Traces flips into IU Auditorium this weekend

Urban acrobatics show “Traces” will bring its fusion of circus and street performance to the IU Auditorium for the first time 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

“Traces” incorporates the hodge-podge elements of contemporary dance, music from artists like Radiohead, VAST and Blackalicious, as well as theater and poetry into its acrobatic showcase. Rather than moving from trick-to-trick, the performance is broken up by poetic and narrative interjections from performers.

Described as “Cirque du Soleil meets Stomp” by IU Auditorium Associate Director Maria Talbert, the show follows its seven performers as they share their personal stories with the audience through dance and acrobatic displays.

“The name ‘Traces’ come from the fact that the heart of the show is about these seven people that come across each other,” Talbert said. “It’s about the traces or things they leave one each other.”

Many of the performers have ties to spectacle shows like Cirque. What sets Traces apart and adds to the overall show is the incorporation of the performers’ true, heartfelt stories, Talbert said.

“There’s a lot of meaning and a lot of heart,” she said. “After witnessing each one of these performer’s personal stories, people will walk away feel entertained and inspired.”

Although it might not be as widely recognized as Cirque du Soleil or the Ringling Brothers company, Talbert said patrons should still make an effort to come out and see the show.

Tickets start at $28 for adults and $16 for students and can be purchased at the IU Auditorium box office.

“It’s one of those shows that is not yet a household name, but I’m sure it will be,” she said. “This is an opportunity to see the show before it gets really big. It’s also a chance to brag to your friends that you saw it before it got big.”