performances

"I was holding back tears."
- Audience Member, H.O.P.E. Show

UniverSOUL Hip Hop H.O.P.E. show trailer on a billboard

performance reel

Performed by
internationally acclaimed artists...

..our live productions blend raw freestyle with spirited choreography...

...that honor
untold stories,
engage community,
and cultivate joy.

Our repertoire

h.o.p.e. show

UniverSOUL Hip Hop pursues community, justice, and joy through our latest work H.O.P.E. Originally emerging as a touring school performance, this work has evolved into a full-length dance theater show which has been performed at Gloria Kaufman Performing Arts Center as well as The Ivy Substation. Arising in response to the social climate of today, UniverSOUL Hip Hop recognizes the urgent need for artistic expressions that resonate with the experiences and struggles of our communities.

H.O.P.E. is a theatrical movement love letter to restore joy and hope in our communities. Uniquely fresh every time, raw freestyle is mixed with spirited choreography, spoken word, and music to paint untold stories that cultivate a space for cathartic release and transformation. Featuring a tapestry of artistic elements, H.O.P.E seamlessly integrates multiple street dance forms, including Hip Hop, House, Locking, and Krump, spoken word and additional audio-visual components. We invite audiences to activate their inner child and follow the characters on a SOULful quest filled with struggle, awakening, and ultimately - H.O.P.E.

At the end of the show an intimate Q&A between the audience and performers is held in the theater. Audience members are then invited to more deeply investigate and connect with the show's message as they are welcome to join cast members for a movement experience which concludes the production.

theatrical trailer

In June 2023, we expanded H.O.P.E into a new full-length dance theater production. It has premiered at the Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center and The Ivy Substation.

academic adaptation

H.O.P.E. was originally created as a K-12 school assembly show in 2022. In its first year, we performed for over 25,000 students in 30 schools across Los Angeles County.

Learn more about our work in schools

Passage to Freedom: Soul Train Tribute

“No one can beat you at being you.” —Don Campbell

Originally titled " Passage to Freedom: A Soul Train Tribute ", this performance premiered at the USC Kaufman School of Dance and the Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts. It captures the vibrant spring & essence of the global Campbellock dance, also known as Locking, a dance created in the 1970's by Don Campbellock. This work serves as a dual tribute to the legacy of the infamous show "Soul Train" and the impact of Campbellock, intertwining personal narratives with historical context.

Through a blend of autobiographical elements and the stories of individual iconic "Soul Train" dancers, the performance highlights the journey of Don Campbell and the emergence of Locking. It explores the context leading up to his calling, allowing the audience to discover their own paths to personal freedom. The performance aims to create a generation empowered by the spirit of Soul Train and Locking, celebrating the intergenerational aspects of this dance form. Featuring cultural practices such as the iconic Locking handshake, reinforcing the notion that this movement transcends mere dance; it is a powerful message of social connection and inclusivity.

At the end of the show, we invite audiences to engage with the performance through a community Soul Train line. By creating an immersive experience, our goal is to create an experience that resonates deeply, and inspires audiences to take their next step toward their joy and freedom.

Dedicated to Don “Campbellock” Campbell —the visionary creator of the Campbellock dance, also known as Locking. Your vibrant spirit has sparked a global movement, encouraging individuals to explore their inner selves and soar.

theatrical premiere

The premiere featured an eclectic blend of USC students and original Soul Train performers who joined us in a Soul Train line at the close of the show.