Tap Dancing Baddies Had Stony Brook ‘Shooketh’

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The Syncopated Ladies took the stage with dancers, from left, Gisele Silva, Maud Arnold, Chloé Arnold, Ki’Leigh Williams, Delaney Prescott, and vocalist Syndee Winters with the microphone. Photos by Amber Lewis Photo.

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center was energized on March 14 as the Syncopated Ladies delivered a show-stopping tap performance, so infectious that the audience couldn’t resist tapping along themselves.

The all-female group brought their signature blend of modern, hip-hop-like choreography, proving that tap dance is fiercer than ever. 

Their performance was a celebration of sisterhood, weaving together dancing and personal narratives that inspired a captivated audience to pursue education along with their dreams.

“If you want to tap dance, you have to get good grades,” joked Emmy-nominated choreographer Chloé Arnold, mimicking her mother’s advice. Chloé, who turned down Harvard, chose Columbia University to earn her film degree while pursuing her passion for dance.

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In 2003, Chloé formed the Syncopated Ladies, and since then, they have racked up some serious accomplishments — a collaboration with Beyoncé, televised appearances as contestants on FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance, and performances on Good Morning America and the US Open. Boasting over 200 million viral views across their social media platforms, the group did not disappoint when they left their mark on Stony Brook. 

Each stomp, shuffle and slide ignited the crowd in the nearly filled 1,050 capacity theater. The group’s motivational monologues and broadway-level vocals led to some fun, crowd-engaging moments.

Syndee Winters, a Broadway actress best known for playing Nala in Disney’s The Lion King and a Long Island native, lit up the room with her energy, singing Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” to get the entire audience on their feet.

Beyond music and dance, the show carried a deeper message: empowerment, resilience and breaking barriers in the dance world. Through their stories and choreography, the performers encouraged the audience to embrace their passion and persevere.

“One of the most important things we are going to talk about is: don’t let anybody steal your joy,” Maud Arnold, dancer, actress and younger sister of Chloé, said with a smile.

Secure your seats for the next world-class performance at the Staller Center by visiting stallercenter.com or call (631) 632-ARTS, so you don’t miss out on upcoming shows like Bollywood dance, the acrobatics of The 7 Fingers in Duel Reality, orchestral performances, opera and more.

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