The EIU Dance Team stretched and made last-minute changes in preparation for “Unique Sole” during its Monday rehearsal.

Jeanna McFarland, a kinesiology and sports management instructor and director of the show, gave the group instructions as it prepared to step onto the stage and dance.

The group, made of 12 dancers from varying majors and ages, has been rehearsing for the show since mid-September.

“These three nights is what it all comes down to,” said Jenna Miglio, a junior kinesiology and sports studies major.

“Unique Sole” will be performed at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday in The Theatre in Doudna Fine Arts Center.

Miglio, from Palos Park, hopes to “get the crowd going” with the piece she choreographed, called “Believe.”

“It’s really high energy,” Miglio said.

Lyndsey Weber, a junior elementary education major from Teutopolis, serves as the club’s secretary and treasurer. She said Miglio’s piece was her favorite.

“It’s very upbeat and the audience will enjoy it,” Weber said.

In previous years, the group’s performances took place in McAfee Gymnasium.

“This is really a great experience for us,” McFarland said. “It’s really such a thrill to be in this theater.”

Weber choreographed the tap piece, “7 NA,” and shares McFarland’s enthusiasm about performing in Doudna.

“I’m very excited to perform in the Doudna,” Weber said. “The first time we were in here was last Tuesday.”

Although the dancers are still perfecting their dances and cleaning up their steps, Lynn Gearica, president of the EIU Dance Team, is confident the show will come together in the end.

“I think the biggest challenge is the last two weeks,” Gearica said. “Somehow, every single year, it just comes together.”

The senior elementary education major from Wadsworth said she will not get nervous until the night of the show.

Gearica has choreographed dances including “Breathe,” “Cobra Style,” “Forever,” “Officers Dance” and “Finale.”

The group will be performing tap, hip-hop, modern, jazz and modern ballet dances to many well-known songs from movies

like “Twilight” and “Mamma Mia!”

“It’s a lively, upbeat show,” McFarland said. “(The audience) should expect music that they’re familiar with.”

The show, which Gearica said is the groups “way to put ourselves out there,” will start at 7 p.m.

“Get here early,” McFarland said. “I’m a to-the-minute person.”

“Unique Sole,” is a free concert and seating is on a first come, first serve, basis.

Sam Bohne can be reached at 581-7942 or at shbohne@eiu.edu