Students of the K-State dance program performed a wide variety of dance styles Thursday night in Nichols Hall for the annual Winter Dance production.

The dances were original choreographed pieces by several K-State dance professors and guest choreographer, Andrea Skowronek.

The opening performance was a contemporary ballet piece, choreographed by Joyce Yagerline, associate professor of communications studies, theater and dance. Yagerline said she was inspired to choreograph the routine, entitled Fête de la Musique, while at a music festival in Paris. She said while at the festival, she heard a French style of music called House, which she explained as a genre similar to Techno with a melody.

The dancers wore four types of costumes for the performance: traditional leotards, bra and trunks, bra and boy shorts and a leotard with boy shorts. Yagerline said the girls were nervous about the revealing costumes, but had group personal training to prepare for the performance.

"There's a movement towards minimalism," Yagerline said about contemporary ballet costumes.

She said removing conventional attire, such as tutus, allows a viewer to focus on the athleticism of the human body. Yagerline also said it is not provocative in any way, but shows beauty and is self-empowering.

The production continued with several other styles of dance including jazz, modern and tap. The dancers wore both bright, colorful costumes and simple, earth-toned clothing.

There was one solo piece performed by Erin Duffy, senior in apparel marketing. Duffy said she has danced ballet for about 16 years, and was used to performing for an audience.

"It's not that bad, but the first night is always the hardest," Duffy said.

Four performances of Winter Dance still remain. There is a show tonight at 7:30, a Saturday matinee at 2:30 and a final performance Saturday night at 7:30.

Neil Dunn, instructor of dance, also took the opportunity to announce several up-and-coming performances.

Dunn said a Senior Concert, choreographed by Autumn Scoggan, senior in women's studies, and Whitney Wear, senior in pre-nursing, is scheduled for Sunday, December 6th at 3:00 p.m. in Nichols Hall. There will also be a dance student Spotlight Concert Monday, December 7th at 6:00 p.m. in Nichols Hall.

Dunn said the Spotlight show is becoming a tradition for the dance program.

"It is quite a show, and always a blast," he said.

Julie Pentz, professor of dance, said the Spotlight performance gives students the opportunity to showcase their own work.