Metropolitan School of the Arts is proud to present The Company Project: UNPLUGGED. The Company Project aims to exhibit our most talented and most dedicated performers. The Company Project is a chance for MSA’s pre-professional companies to perform in a high caliber show, which pushes their boundaries artistically, physically, and mentally. This year, The Company Project: UNPLUGGED, will encourage you to remember a life before we were “plugged” in. “Unplugged” will be an evening of electrifying performances featuring some of the areas most incredible youth dancers in tap, jazz, contemporary, music theater, and hip hop.

Learn about Sylvia from iMpulse and Olivia from MYTE below as they share what “UNPLUGGED” means to them.

Sunday, March 31st

5:00PM Pre-Show Reception hosted by Burtons Grill & Bar of Alexandria

6:00PM Show Time @ NOVA’s Ernst Community Cultural Center

Tickets available here!

SYLVIA

Age: 18 years old

Current School & Grade:

Metropolitan School of the Arts, Senior

College Selection & Major:

I am still deciding on where I am going school but my major will be a BFA in Musical Theatre.

Which Companies are you a part of and for how long?

I am in iMpulse and this is my second year.

What does the show UNPLUGGED mean to you?

UNPLUGGED is about taking time away from our screens and engaging with the people around you. Oftentimes we are so involved in scrolling through our feeds that we miss important moments and do not appreciate our friends and family. The show has sparked reflection in myself and other company members, leading us to recognize that we are often preoccupied with the unimportant. By noticing times where we can unplug, we will begin to have more meaningful interactions. UNPLUGGED will hopefully inspire audience members to reflect on how they can unplug.

What is your favorite piece from UNPLUGGED and why?

My favorite piece in UNPLUGGED is “Mysterious Ways.” This piece is about rituals and activities that we rely on to get unplugged. Whether its a family dinner, folding laundry, or going to church there are things that we all do to relax. This piece is a beautiful modern/ contemporary style dance to music from “The Color Purple.” The piece brought many of the iMpulse company members to tears in creative process while we reflected on the rituals that we take part in.

How do you unplug?

I unplug by going to dance. No matter what I have going on at school or at home, I can always rely on dance as my escape. My dance peers are always there when I need time to unplug. One of the dances in the show, “Let’s get loud,” completely encompasses how dance is a perfect way to unplug.

Final words about why people should come see the show?

Everyone should come see UNPLUGGED so that they can see how we unplug! By starting the conversation, iMPULSE and MYTE hope that the audience begins to reflect on how they can unplug in their lives.

OLIVIA

Age: 16 years old

Current School & Grade:

South County High School and 11th grade

Which Companies are you a part of and for how long?

MYTE for 3 years and dynaMYTE for 2 years

What does the show UNPLUGGED mean to you?

UNPLUGGED to me means a chance to explore tap in ways that I have never done before. I get out of my comfort zone and perform pieces that are different than the normal tap style.

What is your favorite piece from UNPLUGGED and why?

My favorite piece from UNPLUGGED is “Can’t Hold Us” because it is super high energy. It is also our closing piece so I can’t wait to share it with the audience.

How do you unplug?

I UNPLUG by getting away from stress or anything that bothers me. I enjoy cooking and traveling to UNPLUG.

Final words about why people should come see the show?

People should come see this this show because it is going to be unlike any other company project. Both companies have pieces that they have never done before and are excited to share. Impulse and MYTE have worked super hard for this and they aren’t going to want to miss it.