Syncopated Ladies Digital Book by Lied Center for Performing Arts

THU, JAN 23, 2025

ABOUT THE SHOW

Syncopated Ladies is a Female Tap Dance Band from Los Angeles, CA created by EMMY AWARD NOMINATED, tap dancer and choreographer, Chloé Arnold, protegé of Debbie Allen. Syncopated Ladies’ viral videos have amassed over 100 MILLION VIEWS. They have worked with Mega star Beyonce, FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance as the winner of the first dance crew battle, performed on Good Morning America, at the US OPEN, and they have also performed to sold-out audiences in their full-length concert, “Syncopated Ladies: Live!” www.syncopatedladies.com @Syncladies

BIO

Chloé Arnold (Director/Choreographer) is an Emmynominated Choreographer and Tap Dancer, discovered at a young age in Washington, DC by Debbie Allen. Chloé’s choreography has been featured on numerous hit TV shows including over 70 episodes of The Late Late Show with James Corden featuring A-list actors from Will Smith and Hugh Jackman to pop superstars Ariana Grande and BTS. Other choreography credits include: Bel Air, So You Think You Can Dance, Good Morning America, the Ellen Show, The Talk, A Black Lady Sketch Show, Hello, Jack!, History of the World Part II, and John Legend and Chrissy Teigen’s A Legendary Christmas. Chloe most recently choreographed Jerry Seinfeld’s Unfrosted for Netflix and the Apple TV+ musical film Spirited starring Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds, and Octavia Spencer.

Chloé is widely known as the Founder of the Female Tap Dance Band, Syncopated Ladies, whose fierce footwork and feminine style have attracted audiences of all ages around the world and have over 100 million views online. In addition to their own sold-out concert tours, other live performance credits include: CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live, Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas to All at Madison Square Garden, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Good Morning America, Global Citizen Week, New York Fashion Week, Essence Fest, Imagine Justice (featuring Common, J. Cole, and Andra Day), Glamour Women of the Year Awards, Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative at the US Open, JP Morgan Chase Women on the Move at Radio City Musical Hall, CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, Women in the World Summit at Lincoln Center, Democratic National Convention and many more.

Chloé was one of 2024 Ebony Power 100 honorees, was named one of LeBron James’ “The Strongest,” a campaign featured in Essence to celebrate his 16th Nike Sneaker release, was on The Root 100 List, and she was featured in Shonda Rhimes and Microsoft’s “Language of Leadership” panel discussion.

Chloé is also an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist who holds a degree in Film from Columbia University. She and her sister Maud produced the award-winning documentary Tap World, are the co-directors of the critically acclaimed DC Tap Festival, and co-produce the Hollywood Tap Festival with Debbie Allen and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. They have been recognized by Columbia University as Rising Stars, by the US House of Representatives as arts preservers and ambassadors and won the 33rd Annual Mayor’s Arts Award for Excellence in Performing Arts. Through the Chloé and Maud Foundation, they give back to the community by creating equal opportunity access to dance programming and education for underserved communities with after school programs in South Central LA, and Favelas in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. www.chloearnold.com · @chloearnoldtaps

Gisele Silva (Dancer, Dance Captain) is a distinguished performing artist, choreographer, and educator from Brazil, renowned for her versatility in tap dance, jazz, modern dance, and Afro-Brazilian movement. As Dance Captain of the internationally acclaimed Syncopated Ladies, she has graced major stages worldwide. Silva’s extensive commercial credits include Spirited (Apple TV+), The White House, CNN’s New Year’s Eve broadcast, NBA Halftime Shows, BET Awards and Rock in Rio. Featured in Dance Magazine and Forbes Brasil, she starred as Clara in Dorrance Dance’s The Nutcracker Suite (2023-2024). Gisele has performed at prestigious venues, including The Kennedy Center, The Joyce Theater, The Miller Theater, The Guggenheim and New York City Center. As a teaching artist, she has taught for numerous tap festivals and conventions all over the world. She also teaches for Chloé and Maud Foundation after school programs in her home base city of Los Angeles, CA. With her extensive performance experience, leadership roles, and commitment to arts education, Gisele Silva continues to be an influential voice in the global dance community.

