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HISTORY
XPRESSIONS’ HISTORY 1994-2003
In 1994, Xpressions Contemporary Dance Company was founded by Norma Jean Barnes. Xpressions' work was described by dance critic Jane Vranish as "the most significant contemporary dance performances since Bob Johnson’s Pittsburgh Black Theater Dance Ensemble." Xpressions served as a significant creative outlet, mentorship, and training ground for many of today’s dance artists including Queala Clancy, Staycee Pearl, Kontara Morphis, Chrisala Brown, Ayisha Morgan-Lee, and others.
Xpressions received grant awards from The Pittsburgh Foundation Multi-Cultural Arts Initiative, The Heinz Endowments Small Arts Initiative, Allegheny County Regional Asset District, Anonymous Donors, the Painted Bride Arts Center, and PA Council on the Arts. In 2001, Ms. Barnes relocated to New York City to become Artist-in-Residence at Theodore D. Young Community Center, Greenburgh, NY. At that time, artistic leadership of Xpressions was placed in the capable hands of Staycee Pearl who continued the company’s work until it folded several years later.
XPRESSIONS’ HISTORY 2022 - Present
After many years in New York, Ms. Barnes returned to Pittsburgh in 2017, and reinstated Xpressions’ nonprofit status. Since her return, Xpressions has captured the community’s enthusiastic with its groundbreaking dance/theater production The Chocolate Nutcracker, a reimagined version of the original featuring an African-American cast performing ballet, African Dance, Hip Hop, and world folk dances presented in 2023, 2024, and 2026. The Chocolate Nutcracker was performed in February 2026 at The Peirce Theater to sold out audiences who appreciated its unique storytelling, Black History focus, ballet, Hip Hop, and contemporary dance. Xpressions also provides community dance classes for teens, adults and elders.