Saturday, April 18, the Commonwealth Auditorium in the Sadler Center was filled to the brim with energy when the Syndicate Hip Hop Dance Team held their semesterly showcase featuring original student choreography. The group performs a variety of dance styles such as hip hop, funk, pop and lock, break dance and more. This semester’s theme, “House of Syndi,” brought the energetic style the group is known for with plenty of upbeat hip hop moves.
The group displayed this theme through the use of a digital program with creative graphics, labeling each section of the show a certain room, as if walking through a home. For example, the first four dances of the show were labeled “The Foyer,” and throughout the show they moved through the living room, the kitchen, the hallway, the bedroom and finally the backyard. The on-theme program added a charm that allowed the audience a taste of the Syndicate dynamic before anyone stepped onto stage.
Leading up to the show, the line extended out the door from the time the doors opened until the performance started, filling every seat in the Commonwealth Auditorium. As guests filed in, a heartwarming compilation of videos highlighted individual Syndicate members reflecting on their journeys. These videos included kind words from seniors sharing their journey in Syndicate and how it has molded their college life. As the sold-out show began, the palpable excitement from the audience brought the entire theater to life as the Syndicate members walked on stage.
There were a total of 26 choreographed dances to songs such as “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” choreographed by Yulanda Tsai ’27 and Matthew Turner, “Ric Flair Drip” choreographed by Bella Guastaferri ’26 and “Stateside” choreographed by Alice Ji ’26, along with many other diverse song choices.
The dances ranged from a small group of three to the entire dance team, roughly fifty people. Each dance infused the stage with a unique energy, while the group remained sharp and unified in movement. Between each dance, different members came on stage and entertained the audience with games such as two truths and a lie and pop the balloon, or asked questions of audience members around the theater.
The importance of audience participation was also shown through the cypher, a hip hop dance tradition where dancers form a circle and take turns freestyling. Syndicate members called any and all audience members who wanted to dance on stage to participate in this energetic tradition. Audience member Nadia Khan ’26 shared how this tradition made her feel.
“Syndicate shows always make me want to dance. That’s what’s magnetic about it,” Khan said.
An important first step in the process of creating a Syndicate show is the addition of new members. Within the first two weeks of each semester, the group holds auditions for new members. These dancers are then able to participate in as many dances as they choose. From an inside perspective, some Syndicate members remarked on the exuberant energy that Syndicate has brought into their lives.
“It’s a very encouraging environment. I love how everyone is hyping you up as a newbie. You’re always being hyped up even by people you don’t know,” new member Abby Taliaferro ’29 said.
New member Molly Bernal ’28 shared how the team welcomed her in.
“This environment is the most encouraging environment I’ve ever been in on campus. I’ve seen myself come out of my shell, not only dance-wise, but also becoming more confident on the stage.” Bernal said. “Whenever you’re coming into a space that’s already established, you can feel out of place, but I’ve never felt that here. Being a newbie is something special. It’s never something to be scared of. They’re always celebrating you and are so excited for you to join the family and continue on the legacy.”
Syndicate president Ainsley McCoy ’28 shared the group’s message and what the members want the audience to take away from the performance.
“We just want to share the love of hip hop and urban dance culture,” McCoy said. “We really want people to appreciate art and specifically art related to hip hop. We also just want people to come and have a fun time.”
Long-time Syndicate member Julianne Abenoja ’26 also shared what Syndicate means to her and how it has been a large part of shaping her college years.
“Syndicate has been like a home away from home. The immediate acceptance and warmth and love from the team just really drew me in. It’s a really free and open space,” Abenoja said. “Syndicate has been with me through my entire college journey. It helped me grow in my self acceptance and my confidence in myself. I have learned endless lessons from this team. I can’t even put it into words, how much you learn just by being on the team.”
As the show came to a close, members gathered on stage to say a few words to the executive board. McCoy and vice president Mia Hunt ’27 expressed their appreciation for each executive board member’s contributions to the show. They also showed gratitude for the choreographers and dancers who made the choice to freely express their art through Syndicate.
Abenoja shared words of encouragement to those who are interested in joining Syndicate or those who might be hesitant to audition.
“Take that leap. Be confident. Be yourself. We’re just looking for people who have swag and are confident in themselves. Be creative and have some fun,” Abenoja said.
