After four years of dancing together, Grace Matteson and Taylor Whitakers’ years of close friendship inevitably surface in the synchronization of their movements.
“We have connected so much outside of dancing that now we connect in the dance,” Matteson said. “You can tell when people dancing have a connection but it’s something you just have to see.”
Matteson, a fourth-year marine biology student, and Whitaker, a fourth-year biological chemistry student, are two of the dancers performing in the Synthesis Dance Theater showcase today in Charles E. Young Grand Salon.
Synthesis Dance Theater is a fusion of styles, bringing together dancers of diverse backgrounds such as hip-hop, ballet, contemporary and jazz. The showcase comprises 10 dances, each about three minutes long, offering a preview of the many styles that define Synthesis Dance Theater.
This broad range of styles in Synthesis Dance Theater is what initially attracted Whitaker to the group. As a part of the first freshman class to be accepted into Synthesis Dance Theater and now one of the group’s directors, Whitaker was drawn to its focus on performance rather than competition.
“Synthesis was about the art of dance and doing it as much for ourselves as for the audience,” Whitaker said.
Since Synthesis Dance Theater is less about competition and more about the art of dancing, Whitaker said it made for conditions which fostered unity and cohesion.
“One of the things about Synthesis is it creates this environment where we are not competing, so it becomes much more constructive and supportive,” Whitaker said. “It’s a safe place compared with the hostility of competitive dancing.”
Lindsay Hoffman, a third-year physiological science student, said sharing choreography, which is often personal, also creates a sense of connection among the dancers.
“When you choreograph, there is a story behind it,” Hoffman said. “Being able to share that with others who appreciate the artistry of dance brings us together.”
Hoffman choreographed a jazz piece which is set to the song “Burn” by Ellie Goulding. She said it illustrates the importance of passion and letting it motivate you, whether it be in friendship, family, school or dance.
“There are some movements that are more sustained and I choreographed those steps to allow for the dancers in my piece to fill the music with their emotion,” Hoffman said. “I would ask the dancers to never stop moving and always have energy in the little movements.”
Another one of the dances, a senior contemporary piece performed by Matteson, Whitaker and three other senior dancers, embodies the close connections Synthesis Dance Theater catalyzes. Whitaker said that while performing this dance during practices, she was reminded of times when her fellow dancers offered support beyond what she expected.
During her freshman year, Whitaker was forced to take a break from school due to family issues. She said several other dancers drove three hours to her home in San Luis Obispo to deliver flowers. Reflecting on this, Whitaker said it really drove home the feeling that her fellow dancers have been there for her since day one.
“Synthesis Dance allowed us to leave our comfort zones and become a close-knit group of friends,” Whitaker said. “You can see how much each dancer loves each other and tell that the company vibes really well.”
Hoffman said the group’s lightheartedness allows for a nonjudgmental space where members can try things they may be unfamiliar with. Trained in classical ballet and tap, Hoffman said she learned modern dance after joining Synthesis Dance Theater, which she said made her a more well-rounded dancer.
“It’s easier to emote with the modern style and so has made me more creative with my own choreography,” Hoffman said. “I’m less afraid to try a new trick now.”
Synthesis Dance Theater’s friendly environment has also encouraged many lower classmen to choreograph dances for the upcoming showcase.
In training for the showcase, each choreographer teaches a snippet of the dance to the other dancers. Each dancer then performs the various pieces and is chosen based upon the piece he or she is most suited to.
The group only practices twice a week but Matteson said that enforcing self-practice was easy since participation is inherent in the group’s close-knit structure and every dancer wants to be there. She said students should come to the showcase because it’s an opportunity to experience dance in all its varied forms and complexities.
“Our show is a great way for students to show their choreography to their peers as well as an opportunity for audiences to see a huge mix of styles they would not normally see together,” Matteson said.
Whitaker said she hopes the performance inspires students to delve into dancing themselves.
“When it’s done, hopefully students will go and take a dance class to get out of their comfort zone,” Whitaker said. “I hope it makes them antsy in their seat.”