Ki’Leigh Wlliams (Dancer), a midwestern native from Indiana began her professional dance career at the age of 10 performing and touring with the off-Broadway show, Tap Kids. After touring for 8 years, she graduated from Marion High school and began her studies at Point Park University. Ki’Leigh played for the Point Park Women’s soccer team, majored in Forensic Science with a minor in Chemistry and Biology all while teaching Tap & Hip-Hop for their community classes and International Summer Dance Intensive. The big move came in 2014, when she left for the west coast. Once moving to Los Angeles, Kileigh began teaching tap & hip-hop industry styles at Movement Lifestyle, Millennium Dance Complex & Motus The Company. She is also the founder and creative director of the all-female dance collective, The GentleLadies. She’s featured as a dancer on projects with Usher, Adam Levine, Big Boi, Jesse McCartney and AlunaGeorge. Ki’Leigh also worked with Cirque Di Soleil, and has been seen on Disney +: “Encore”, “Spirited” on Apple+ and in the short length Remy Martin film, “TeamUpForExcellence”. She’s super excited to be along for her second Syncopated Ladies tour!

Orialis Ashley (Dancer) A Puerto Rican native, Orialis is a Los Angeles based Dancer, Choreographer and Instructor. She has been seen tap dancing on Good Morning America, BET music awards, and at theLondon launch for Beyonce’s IVY PARK clothing line. She is currently a member of Chloé Arnold’s Syncopated Ladies and teaches full time at MurrietaDance Project in Southern California. Orialis earned a Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree in Dance from The Florida State University. There she was honored to work under master ballet and modern teachers such as Suzanne Ferrell, Ronald K Brown and Alonzo King. Following her college graduation, Orialis joined the Denver based Cleo Robinson Dance Ensemble in 2003. She toured nationally with the company as featured soloist in works by Talley Beatty, Christopher Huggins and Alvin Ailey After leaving the company in 2005, she expanded her dance career from concert to commercial work and moved to Los Angeles. She has been seen dancing at such venues as the Hollywood Bowl, Top Hats at the Grove, New York Fringe Festival, Glamour’s Woman of the Year Summit, Essence Festival in New Orleans, Ford’s Man of Honor in Detroit, Vail Dance Festival, Jazz Dance World Congress in Chicago, DC Tap Festival, Music Videos and various Stage Shows. With over 15 years of teaching experience, her students and choreography have been seen on many TV shows including So You Think You Can Dance, Dance Moms, Little Big Shots, Abby Lee’s Ultimate Dance Competition, Ellen, and the Late Late Show with James Corden and also at Tokyo Disney.

Delaney Prescott (Dancer) An OC native Dancer and Instructor, Delaney has toured through the USA with Chloe Arnold’s Syncopated Ladies and can be seen in some of their recent viral videos covering “On My Mama” and “Float”. Performance credits include Michelle Dorrance & Friends as a featured special guest, the Emmy Awards Governors Ball, Pasadena Dance Festival, Laguna Dance Festival along with countless other dance festivals and competitions throughout the country.

Syndee Winters (Songstress) Broadway, concert and recording artist Syndee Winters has made powerful impressions on stages and in studios around the world. She made her Broadway debut as ‘Nala’ in Disney’s The Lion King - a role she reprised twice in 2019 and 2023. She has also appeared on Broadway in Motown the Musical, Pippin, and the smash hit Hamilton, where she “worked it” in the roles of all three Schuyler Sisters. On television, Syndee was featured on NBC’s Live Jesus Christ Superstar with EGOT recipient John Legend, Law & Order SVU and in myriad live music performances representing the Walt Disney Company. As a concert performer, Syndee has headlined in countless jazz and cabaret venues nationwide as well as with renowned orchestras across the globe, including the Taiwan Philharmonic, Firdaus Orchestra in Dubai, Utah Symphony, the Boston Pops, the National Symphony at the Kennedy Center, and the LA Phil at the Hollywood Bowl. She has performed live with American Idol-winner Jordin Sparks and Grammy®-winner Rihanna and created an R&B Duo “Butterfly Black” with Grammy®- winning bassist Ben Williams; their latest, criticallyacclaimed EP is available on iTunes, Spotify, and all digital platforms. Ms. Winters can also be heard on tracks by artists such as Snoop Dogg, Big Daddy Kane, and Grandmaster Flash. Offstage, Syndee founded ROAR School, a performance-development workshop that equips artists to be Resourceful, Optimistic, Authentic, and Reliable. Through her instruction, young performers learn to adapt to any environment throughout their artistic journey. Combining creativity, discipline, and mindfulness, ROAR School has transformed the skills of students all over the world. Ms. Winters is a graduate of Five Towns College, where she is a recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award. @SyndeeWinters

CORPORATE SPONSOR STORY

We believe that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That coloring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realizations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.

We specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through highperformance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists. Our employees, working in more than 225 locations around the world, push open the doors to what’s possible each and every day. We are proud to sponsor Lied Center for Performing Arts and the Syncopated Ladies performance.

