Sympoh to break it down in Frist Theatre

Want to try something fun? Stand on your hands. Like you did when you were a kid. That's right, on your hands. Got it? Balanced? Now life up one hand. (That's right, you're now balancing your whole body, upside down, on one arm). Too easy? Take that free hand, and grab your foot. Now hold it.

Sound impossible? That kind of back-bending (and mind-blowing) move is run-of-the-mill for several members of Sympoh Urban Arts Crew, whose upcoming show, "Pop, Lock, and a Crew of Smoking Breakers" will be playing April 22-24 at 8 p.m. in the Frist Theater.

With moves like that handstand, it's clear that Sympoh is not your average campus dance group. Centered around break dancing and other urban forms of dance, Sympoh offers decidedly different fare from the likes of Bodyhype and Disiac.

Their differences also extend to organization and culture. Unlike many campus performing groups, Sympoh does not hold tryouts. (Watching them rehearse for their spring show, this is hard to believe.)

"You can't pick and choose who will shine," Sympoh president Chris Ramos '05 explained. The group will take in anyone who wants to join. Everyone contributes, Ramos emphasized; every piece is a collaborative effort.

He described Sympoh's performance as a combination of different styles and approaches, drawing from its members' various backgrounds; for example, the group incorporates rave and martial arts moves into hip-hop-based break dancing.

The group is taking this synthesis to a new level in its upcoming show, which will include pieces which feature oldies music, traditional ballet, as well as collaboration with the Indian dance troupe Naacho. "We're trying to think outside the box," Ramos said of the Sympoh's recent creative efforts.

These new forms, observed Sympoh member Akanksha Hazan '05, reflect what's going on in the break dancing world at large today: In Russia, for example, she said, ballet and classical music are being incorporated with more traditional break dancing.

Sympoh member Elliot Ratzman GS describes Sympoh's approach as an attempt to "strike a balance between raw titillation and the esoteric language of modern dance."

Ramos said one of the show's goals is to be something more than entertainment for a college student. He anticipates a diverse audience — adults, children, parents, students, faculty — and wants there to be something for everyone.

Sympoh's moves, added Ratzman, are accessible to all: "You don't need a dance vocabulary to understand" or to appreciate the group's performance.

The group exudes energy; they seem to be propelled around the stage by some mystical force. Prolonged handstands, fancy footwork and complex sequences of gravity-defying movements are just a few of the impressive tricks Sympoh members have up their sleeve.

Get the best of the ‘Prince’ delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe now »

Pieces include both choreographed group sequences and opportunities for individuals to showcase their particular talent or signature move. A lot of the freestyle, Ratzman said, is improvised.

"The essence of freestyle is improvisational crowd-pleasing. It's bravado and daring, to please the crowd," he said.

And please the crowd it does. The instant the performance begins, you find yourself caught up in the beat and the energy of a piece, as well as completely drawn in — and thoroughly impressed — by the choreography and dancers.

The athleticism and sheer physical strength required to execute many of the group's stock moves is remarkable; when this power is combined with their strong sense of artistry, the result is a performance that is potent, compelling and thoroughly entertaining.