CSU Dance Hosts Body/Speak Community Collaboration

Annual dance concert showcases diverse styles and talents from Colorado and Wyoming performers

Feb. 25, 2026 at 7:05am

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Colorado State University hosted its annual Body/Speak dance community collaboration on February 20-21 at the University Center for the Arts. The two-day event featured performances from various dance companies, universities, and organizations across Colorado and Wyoming, showcasing a wide range of styles from contemporary to ballet to tap. The concert aimed to build connections within the local dance community and encourage artists to celebrate their individuality through movement.

Why it matters

Body/Speak provides a platform for dancers and choreographers in the region to come together, share their work, and foster a sense of community. In a time when the arts have faced challenges, this event helps sustain the local dance scene and highlights the diverse creative talents in Colorado and Wyoming.

The details

The concert featured around 10 different dance groups, each bringing their own unique choreography and style. Performances ranged from philosophical pieces using props like parachutes to energetic contemporary works. Dancers from companies like Soda Shop Movement, Impulse Contemporary, and Messengerz Dance Company took the stage, along with students from the University of Wyoming and CSU's own dance program. An 'instant dance' segment on the second night also allowed performers to collaborate and create a new piece in just two hours.

  • The Body/Speak dance concert took place on February 20-21, 2026 at the University Center for the Arts in Fort Collins, Colorado.
  • The event has been an annual tradition hosted by CSU Dance for several years.

The players

Julia Cooper

CSU dance instructor and co-director of the Body/Speak performance.

Susie Garifi

Co-director of the Body/Speak performance and choreographer of the CSU Dance piece 'Chasing Joy'.

Madison Hard

A CSU dance student who considers Body/Speak one of her favorite concerts put on by the university's dance program.

Matt Bishop

A recent CSU Dance graduate performing with the LuneAseas organization in the 'Billows' piece.

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What they’re saying

“Body/Speak is a community dance concert where we invite Colorado- and Wyoming-based companies and organizations to apply to perform. We usually take about 10 groups to perform each year just because that's what we can kind of financially support.”

— Julia Cooper, CSU dance instructor and co-director of Body/Speak

“Body/Speak is one of my top favorite concerts CSU Dance puts on. It is such an incredible experience to be able to have a community of dancers from all over the area come together to perform and put on a great show.”

— Madison Hard, CSU dance student

“The piece features a live band playing a cover of 'Blackout' by Muse and showcases the unique use of a giant parachute prop to portray a theme of existentialism.”

— Matt Bishop, Recent CSU Dance graduate

What’s next

The organizers of Body/Speak plan to continue hosting the annual dance community collaboration, providing a platform for local and regional performers to showcase their talents and foster connections within the dance scene.

The takeaway

Body/Speak exemplifies the vibrant and diverse dance community in Colorado and Wyoming, where performers of all styles and backgrounds come together to celebrate their art and individuality. The event's longevity and popularity demonstrate the enduring passion for dance in the region.