As the lights clicked on in the McAfee Gymnasium, Kimberly Zydek took a deep breath and entered the stage.

Zydek, president of the EIU Dancers, has been practicing for this moment for 12 weeks.

From backstage, Zydek could see about 150 people awaiting the start of the EIU Dancer's annual spring concert, "True Expression," Friday and Saturday night.

"Waiting is the worst part," Zydek said. "I run everything through my head right beforehand as I warm up, just in case."

The recital, sponsored by the department of kinesiology and sports studies, was broken into two acts that included a total of 18 performances.

One of the performances was a solo act performed by Zydek.

"I was really nervous that I was not going to get the turn, but I did, and I think it turned out really well," she said.

Jeanna McFarland, EIU Dancers adviser, said this weekend was a huge success.

"I am really proud of these girls for all their hard work," McFarland said. "They did a great job and the show went very well."

Different dances ranging from jazz, modern, tap, ballet and hip-hop were displayed in the show.

"This show was an opportunity for the community to be exposed to different dances," Zydek said. "We all love dancing, and this show was a way to show that to others."

The EIU Dancers' officers started working in the fourth week of the fall semester to try and incorporate all 18 dancers' ideas.

"The show reflected everything the girls wanted," McFarland said. "They all worked on the choreography and picked out the music and costumes."

A piece titled "Downtown Girls," by Billy Joel and choreographed by the officers featured four special guests.

"The girls recruited their friends who were boys to add them to the dance," McFarland said. "It was the girls' idea, and they thought it would add some humor to the show."

McFarland also made a special appearance on stage.

"She always stretches and practices with us, so getting her out on stage was to showcase her dedication to the dancers," Zydek said.

McFarland said all the hard work pays off to see "the kids out there having a good time."

Karla Browning can be reached at 581-7942 or at DENnewsdesk@gmail.com.