Synapse Dance Theater, the contemporary dance ensemble at Santa Monica College, will present a program this Saturday and Sunday of new repertory by professional guest artists, award-winning faculty artists, and up-and-coming student choreographers.
Performances are at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 7:30 p.m. Sunday at The Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center on Santa Monica Boulevard at 11th Street.
The concert features modern dance, contemporary, hip-hop, lyrical jazz, contemporary jazz modern ballet and more.
The program will feature works by Synapse Co-Artistic Director Roberta Wolin-Tupas; guest artists Jay Carlon and Holly Johnston; and faculty choreographers Seda Aybay, Meri Bender, Cati Jean, Angela Jordan and Denise Leitner. Also creating new repertory are student choreographers Joshua Bergeron, Alberta Keyes, Troy Stephens and Lindsay White.
Jae Lee, co-director of Synapse, professional dancer and a full-time professor at SMC, is originally from South Korea. She has presented her works and taught dance throughout Southern California.
Roberta Wolin-Tupas, co-director of Synapse and critically acclaimed choreographer, teaches dance at SMC. She is presenting “Lighting the Way,” a modern dance capturing the belief that spirit forever remains.
Holly Johnston is a critically acclaimed, guest choreographer and international dance artist. She will be presenting “Tidal Distortions,” a contemporary dance piece.
Denise Leitner, an adjunct SMC dance professor, has choreographed around the world for stage, screen, television and music videos. Her lyrical dance piece, “Daydreaming on the 405,” is about passion, love, and dreaming.
Alberta Keyes is a dance major at SMC. Her contemporary modern piece, “Let it Out,” is an expression of releasing anxiety and dancing with your soul.
Synapse has earned a reputation for artistic excellence and innovation since it was founded 36 years ago. The student troupe has performed throughout the nation, including the Electric Lodge in Venice; the Cast Theater in Hollywood; the Getty Center in Los Angeles; and American College Dance festivals in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, California and New Jersey.
Tickets range from $15 to $18. Parking is free. For tickets, call 310.434.3005 or go to www.smc.edu/eventsinfo. Information is also available at www.smc.edu/dance or 310.434.3467.
