HIP HOP: THEN AND NOW
Hip hop predominantly originated in the Bronx of New York in the 1970s and remains a complex culture of music, dance, and art. It stems  from four main elements: emcees, djs, graffiti, and dance. Often conceptually split into Old School and New School categorizations, the nuances of hip hop span far and wide. To learn more about the history of hip hop, its modern interpretations, and more, explore the two links below.
IMPACT OF DANCE
At its conception, Expressions was broadly a contemporary-focused dance organization instilled with the mission of presenting dance as both an artistic and activist practice. Early performances integrated causes such as calling for Harvard's divestment in apartheid. Dance on the whole has a long-standing history serving as a medium to educate and demand socio-political change. In the wake of recent progressive unrest in the country, EDC hopes to reignite this mission by using its practice of the performing arts to represent and support causes close to the company's identity and purpose.
LEARNING AND LEGACY
Since its foundation in 1978, the company has evolved to adopt hip hop as its central genre. With that progression comes the understanding that EDC is responsible for learning, teaching, and respecting the rich history, evolution, and impact of hip hop. The company has benefitted from the strong dedication of members, choreographers, and leaders to take it upon themselves to integrate this understanding in their rehearsals and teaching style. This is only the beginning, and EDC is committed to growing in its understanding of the uniquely powerful position the company holds on campus as a voice and representation of hip hop and other dance styles.
ARTISTIC EXPLORATION
EDC is highly active in the on-campus and greater-Harvard dance scene, often collaborating with other student organizations as well as directors of the Harvard Dance Center and Office for the Arts. Learn more below.