Groups no longer in HPER

Sweat, smiles and scuff marks will no longer exist as the sole evidence of a grueling rehearsal for the African American Dance Company. Now secure in a permanent rehearsal space, the dancers' smiles linger well after the sweat of an intense workout evaporates. Within the walls of their very own dance studio in the new Theatre/Neal-Marshall Education Center, the dancers are no longer required to lock up their equipment after each rehearsal.\nSenior Kathy Allender, a member of the company for four years, doesn't stop grinning as she points out one of her favorite aspects of the new studio -- the spotless 9-foot mirrors that line three of the four walls encircling it. \n"You get the sense of a real dance studio with all these mirrors to help with placement," she said. "We can finally see ourselves dance!"\nSince the dance company previously rehearsed in the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER), Allender believes having their own studio will allow the dancers to work at a greater intensity level with less distractions and more opportunity to improve their technique. \nAllender hopes that the housing of the African American Dance Company, the African American Choral Ensemble, and the IU Soul Revue under the same roof will provide the three with a greater sense of family. She feels attendance for her dance company's performances is likely to increase substantially due to increased exposure and support among the separate groups.\nCharles Sykes, director of the African American Arts Institute (AAAI) since 1991, said the new center will increase daily interaction within different aspects of the arts. \n"The new facility represents a great opportunity for everyone involved," he said.\nThe Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center includes courses and resources that endorse African-American culture and heritage while promoting respect for cultural differences and encouraging ethnic unity.\nA big part of this step toward unification will come into play as members of the AAAI and students involved in African American Studies interact with their new neighbors, the Department of Theatre and Drama.\nJunior Megan Baskin, who is majoring in theater and comparative literature, said neighboring the Theatre Department and the Black Culture Center will help promote interaction among students and create more diversity in the arts.\n"It's an amazing building," she said. \nBaskin said the new facility, a maze of freshly painted walls and smooth wooden doors, is a symbol that people still care about the arts.\nBut Allender is upset that the building has two separate names, saying it promotes a lack of unification. Although she is disappointed with the naming of the school, Allender likes how the new facility has the air of an arts school, combining dance, song and drama in a culturally diverse environment.\nSenior Nicole Harris, a first-year member of the African American Choral Ensemble, recognizes the potential this building has to increase the ensemble\'s professionalism, but feels her group doesn't need any help in the popularity department.\n"We were popular before we came here." She said with an abrupt laugh.