The River North Chicago Dance Company exceeded expectations in their performance Sunday at the John. R. Emens Auditorium.
Sarah Bibik, assistant artistic director for the dance company, said there was a great turn-out for the show.
"I think it went great. The audience was nice and big. The dancers really appreciate how many people come out," she said.
Evan Cain, a sophomore double majoring in dance and political science, said he thoroughly enjoyed the performance.
"It was amazing," he said. "It was breathtaking and it was nice to see something that I would love to do."
Along with the performance, the River North Chicago Dance Company hosted a master class after their performance for dance majors who were interested in working with a professional. The class was held yesterday in Ball Gymnasium at 10:30 a.m. The students came fully prepared to dance.
"It went really well. It's nice to see someone in the professional world say the same things as our teachers since it gives us new inspiration. It wasn't for a grade, so there was no pressure," Cain said. "It inspires me because he's doing what I want to do and it makes you work that much harder to see that."
Christian Denice, a third season dancer for the River North Chicago Dance Company, taught the class. Denice is an established professional dancer with roles in High School Musical 2 and assisting Mandy Moore. He has also taught and choreographed around the country. With an atmosphere full of young inspiring dancers, Denice said he hoped the students got a lot out of his instructional session.
"I hope they learned a new way to move and a different way to understand movement," Denice said. "I try not to just teach steps but provide a different way to move."
Cain said Denice connected to the students and inspired them.
"He says everything really soothingly and it was really relaxing. Since he's a professional, it makes you want to really impress him," Cain said.
The class began with a series of yoga stretches then transitioned into a sequence Denice demonstrated.
"Any time you can work with a new teacher it's great," Bibik said. "Having the fact that they just saw them perform last night then they can really take what he has to say to heart. We usually do the master classes before our performances to stimulate interest. So it's a great experience for both the dancers and the students to do it afterwards."
Bibik said the River North Chicago Dance Company appreciates coming to college campuses.
"We love coming to college communities. They're always really open and we got a great response here," she said.
Whether it was for entertainment or inspiration, Denice said the River North Chicago Dance Company's visit was successful.
"It went really went well," Denice said. "It was a really awesome energy from the audience and us."
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