Ann Haskins
Who knew hip-hop could be a way to get into college? Well, Jackie Lopez, aka Miss Funk, for one. And Leigh Foaad, aka Breeze-lee, for another. As champion hip-hop dancers, co-founders and co-artistic directors at the now–10-year-old Versa-Style Dance Company, the duo leads an eclectic, high-energy ensemble that reflects the rainbow diversity of L.A.'s population. Versa-Style's members perform a wide array of dance styles housed under the umbrella of hip-hop. Not content to head a first-rate professional troupe, Lopez and Foaad launched Versa Style Next Generation (VSNG) six years ago for dancers between the ages of 15 and 20. By invitation only, VSNG provides training and mentoring that extends far beyond dance. When they received a recent Horton Award from the L.A. dance community, Lopez and Foaad were as proud of the honor as of the fact that 100 percent of VSNG dancers have gone on to attend college.
(831) 419-0427, versastyledance.com.
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.