The Syncopated Ladies already “broke the internet.” The women’s tap-dance band touts viral videos, an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and celebrity recognition from Beyoncé, Octavia Spencer, and Shonda Rimes. Before the pandemic, the dancers were set to make history again, with a massive tour that would bring the all-Black company to 30 cities across the country. COVID had other plans, but as founder Chloe Arnold tells it, the Syncopated Ladies leaned in to their online presence, connecting with an even larger audience and bringing joy to fans around the world. Now Arnold, her sister Maud, Anissa Lee, Assata Madison, Gisele Silva, and Pamela Yasutake are coming to D.C. through Washington Performing Arts. For the sisters, their performance at the Lincoln Theatre is more than a stop on a tour, it’s a homecoming. Arnold says growing up in D.C. provided a foundation and sense of cultural pride that has helped them navigate the art and entertainment world as Black women. Their story of growing up with a dream they fought to achieve will play out on stage through tap, music, and multimedia elements. Arnold also promises to bring an “extra bit of sauce” for D.C. Feb. 20 at the Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. $30-$45.
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