By Caleigh Carlson
Correspondent
“Sit back, relax and enjoy what Synergy Dance Company has in store.”
These words echoed from backstage to the seats in Kendall Hall as audience members began to make themselves comfortable on Sunday, April 24. The spectators recognized that they were about to witness the Synergy Dance Company’s 16th Annual Spring Spectacular at the College. Aside from that, they had little knowledge of the wonderful dance performance they were about to experience.
The recital opened with a dance choreographed by the seniors of the company. As the girls strutted their stuff to “Fame” by Lady Gaga, they showcased some of their best moves. Every arabesque was pointed and every dance member was in sync. With each dance, the technique became more apparent. There were a few additional dances that were choreographed by the seniors on the team, whose commitment to Synergy was fully demonstrated during the show.
Senior sociology major Alyssa Scull was one of the seniors who spoke about her role as an upperclassman. When asked how being a part of the Synergy Dance Company has affected her time at the College, Scull tried to hold back tears. Her expression was a reflection of the senior members’ dedication to the team as a whole.
“Sorry if I get emotional,” Scull said. “I joined the Synergy Dance Company my sophomore year and it introduced me to some of my best friends. It’s so nice to have an outlet that allows you to de-stress and be surrounded by some of your favorite people.”
Scull was one of the production managers on the team. The Spring Spectacular would not have been possible without the work of her and her fellow Production Manager Teagan Nurnenberg, a sophomore deaf education and mathematics double major. As if that was not be enough to keep Nurnenberg busy, she has also been an essential part of the Synergy Dance Company.
“It’s really wonderful because everyone is so supportive,” Nurnenberg said. “We dance because we truly love it, and that is what makes it so enjoyable.”
The Spring Spectacular offered a variation in both the styles of dance and choices of music. The songs ranged from classics, like “I Put a Spell on You,” to contemporary pieces by Sam Smith and Justin Bieber. The dance styles included modern, ballet, hip-hop and tap. This diversity led to much satisfaction from the audience, keeping them curious about what they may see next. It was clear that the company put a lot of thought into the order of the dances — dedication that can be further attributed to the immense preparation they put in for the show.
Junior nursing major and co-Captain of Synergy Dance Company Erin O’Connor spoke about this preparation.
“In the fall semester, we work on strength and technique generally twice a week,” O’Connor said. “When spring comes around, we concentrate on preparing for our annual recital, which requires a lot more work. (In the) two weeks before the show, we had rehearsal every night.”
As a captain, she expressed the joy it brings her to choreograph dances for the show.
“I think the most rewarding part about getting to choreograph is seeing my ideas come to life,” O’Connor said. “My dancers are so cooperative and that always makes my job easier.”
The event’s final dance was introduced with a few words from sophomore biology major Anil Salem, who won “TCNJ’s Got Talent” last year.
“As we always say in the Synergy Dance Company,” he said. “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
