Santa Monica College’s Synapse Contemporary Dance Theater to Showcase New Works Nov. 4-5

Santa Monica College’s Synapse Contemporary Dance Theater to Showcase New Works Nov. 4-5

Performance Features Work by Guest Artists Rachael Servello and Derrick Paris
Plus Collaborative Work Based on Chris Badger Art Exhibit

SANTA MONICA, CA — Santa Monica College's innovative and widely praised Synapse Contemporary Dance Theater will showcase new works Nov. 4-5 by award-winning faculty artists, professional guest artists, and student choreographers. The performances include dances choreographed by guest artists Rachael Servello and Derrick Paris, and a collaborative work inspired by an exhibition in SMC’s Pete & Susan Barrett Gallery by artist and SMC art instructor Chris Badger.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, and Sunday, Nov. 5, in The Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center,located at 1310 11th Street (at Santa Monica Boulevard), Santa Monica.

The concert features Modern, Postmodern, Contemporary Ballet, Dance Theater, and Hip Hop. In addition to the works by guest artists Servello and Paris, the program presents dances by faculty choreographers Seda Aybay, Angela Jordan, Jae Lee, Sophie Monat, Mark Tomasic, and Roberta Wolin-Tupas. 

• Guest artist Rachael Servello will present a new work, “Captains of Industry.” Since graduating from SMC Dance, Servello has earned an MFA in Dance from Washington University in St. Louis.
• Guest artist and SMC alum Derrick Paris will premiere a new work — “agitate the gravel” — rooted in Dance Theater, Contemporary, and Fusion-based modalities. After graduating from SMC, Paris received theirs BFA in Dance from CSU Long Beachand works professionally as an artmaker in movement and music worldwide.
• Faculty Choreographer Angela Jordan will present a new work — “Block Party” — which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the birth of Hip Hop and features a live DJ on stage.
• SMC Dance Department Chair Mark Tomasic will present a work in collaboration with artist and SMC Art Instructor Chris Badger and his exhibit “Ideas Without Edges,” currently showing at the SMC Pete & Susan Barrett Gallery, located at the SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street (at Santa Monica Boulevard), Santa Monica. The gallery will also host a walkthrough and talk by Badger andOtis College Chair of Fine Arts Meg Cranston on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 6 p.m. addressing questions about art, philosophy, academia, and interdisciplinary approaches to art practice.

• Student choreographer Simon Lathrop will premiere “Ripple Effect,” a Modern/Contemporary work that illustrates the stress of everyday life and the importance of finding happiness.

Synapse Contemporary Dance Theater has a longstanding reputation for artistic excellence and innovation. Since it was founded more than 50 years ago, the student ensemble has performed throughout the nation, including the Electric Lodge in Venice; the Cast Theaterin Hollywood; the Getty Center in Los Angeles; and the American College Dance Association Conference in Arizona, California, Georgia, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Utah.

Advance tickets are $20 for general admission (a modest service charge applies) and may be purchased online at smc.edu/tickets or by calling 310-434-3005 (Monday-Friday; limited hours). Tickets may also be purchased on the day of the performance for $23 (a modest service charge applies) at The Broad Stage Box Office at the SMC Performing Arts Center. Free parking on premises. Seating is strictly on a first-arrival basis.

More information is available by calling 310-434-3467. All performances subject to change or cancellation without notice.

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