Contact uses variety of dance styles

Though the audience was small, it didn't stop them from enjoying "Contact," a dance performance at the IU Auditorium. On Sunday night, patrons watched as dancers entertained them with a blend of classical and modern dance styles. Laughter and applause rang from the audience as the dancers went from one section to another with fluidity and grace.\nJon Larkin, House Manager at IU Auditorium, said there was a pretty good turnout for a Sunday event. He said even though he was unable to view the show himself, he talked to some of the audience members on the way out; all were pleased with the production and glad they had come to see the show.\n"I believe it made many of the audience members smile and laugh and that they enjoyed it," Larkin said. "If the people who came to see it enjoyed the show, then that is what is important to me."\nThroughout the production, the cast incorporated different dance styles, such as classical, contemporary and, in the third section, swing dancing, which added a twist to the performance. The elaborate, detailed set designs in each section added effects to each storyline, and the lighting effects of the performance contributed to the changing mood of each section. \nEach portion featured a short story from different eras, which explained the evolution of relationships and how they are developed. Each story of the three sections had a comedic humor, making many audience members laugh out loud. The first part was called "Swinging" and was set in 1767; the second section was called "Did You Move?" and was set in an Italian restaurant in 1954; and the last section, which brought the most cheers from audience members, was called "Contact" and was set in present day New York City. The music varied within each section, ranging from classical music to contemporary modern music.\nSenior Peter Stoffan said he absolutely loved the different styles of movement. He said this production definitely had something for everybody to enjoy in it.\n"I enjoyed the third section the most because it used a variety of music," Stoffan said. "I was also excited by all the action that was happening onstage."\nTheir performance was engaging in their interactions with each other and the audience. The music and dancing was upbeat and energetic, and it helped pull the audience into each story. The cast members ended the show on an upbeat tone by incorporating swing dancing into their bows. \n"I loved the technique and fluidity of movement throughout the show," said junior Margot Gendreau, student volunteer at the IU Auditorium. "I could definitely tell that each of the cast members was very well trained, and I thought that each of them did a phenomenal job." \n-- Contact Staff Writer RoseMary Forte at rforte@indiana.edu.