Dance Pick: Synapse Dance Theater at the Broad Stage

SMC troupe takes the first dance at the new venue

Comments (0) By Ann Haskins Tuesday, Nov 4 2008

Synapse fires at the Broad.

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Much has been made of actor Dustin Hoffman’s involvement in the theater performances planned for Santa Monica’s new Broad Theater. Less has been said about the new theater’s promise as a dance venue, despite an opening-season lineup that already includes Lula Washington Dance Theater, Diavolo, Helios and Los Angeles Ballet, with more to come. Although Eli Broad bought the naming rights, the theater is affiliated with Santa Monica College, making it most appropriate that the honor of being the debut dance company at the Broad has gone to SMC’s Synapse Dance Theater. Artistic director Linda Gold has assembled outstanding guests for these performances, including Hassan Christopher, Sean Greene, Laurie Jiobu, Jae Young Lee, Joshua Marin-Hepfl and Roberta Wolin-Manker. Expect traffic-beleaguered Westsiders to be first in line to see how dance looks in this new 499-seat theater. Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica; Fri.-Sat., Nov. 7-8, 8 p.m.; $15, $12 seniors. (310) 434-3000, www.thebroadstage.com.