Students audition for dance company

With the loss of many seniors to graduation this year, members of In-Motion are seeking new additions to their intimate dance company. Many hopefuls trickled into a dance studio at the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation building Sunday to audition to be part of the student-run company.\nIn 1993, two dance majors started In-Motion for their senior projects and it has evolved into a dance company for undergraduate students wanting to pursue their passion for dance while going to school. \n"We are hoping for some guys to join this year to add more variety to the group," said sophomore Ruthie Reichard, one of the 17 members of the current company. "We are shooting for about five new members. However, if there is an overwhelming amount of talent, then we will take as many as desired."\nMany students who aren't able to make time for dance in school have found a place in the group.\n"I joined the company because with my major, I wasn't able to minor in dance so In-Motion gives me the chance to continue dancing through my college years," said junior Adrienne West, who this year heads the company along with senior Jillian Kahn. \nWhat sets In-Motion apart from other dance companies on campus is that it is entirely student run said junior Lauren Henderson. \n"We do everything ourselves, from leading the practices, choreographing all the pieces and booking any events we are going to participate in," Henderson said. The group is funded through voluntary donations and independent advertising.\nMost members have been dancing all their lives, like Reichard, who joined In-Motion last year. \n"I wouldn't say that there is a specific age I started dancing. A good way to put it is, I don't remember when I wasn't dancing," Reichard said. "My mom was a baton twirler and a dancer for the University of Illinois so she would always be making up routines and dancing around the house. I have dance in my blood." \nIn-Motion members practice many styles of dance like jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, tap and modern. They have performed at different events on campus like Spirit of Sport, Night at the Apollo and Dance Marathon. \nThis year West said they hope to enter a contest held in Indianapolis. Also, they are working to incorporate salsa and other Latin styles of dance into the big company piece they will perform in April for their annual spring show. West said the group is always open to dancing at other organized events.\nAccording to Reichard, this year's activities will be a little different. In past years, every Sunday night the entire company would practice together for two hours. During the week, the group would break down and members would practice their individual pieces for two hours. \nReichard said they hope to have more full company practices to allow for more unity and togetherness as a group. They also would like to collaborate with other dance groups and musicians on campus to enrich their performances. \n"I love dancing because it allows me to express myself in a different dimension than words allow me to do," Reichard said. "It frees me of the concerns of everyday life and allows me to become alive again."\n-- Contact staff writer Lindsay Lyon at lrlyon@indiana.edu.