Fort Wayne Ballet presents Danza! at Manchester University on Thursday, Nov. 7. The public is invited to this spectacular repertoire of 20th century works in the razzmatazz atmosphere of a 1940s musical revue gone crazy with contemporary movement and Big Band sound.

The free performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in Cordier Auditorium on the North Manchester campus. Guests will want to arrive early for premium seats as hundreds of MU students also will attend.

Danza! brings modern, classical, musical theater and character dancing to the Cordier stage.

“Repertory performances offer dancers the opportunity to grow and experiment differently than they might in a full evening ballet,” said Karen Gibbons-Brown, executive and artistic director for Fort Wayne Ballet. “It also offers variety for the audience.”

Danza! displays the versatility of Fort Wayne Ballet and the training level of its dancers, Gibbons-Brown said. “This type of programming offers them a different voice with which to share their talent and expand their personal experiences.”

Manchester University is underwriting the performance, shepherded by students committed to the eternal value of dance. Last year, the students brought the Fort Wayne Ballet to North Manchester to perform selections of The Nutcracker.

Significant collaborations in northeast Indiana allow the Fort Wayne Ballet to maintain a successful program. Partnerships with Matilda Jane Clothing, DeBrand Fine Chocolates, Fort Wayne Derby Girls and other sponsors assist the Fort Wayne Ballet in spreading one simple message: “Everybody Dances.”

For more about the Ballet, visit www.fortwayneballet.org.