Dance company remains InMotion for Buskirk-Chumley performance

Even when the lights dimmed, the crowd remained loud.

Shouts of encouragement rang from the full house at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater on Saturday night for InMotion Dance Ensemble’s “FUSION.” The performance included special guest performances by IU groups Hip Hop ConnXion and Ladies First.

“We have a lot of girls from our house that are participating in the performance,” said sophomore and Delta Zeta member Alix Haire. “We came to support them and cheer them on, and I know that they’re going to put on a great show.”

Darkness filled the room, obscuring any movement on stage.

When soft orange lights slowly illuminated the motionless figures, they began to move in a detailed dance to the song “Pop, Drop and Roll.” Choreographed by the women of InMotion, the first dance mesmerized the audience with its allure. The performers skillfully danced while holding and snapping fans in their hands.

Throughout the upbeat night, the women danced in perfect unison. Some acts included the full company, while others included specific women.

The performance was a collection of jazz, contemporary, tap and hip-hop dances that were improvised by the company.

The women went from one style of dancing to the other, changing outfits
in between.

“I love watching the girls dance,” Haire said. “I really like seeing the different outfits, too.”

From small black dresses to metallic leggings, the women wore a variety of clothing that helped emphasize the natures of the songs they were dancing to.

The only male dancer, Joe Musiel, also offered a distinct perspective on clothing
and dancing.

Dancing solo to “I Know It,” Musiel amused the crowd with the fun nature of his performance. The skill with which he performed also kept eyes glued to the stage.

“I really enjoy the fact that they employ a lot of different dancing styles,” senior Matt Anderson said. “It offers variety and is keeping me interested.”

A more traditional song performed in glittering silver shirts was “Cinema Italiano,” a song from the musical film “Nine.” The dancers put a new twist on it and performed with smiling faces.

The first guest performance by Ladies First was met with loud applause as the women sang their own rendition of “Use Somebody” by the Kings of Leon.

Hip Hop ConnXion was the second guest performance, and it was also met with enthusiasm as the women embraced the art of hip-hop.

“They did so great,” Haire said. “I am honestly so proud of them.”