Synapse Dance Theatre presents contemporary dance ensemble

On May 20 and 21 the Synapse Dance Theater presented a contemporary dance ensemble at the Broad Stage. Dressed in neon spandex ranging from silver to purple, the introductory hip-hop piece Spasmic, in which the dancers danced to Roman's Revenge by Nicki Minaj, left the audience craving for more. Ranging in size, shape, gender, and age, the dancers worked hard to get to the level they perform at.

"We have been rehearsing once a week for two hours for two months," said Joshua Bergeron, choreographer of the Belehtza Dueh. "This dance is based on individualism and being secure with ones self and distinguishing identity."

Bergeron based the choreography of Belehtza Dueh off of a poem he wrote. The dance is symbolic of the personal struggles he has been through such as discovering his own identity.

"It's universal and everyone can relate to it," said Bergeron.

Each dance number had a theme, some of which delved into the emotional state of lying, as well as a tribute to Rosa Parks.

With twelve performances total, the range of contrasting dance styles ceased to end. A majority of contemporary and modern dances made Synapse truly remarkable, as the dancers were able to identify with their inner strengths and hard work.

An Afro-Modern and step dance took place during the third act. The dance was about corruption as a physical entity and its devastation on America and the world throughout the history of time. References to personal quests such as secrets, forbidden love, loss, remembering, public aesthetic, and truths were all made throughout the dances.

"I've been dancing for a little under ten years and honestly the energy was just there this time," said performer, Danielle Alexander, who danced in over three pieces.

Not only was the pressure of auditioning rough enough for the dancers, but they had to perform in front of the choreographers to be accepted into the show. The choreographers then chose their preference of dancers who excelled the most.

Artistic Directors, Roberta Wolin-Tupas and Russell Scott-Conte have contributed to Synapse for thirty-five years. Wolin-Tupas has taught at SMC since 1998 and has contributed to Synapse which occurs bi-annually.

Of the eighty dancers that auditioned for the show, fifty made the final cut. Each dancer  The level of competition was high as some dancers ranged from experience levels of six years, while others only had 6 months worth.

"We believe all students should be able to develop themselves creatively," said Wolin-Tupas. "A number of the pieces were choreographed by the students themselves so it was a highlight of their hard work. And there was a lot of hard work!"