PREETA D. BANSAL

So many of the most meaningful moments of awareness and transformation in my life have taken place through the arts – whether gazing at the Pieta in the Vatican, or the Matisse chapel in St. Paul de Vence, or viewing early iterations of creative works that would go on to become celebrated theater productions. In a time of rising divisiveness, the beauty of the arts is that they connect us at the level of heart and spirit, rather than trying to work through mind and thought. They show (not tell), and gently guide us to our common humanity. It’s not surprising that throughout history, artists have been cultural ‘shamans’ or canaries in the coal mines – early seers of the brightest and darkest aspects of our humanity. The Lied Center is such a vibrant contributor to our community. We’re so lucky that Lincoln, with its manageable size, has become such a ‘go-to’ stop for some of the nation’s most exciting artists.

PRISCILLA C. GREW

It has been an honor for me to be a member of the Lied Center MOSAIC Circle since 2019. MOSAIC programming celebrates artistry, self-expression, curiosity and reflection. Lied MOSAIC brings performers to Nebraska who otherwise would remain unknown to us. Beginning with our first childhood visit to a live performance, lifelong learning through the arts helps us empathize with others and learn about life experiences far different from those we will ever have ourselves.

The MOSAIC Series supports the University of Nebraska’s efforts to achieve diversity, equity and inclusion in our statewide educational outreach. The MOSAIC performances and accompanying outreach programming for children, youth, students and the community will help us build future Lied audiences and ensure that our treasured Lied Center is a venue where all people feel welcomed, respected, and valued as they experience the arts.

ART AND CHRIS ZYGIELBAUM:

Art and Chris Zygielbaum enjoy and take pride in supporting the arts in Lincoln. They both grew up in families where music and the arts enriched their lives. The Zygielbaums recognize that in a world that seems so divided by culture, politics, and religion, we must not forget those things we all hold precious in common. The arts, whether a music performance, a play, or a comedian, reminds us that we are all touched by a good story, stirred by a well-performed score or song, and made to laugh by a clever twist of words. Those are things shared no matter our background. That is the substance of the MOSAIC Circle. We bask in the richness of cultures other than our own. Art’s parents were holocaust survivors. Because their culture was misunderstood, denigrated, and painted inferior, their lives were indelibly damaged. It is Art and Chris’ fervent hope that programs created through the MOSAIC Circle will help people understand and appreciate other people. They believe the arts can help us avoid the distrust and misunderstanding that underpins tragedies like the holocaust. And both of them are very proud of the Lied Center for Performing Arts, the joy and insight it brings to them, and the incredible value it provides to our community.

DEE AND JOHN CUMMINS

We are pleased to help support the Lied’s dance program through the Dance Circle. Our season ticket order always includes dance performances. Each new season announcement is like opening a gift that surprises and delights. How much fun was it to see the unique and entertaining “Alice” this past year? What a joy it is to watch dance performances! It is always amazing to see the strength, agility and emotions of the dancers showcased in intricate choreography. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of dance genres through the Lied. Additionally, the dance program helps get and keep students dancing through educational opportunities for students of all ages. For those of us who have no rhythm or who have retired our dancing shoes, this is the answer!

PRISCILLA C. GREW

In addition to the joy of watching dance during performances, I support dance at the Lied so that Nebraska students can experience outstanding professional choreography and see national artists dancing live on campus. By promoting dance, we also help provide opportunities for students in UNL’s Glenn Korff School of Music to attend master classes and workshops led by artists from the leading dance companies and the casts of shows performing at the Lied. The Dance Circle also enriches the educational outreach of the Lied so students from local schools and dance academies can experience both the beauty of classical ballet and the amazingly diverse dance world of today. And what I especially love about dance events at the Lied is watching the littlest dancers in the audience trying out new steps in the aisles as they leave a performance.

KAREN MORGAN

As a child I never saw the wonders of dance movement live. Through the Dance Circle I have the opportunity to support the talents of professional dancers and make available both Masters classes and outreach learning to an audience who may be in a similar situation. I am fascinated with all forms of dance and hope to make available live experiences to others who may never had the opportunity to see the talents of professional dancers from ballet to modern including jazz, tap or hip hop.

KATHERINE F. STARACE

I am pleased to join the Lied Center’s Dance Circle. I have so enjoyed the dance performances over the past few years- at the Lied and also in Pioneers Park and am looking forward to the performances for the 24-25 season. I appreciate the Lied Center’s commitment to providing opportunities to the community to meet and learn from the visiting performers.

STEVE WAKE

The Lied Center for the Performing Arts is a wonderful asset for the cultural environment of Lincoln, Nebraska and the surrounding area. I have enjoyed attending events at the Lied for many years and I am looking forward to participating as a member of the Lied’s Dance Circle. I have always enjoyed the visual arts and dance provides a unique combination of musical and visual entertainment. I look forward to the coming seasons of the amazingly varied performances at the Lied.