On January 23, the OASIS Student Lounge in the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center came alive with the powerful stories of the Syncopated Ladies, the renowned female tap dance band from Los Angeles. The special "Lunch & Learn" session featured four members of this extraordinary group, created by Emmy Award-nominated tap dancer and choreographer Chloé Arnold, a protégé of Debbie Allen.
The Syncopated Ladies have taken the entertainment world by storm with their viral videos amassing over 100 million views and earning recognition from celebrities like Janet Jackson, Missy Elliott, and Beyoncé, who not only praised their work saying "They Killed It," but also featured them on her website’s homepage and invited them to perform with her internationally.
During their intimate session at OASIS, the dancers shared deeply personal journeys of perseverance. Coming from multicultural backgrounds and overcoming significant personal challenges, they spoke candidly about facing prejudice, harsh criticism, and moments when giving up seemed like the easiest option. Yet, their unwavering commitment to their dreams propelled them forward.
The session resonated with authenticity and inspiration, concluding with an engaging Q&A that allowed students to connect directly with these accomplished artists. Later that evening, the Syncopated Ladies delivered a captivating performance at the Lied Center, seamlessly blending spectacular tap dance with motivational talks reminiscent of TED presentations.
This special event exemplified OASIS's commitment to bringing voices and inspirational stories to our campus community, reminding us all of the power of persistence and the importance of pursuing our passions despite obstacles.