His tall, lanky physique may be aging, but master dance instructor Bill Evans moved with the fluidity and grace of a 30-year-old as he led students in breathing exercises in Ball Gym's KDS studio Wednesday morning.
At 68 years old, Evans still has a passion for teaching students how to dance.
"I dance because it is a part of me and it brings serenity to my life," he said.
As part of his self-titled "Evans modern dance technique," the master dance instructor gave students a time to focus on something that isn't always brought to their immediate attention - their bodies.
Rather than beginning with intense stretching and cardio, Evans began the class by calling dancers' attention to their senses, asking them to close their eyes to focus on their breathing and how heavy their bones are.
"All of us can learn about our own bodies if we tune into our senses," Evans said.
A choreographer, professor, solo performer and adjudicator, Evans has been a guest artist for Ball State University dancers since 1982.
Over the years he's also choreographed three pieces for Ball State Dance Theater, and even though his performance-based agenda keeps him "more than busy enough," Evans said he still loves coming back to Ball State to see old friends with whom he's worked on choreography projects.
He said he also enjoys working with the new crop of dancers who are coming through the university.
"It's good to see programs getting bigger and stronger. I was delighted to see so many dance majors taking class," he said.
His smile and "loves life" personality are also contagious to students.
"He has a lot of positive energy that makes you work hard without tearing down your self-esteem. He's fantastic," senior dance major Marissa Castillo said.
Junior dance minor Jessie Seib said she appreciated Evans' "back to basics" approach to modern dance instruction.
"We get so caught up in with the technical part of dance, and it's just really nice to go back to focusing on simple things like breath, suspension and using the space. I liked that his class was all about being grounded," she said.
Evans said he finds it encouraging when he sees a large group of dancers doing what they love.
"What's going on in the world shouldn't matter because it's all about following your heart," he said. "Remember why we all became dancers. It's because we all love to move."
Bill Evans bioWhat: Performer, choreographer, teacher, lecturer, movement analyst administrator, consultant, adjudicator and writerAwards: Latest award is the National Dance Education Organization's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005Experience: Founded Bill Evans Dance Company, where he directed, performed and choreographed for 30 yearsAppearances: All 50 states and Canada, Mexico, England, France, Australia, Finland, Hungary, Germany, Italy, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Japan, Russia and Norway
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