Visitors won't need to bring their dancing shoes in order to be included in an upcoming performance at Wells College.

Jeanne Goddard, director for the show “Dancing Room,” said the performance will allow visitors a closer look at the performers and an opportunity to interact with them.

“Dancers will mix with the audience. You'll be able to chat with the dancers as if you came into someone's home for a party or a public gathering,” Goddard said. “I want to break down the barrier setting dancers apart from the audience as these untouchable beings. The dancers will be really close to the audience; it will feel like they are a part of the show versus being set apart from the show.”

To help do this, the performance will take place in Goddard's dance studio on campus instead of a traditional theater. While a theater's stage would keep the audience away from the dancers, Goddard's show will allow visitors to pull a folding chair up close to the performers in order to get a better view of their choreography.

As a result, the show will also rely more on the dancers' skills and technique than stage props and special effects, Goddard said.

“A proscenium theater uses costumes, curtains and illusions; it's a full-scale professional theater,” Goddard said. “In a dance studio setting, the focus will be on the craftsmanship and the choreography. The dancers will also perform in a place where they take classes, so they will be inviting the audience into their home.”

Goddard said the show is the first in a series that she is planning on hosting at the college in order to explore new ways for performers to connect with their audience.

While the settings may be casual with its friendly and open environment, Goddard said the style of dancing will ensure that it is still a quality performance.

“The show is informal in how it relates to the people,” Goddard said. “But it doesn't mean it's going to be of lower quality, these are very skilled dancers. It's just a different atmosphere than a traditional show.”

With the audience leaving the theater for the dance studio, Goddard said she believes the personal experience being offered at the show will give visitors new insight into the art and talent involved in a performance.

And with the show only lasting about an hour, Goddard said it will also be short enough to fit into an evening while still offering that in-depth experience.

“What I've experienced with these concerts in the past is that with the refreshments and the socializing, it's a very relaxed setting,” Goddard said. “It will be a short show, so it's easy to slip into your week while still feeling like you had meaningful contact with dance.”

Nate Robson

253-5311 ext. 248

nathan.robson@lee.net

If you go.

What: “Dancing Room”

When: 7:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, April 13 and 14

Where: Schwartz Center Dance Studio, Wells College, Aurora

Cost: Free

Info: Call 364-3213