Synergy Dance Ensemble, Sage Hill’s most competitive and highest level of dance class, presents two dance shows each year that are choreographed by Dance teacher Sydney Smith Hutcherson and leaders in the Synergy Dance Ensemble. This fall, Synergy performed their fall showcase, “Big White Room,” which encompassed “a series of stories told in a blank space.”
The show consisted of eight dance numbers and one monologue performed by senior Liesel Hartmann. Each piece had a different message behind it whether it was mercy, sisterhood or friendship.Smith and Synergy members choreographed the dances which effectively showed student dancers’ talent and dedication. Students performed various dance styles into a cohesive and moving performance. Each piece was matched to music that enhanced the emotional impact of each routine which caused a range of emotions from the audience each night.
“My favorite part about being in the show was having the opportunity to dance alongside my teammates. Their work ethic, talent and dedication inspires me to work harder and be a better dancer,” senior Isabella Palacio said.
“All of the Lights” was the last performance before the intermission, which had an upbeat and energetic atmosphere that made the audience want to sing and dance alongside the performers. A large part of what made this number so special in particular was the collaboration of the Reimagined fashion upcycling club led by junior Anna Yang and senior Sofia Jellen. Reimagined works to “upcycle used clothing to advocate for fashion sustainability and improved labor conditions.” For this number, Reimagined was inspired by the concept of deja vu, ‘80s music, street fashion, urban graffiti and abstract art. As a club, students used spray paint to convey the feelings of free-spirited euphoria, and fabric paint that expressed a sentiment of individuality. Each performer wore unique colors and corresponding patterns that were hand-painted and designed by the Reimagined club, adding an extra element of fun and creativity to the number.
“When Ms. Smith first asked us to upcycle the costumes, I was immediately inspired by the soundtrack of the dance and wanted to portray individuality through the intersection of fashion, music and dance. Because I have a background in dance as well, it was incredible seeing the designs come to life on each dancer and how they each made it their own,” Anna said.
Synergy used their creativity, teamwork and love of artistry to collectively make the night memorable for everyone.
“It was blissful, meaningful and heartwarming. Seeing my students trust me, their peers, the audience and most importantly themselves when the curtain opened for the first time gave me a calm feeling of hope and love,” Smith said. “Through all of the chaos, college applications, busy schedules and stress – I was so proud that my students could be present in the moment doing the thing that they love for themselves and sharing that with others.”
