By Madison Huizinga, DWC Blog Editor

It’s no secret that dance is a costly and demanding practice, often completely inaccessible to families and communities lacking sufficient funds and resources. For many aspirational youngsters, obtaining proficient dance instruction is merely a far-fetched dream. But thanks to the nonprofit organization Syncopation Dance Project, this dream of dance training and performing has become a reality for many. Under the dynamic and skillful leadership of Artistic Director Elbert Lubas, Syncopation Dance Project strives to bring dance education and performance opportunities to everyone, particularly to underserved members of the greater Seattle community.

Elbert Lubas began dancing around age 10, performing in musicals, competing, and training in tap, jazz, ballet, and more. “Growing up, we didn’t have a lot of money so he had to work and pay for dance himself,” Elbert’s cousin and Syncopation Dance Company member Carlin Leyble shares. Elbert cultivated his passion for dance deeply, even performing alongside Janet Jackson as a backup dancer in his early teens. Elbert graduated high school early at age 16 and moved from his home in Guam to the United States to attend Stanford University where he studied marketing and communications. Elbert later went on to work in computer science. “It’s crazy to see how his brain works,” Carlin says. “As far as in [the tech] realm and then...the dance world and being able to choreograph and find the right music.”

In his early twenties, Elbert began teaching different styles of dance, including hip hop, jazz, and ballet. “He is a very well-rounded dancer and a fast learner,” Carlin emphasizes. He takes care to choreograph based on each dancer’s technique level and puts the right movement on each individual. Elbert also enjoys bringing his students and fellow instructors to dance conventions where they can learn from dancers around the nation.

Carlin shares that Elbert’s whole world revolves around dance and family. “Elbert is the type of person who does everything with a purpose,” she shares. “No matter where he goes, what he does, something is always inspiring him to create more. And I find that amazing.”

Elbert began Syncopation Dance Project in 2014 and since then he has collaborated with an abundance of outreach programs and local organizations to give children and young adults the opportunity to dance. Syncopation has worked with local Boys & Girls Clubs in Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond. The nonprofit has also collaborated with Sixth Day Dance to work with performers with physical disabilities, and students in SOAR Academy formerly located in Tacoma, WA. Syncopation even hosts free classes in a variety of styles open to anyone in the community eager to dance.

In addition to Syncopation’s community outreach, the organization also has a select group of well-versed dancers known as the Syncopation Dance Company. The Company works on originally choreographed routines and “serves to demonstrate the breadth of movement and storytelling in dance.” Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Syncopation Dance Company has created several video projects, including concept videos for Josh Pineda’s songs “One in a Million Love” and “Manila.”

This July, Elbert set off to visit his family in Guam for a vacation. However, a few days into the trip, Elbert was admitted to the hospital for a stroke, which has greatly impacted his physical mobility. Even though Guam is a U.S. territory, they don’t accept stateside insurance, meaning Elbert’s medical bills have been extremely high and it’s uncertain how long his recovery process will take. His family can use all the help they can get to defer the cost of medical expenses. A GoFundMe is currently running to help cover Elbert’s medical recovery. People are encouraged to donate anything they’re able to, as any contribution helps.

“Seeing someone so intelligent and so talented lose [their movement] is really heartbreaking,” Carlin shares. “Having your outlet of expression not be fully accessible is heartbreaking.” The members of the Syncopation Dance Company are currently arranging fundraisers and training on their own, but are eager for their fearless leader to recover and return to the States. In addition to donating to the GoFundMe for Elbert’s recovery, any resources (such as advice, dance instruction, rehearsal space, etc.) to assist Syncopation Dance Company with its training are welcome. “Coming together as a dance community will really help,” Carlin says.

“Speaking from someone who is very close to Elbert, I know he would want me to tell others to continue dancing and don’t ever stop doing what you love and training to be the best dancer or athlete or artist you can be,” Carlin shares.

Elbert’s passion for dance shines through in every area of his life, from his inspired choreographic creations to his outreach with organizations in the greater Seattle area. While he is currently “recovering and showing amazing progress every day,” any support for Elbert and Syncopation Dance Project is appreciated.

To support Elbert’s medical recovery, donate to the GoFundMe set up by his family. People can also donate and reach out to Syncopation Dance Project to support the nonprofit and find out more ways to assist.