experiences.

“Our goal is to always leave people thinking differently about the art form of dance at the intersections of activism, creation, and community,” said Svoboda.

Their first Body/Speak experience was one of a welcoming and supportive community. Svoboda said, “The Body/Speak casts and dancers are from all different types of performance art and offer something for everyone. From multimedia, live music, and incredible dance, this show celebrates the diversity in our dance culture. We are so excited to be back!”

The non-profit organization Foco Flava is another community dance troupe returning to Body/Speak for its second time. They are known for their foundational hip-hop styles, including breaking, house, popping, locking, freestyle, and more.

Foco Flava chair and dance member, Ernan Torrez said, “It’s not just about showcasing our talent; it’s about immersing ourselves in a sea of diverse dance forms. Connecting with other companies, learning from them, and sharing our passion for hip-hop is what we look forward to the most. This event isn’t just a platform to perform, it’s a celebration of unity and love for dance.”

Participating in Body/Speak allows Foco Flava to introduce the essence of hip-hop to a broader audience. Torrez said, “The diversity of styles and companies coming together is incredibly inspiring. It pushes us to be creative and unique, reminding us of the vastness of the dance world. This event is a beautiful fusion of different dance forms, and we’re here to make our mark with the flavor and energy of hip-hop.”

Body/Speak is bringing together the best of the dance community across the region, from the CSU faculty to the students to the participating dance troupes. It expands on the creative influence of all who take part, and shares that inclusive expression with the UCA audience. Garifi said, “When we use art as experience, we can find great growth and generate an atmosphere of acceptance.”