Synapse Dance Theater Presents New York May 4-5

The innovative and widely praised Synapse Dance Theater, the contemporary dance ensemble at Santa Monica College, will present May 4-5 a program of new repertory by professional guest artists, award-winning faculty artists and up-and-coming student choreographers.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 4 and 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 5 at the Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center on Santa Monica Boulevard at 11^th Street.

The concert features Modern Dance, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Lyrical Jazz, Contemporary Jazz and Modern Ballet. The program will feature works by Synapse Artistic Directors Jae Lee and Roberta Wolin-Tupas; guest artists Lauren Thompson Hall and Joelle Martinec; and faculty choreographers Sean Greene, Angela Jordan, Denise Leitner and Robert J Whidbee.  Also creating new repertory are student choreographers Joshua Bergeron, Edward Ejay Menchavez, Melinda Grace Smith and Troy Stephens.

Jae Lee, co-director of Synapse, professional dancer and full-time faculty at SMC, has choreographed “A Moment Ago.” Her Contemporary Modern dance is an abstract portrayal of unforgettable memories.

Roberta Wolin-Tupas, co-director of Synapse and critically acclaimed choreographer, is presenting “Just Do It.” This Modern dance is about moving forward in life with passion, determination and enthusiasm.

Joelle Martinec, guest choreographer, is currently a faculty member at Edge Performing Arts Center and master teacher for Le Reve in Las Vegas. Her Contemporary dance, “I am,” reflects how an individual presents who they are versus what they are inside.

Sean Greene, a current dance professor at SMC, has danced and taught throughout the world. He is premiering “Every Single Crazy Moment,” a Modern dance about profound moments in a person’s life that are never forgotten.

Troy Stephens is an SMC student who has taught at numerous schools and studios. His dance “Hip Hop Symphony” is a mixture of hip hop styles, including house, wacking, popping and locking.

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 are $18 general admission and at the door; $15 for SMC students with ID and senior citizens (60 and older); and $12 for SMC students who also purchase advance tickets to SMC’s Global Motion concert, which will be held May 18 and 19. Parking is free.

For tickets, call (310) 434-3005 or go to smc.edu/eventsinfo. Information is also available at smc.edu/dance or (310) 434-3467.