On Saturday, March 29, the Harvard hip-hop group Expressions Dance Company put on their spring showcase, EXposé, in Lowell Lecture Hall. The show was an hour long and featured seven distinct and powerful performances.
Founded in 1978, Expressions Dance Company is a student-operated dance group showcasing hip-hop dance. Their ‘Direx,’ EDC’s current board of directors, manage the company’s operations, including ticket sales, semesterly auditions, and leading production efforts for each show. This group is led by executive director and Editor-in-Chief of the Harvard Independent Layla Chaaraoui ’26. Joining Chaaraoui in leadership are Amaya Butler ’27, Addason Harris ’26, Rachelle Estinvil ’27, Ronni Fleming ’28, Carly Gelles ’27, Amy Morrissey ’28, and Della Williams ’27.
The show opened with “Food Fight,” an energetic routine choreographed by Cruz Allison ’28, featuring what emcee and Independent Video Director Ryan Irving ’27 dubbed “food-fight-themed music.” This dance was characterized by bright, colorful lights and excerpts from food-related songs like “Milkshakes” by Kelis and “Sweet Yamz” by Fetty Wap, and ended with “Sticky” by Tyler, the Creator. “Obviously my piece’s theme was a little sillier than the others but I think that’s kind of what I was going for,” Allison explained. “A fun, silly, experience. Plus I really wanted to dance to Sweet Yamz and I had no idea on how to do that seriously.”
Next came “Miss Possessive,” a four-person dance embodying the boldness and sass of Tate McRae’s new song, co-choreographed by Morrissey and Fleming. Following that was “Good Grief,” a powerful routine choreographed by Harris, which explored the five stages of grief through five distinct song excerpts.
“This show was a bit new for me because it was my first time creating art I knew would be displayed for other people,” Harris said. “It was a pretty vulnerable feeling, but I am proud of the piece and grateful for the experience.”
Following “Good Grief,” Williams and Gelles, who also hold the title of EXP co-captains, performed a co-choreographed duet titled “Big Drip Energy” focusing on the “three P’s:” power, presence, and play. EXP, the competitive and performance subset of EDC, takes part in various performances and competitions around the Boston area.
This duo certainly brought the energy—the two danced with an intentionality and vigor that could be felt throughout all of Lowell Lecture Hall. “Being co-captains with Carly brings me so much joy. I truly look forward to every single rehearsal,” Williams commented.
After a brief intermission, nine dancers performed “Confident,” choreographed by Alyssa Rubio ’28. “Choreographing for Expressions was absolutely amazing this semester!” Rubio wrote to the Independent. “Being in the studio, every Wednesday with those girls really reminded me why I love dance, and why I’ve devoted so many years of my life to the art of dance.”
“[This dance] is all about what it is like to be a #girlboss!” Irving added.
Her dance was followed by “Dir-EXtraL,” a short and energetic excerpt featuring the Direx of Expressions, choreographed by Estinvil. Before the final act performed, Chaaraoui invited the Direx and choreographers to the stage, expressing gratitude for their dedication and hard work. She also thanked the production team, presenting each member with a rose as a token of appreciation. The showcase culminated with “EXP: Your Loss” choreographed by Williams and Gelles, featuring the entire EXP team. The dancers donned red jerseys and danced to a mashup of hype songs like “6 Foot 7 Foot” by Lil Wayne and “10 Freaky Girls” by Metro Boomin.
“The two of us work super well together and really inspire each other when it comes to creating and choreographing,” Gelles noted, on her experience co-choreographing with Williams. “Being able to see our work come to life with the team has been such a rewarding experience.”
Expressions Dance Company welcomes dancers of all levels, from beginners to professionals. The company’s semesterly auditions are no-cuts and designed to be a fun, inclusive experience for anyone interested in performing. “For some people who participate in Expressions, it’s their first time dancing, and I couldn’t have been more happy to bring something that has been so special to me for years to them!” Rubio explained. In addition, the company offers welcome workshops each semester, led by current Expressions members, creating opportunities for all to get involved. So, whether or not you can pull off the stunning moves we saw on stage Saturday, there’s always room for enthusiastic dancers to join the fun.
And the EDC community greets newcomers warmly. “I had never danced before last semester, so the enthusiasm and the acceptance of everyone in the show was such a comforter when it came to performing,” Allison said.
Expressions Dance Company’s spring 2025 show was perfect for anyone who wanted to see an exciting, dynamic dance show at Harvard. The showcase blended upbeat dances with popular hip-hop songs, featuring eye-catching, high energy moves. The showcase was a great fit for everyone looking for a lively and entertaining performance.
Sophie DePaul ’27 (sophie_depaul@college.harvard.edu) writes Arts for the Independent.