SMC's Synapse Dance Ensemble Gets Psyched Up

There was an air of energy on Thursday, Oct. 16, as students from the Santa Monica College's Synapse Contemporary Dance Ensemble prepared for their upcoming showcase on Nov. 7 at the Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center.

This will be the ensemble's first time performing at the new stage. These dance events will display the dancing talents of SMC students, instructors and guest performers. Some of their past performances have included the Getty Center, Cast Theater in Hollywood, Highways in Santa Monica and many more.

In this show the performances will be a diverse program featuring many different types of dance styles, ranging from Japanese martial arts to hip hop. "There will be a wide spectrum of points of view in dance. To me that is exciting. It is a wonderful chance to be represented in a new theater," said Roberta Wolin-Manker, a guest artist and SMC instructor.

As students prepared for their upcoming November shows, they seemed very upbeat, enthusiastic and thrilled by the opportunity. From down the hall bystanders walking through SMC's gymnasium could hear the loud music and dancers hitting the floors as they practiced their moves. Throughout the gym it was evident that students and instructors were intensely and immensely focused on being well prepared. Production assistant and former student to the program, Vida Moazez said, "The program is important because students get the production experience with the sets and the costumes."

Instructors were also excited by the prospects of the upcoming performance because it will be a way to showcase the talents of the students to a live audience in the Santa Monica community. Artistic Director Linda Gold, a former ballerina, began working at SMC as a dance specialist in 1975. According to SMC's website, Gold has been a major force in sculpturing SMC's dance program. "This is the culmination of their immense efforts, not only did they have to work in the field but now they have to transfer all of that into their art and the audience get to enjoy it," Gold said.
Tickets for the event will be available at the box office the day of the performance, which begin at 8 p.m. The Broad is located at 1310 11th St. in Santa Monica. It is $12 for students and senior citizens and $15 for general admission.