Despite the rising popularity of hip-hop dance, the more traditional forms of dance, such as ballet and tap, can still be found on Eastern’s campus.

The EIU Dancers will hold auditions for 2001-2002 membership at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the McAfee Dance Studio.

The auditions will consist of warm-ups, basic locomotor movements across the floor and two short choreographed combinations.

“The auditioners will be asked to learn some short sequences of jazz and modern ballet,” said Nancy Nordtvedt, co-director of the EIU Dancers.

She said the sequences are not hard but will show the dancers’ abilities.

Most of the auditioners will be called back, and they will be asked to perform a piece of their own that will show their best areas in dance, Nordtvedt said.

Anyone interested in performing many different forms of dance should audition, she said.

“It’s helpful if (auditioners) have at least some training, but we have at least one girl who has very little training, and she does very well.”

Nordtvedt said both men and women are welcome to audition. “The more the merrier,” she said.

The EIU Dancers is a different type of dance group than Eastern’s other well-known dance group, the Pink Panthers.

“Pink Panthers is a group that primarily does jazz hip-hop dance,” Nordtvedt said. “We do some jazz, but we also do ballet, modern dance and tap.”

She said the EIU Dancers is a concert group rather than a “perform-at-half-time” group. “I’d like to think it gives students a broader look at dance.”

The group wants to broaden the knowledge and appreciation of dance at Eastern and in the community, Nordtvedt said.

She said it’s a rewarding experience for those involved. “It’s lots of fun, and it’s hard work, but it’s worth it.”

Those wanting to audition need to come prepared to dance and be dressed appropriately. They should pick up an application form in McAfee Room 1110 prior to the audition.

Applications should be turned in by noon on Friday if possible but will be accepted at the audition.

The group will perform its annual concert in April 2002.

For more information, contact Nordtvedt at 581-5616 or Jeanna McFarland at 581-7591.