Synapse dancers express passion and strength
In two weeks, the creative art of dance unfolds at Santa Monica College when the Synapse Dance Theater will showcase their talents for the season. The contemporary dance ensemble, directed by Jae Lee and Roberta Wolin-Tupas, features 12 different theatrical pieces including a wide variety of dance styles. According to the press release provided by the SMC Dance Department, Synapse Dance Theater has allowed dancers to perform, choreograph and perfect their craft for more than 35 years. This season, Synapse features choreography by faculty artists, professional guest artists and up-and-coming student choreographers.
“I’ve been here for four years, and to show that I’ve grown to be the person I am today means a lot,” said student choreographer Alberta Keyes. “It was stressful, but it all came together with improv and collaboration from the other dancers.”
She said the performance is “a wonderful experience and a great start for someone who wants to take a creative journey.”
The contemporary ensemble is composed of dancers who come from many different backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures, but they all come together to share their passion for dance. The dancers have worked for six weeks in order to provide a breathtaking and unforgettable experience.
“I dance because I love to create. Dance is important because it involves all aspects: mind, body and soul,” said Dorion Wordlaw, a Synapse dancer. “Each piece is extreme, because we make you think as well as feel it emotionally.”
For their upcoming exhibition, spectators should expect to see the group’s dynamics and strengths. The costumes and makeup, combined with the interesting selections of music, complete the show effortlessly. The dancers showcase their hard work and storytelling abilities by striking beautiful lines and evoking powerful emotions.
In “The Effort in Evolving,” a contemporary/modern piece, the dance troupe makes an effort to de-stigmatize feminine qualities by making female and male qualities unisex. Both genders wear lipstick, aprons and collared shirts. The dance is meant to make the audience reflect, and it contributes to the artistic qualities of the ensemble as a whole.
Synapse Dance Theater’s performance will be held at SMC’s very own The Broad Stage, on Saturday, Nov. 3 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. There is free parking available, and students with an SMC ID can buy tickets for $15. General admission costs $18. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.smc.edu/eventsinfo or at the SMC Theater Arts Box Office.