Soul Street Dance Company brought the hip-hop dance culture to Eastern during the “Breakin’ Backward” event Tuesday at The Theatre in the Doudna Fine Arts Center.

They performed many dance acts involving a variety of different musical styles, such as comedic interpretive dance, breakdancing and hip-hop dance. Soul Street Dance Company also performed with many different musical styles from the 20th century like swing jazz, hip-hop, pop music and rock n’ roll.

“I thought it was good, but I think like any professional, I feel like I can always do better. I feel like that any show I do,” said Javier Garcia, co-founder and director of Soul Street Dance Company.

Garcia said Soul Street Dance Company works with United States embassies around the world and brings hip-hop culture everywhere.

“I get to tour not just the United States, but I get to tour the whole entire world with my friends,” Garcia said. He said touring gives the group the chance to spread their message of unity.

“I thought it was really great. I think its great to have something revolving hip-hop culture come to the campus,” said A.J. Lingad, a sophomore theatre arts major.

“I don’t think a lot of people are really familiar with it.”

The group performed hip-hop dance with music that is not considered to be hip-hop styled.

“It’s definitely cool to see because, you know, you would normally think hip-hop dance style would go hip-hop music, but to see it with different styles of music is really cool,” Lingad said.

Jeremy Bekkouche, a criminal justice major, also enjoyed the performance.

“It’s pretty cool. I like the classical music they are playing, but they add a little hip to it,” said Bekkouche.

The group danced to many different songs, including “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley, and “My Girl” by The Temptations.

Another student, Austin Earp, commented on the early 20th century music and how talented the performers were during the performance.

Mattoon residents Layla and Jasmine Ballard said they really enjoyed the talent and comedy during the performance.

The finale of the show was breakdancing from all the performers. Each performer took a turn and danced to hip-hop music.

Garcia addressed the crowd after the show and thanked everyone for coming to support them. He also talked about the hurricane in Houston, Texas.

The group members are from Houston. He said how beautiful it was to see people from around the United States help out during that time.

“Put music in your soul,” Garcia said to the crowd.

Soul Street Dance Company will perform again tomorrow at the Doudna Theater 7:30 p.m.

Jordan Boyer can be reached at 581-2812 or jtboyer@eiu.edu.