The Emergence Dance Theatre is offering a special preview of their upcoming Paris performances.

The benefit concert will take place this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m., as well as at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Dance Center for the Merging Arts.

The theatre usually exhibits visually interactive works to enhance the live performances and work, in concert with other artists, such as Normam Magden of NIU’s School of Art and Harry Castle of the music department.

NIU art professor Norman Magden has been active with the art department for many years.

He has created independent productions in film, video and interdisciplinary material media and worked on visual designs for the dance_theatre productions Carmina Burana and Sarcophagus.

Executive Director John Schmitz said Sandra Schramel, benefit founder, will choreograph three works: Sarcophagus, de Temporum and Odori To Ki.

Schmitz said Schramel, primary choreographer of the show, is a former NIU graduate and her style is appealing.

“She helps blend innovative dance themes and lively film footage together with rhythmic melodious music in nontraditional choreography,” he said.

“It appeals visually and emotionally to the senses,” he said.

As a dance company, Emergence has overcome many hurdles in trying to be successful.

The theatre has overcome the low interest of Americans to multi_media art forms and the the political sways of the art world.

Yet, from a small initial performance at the Egyptian Theatre in 1984 and with the pushing of three very determined artists, they can today go on artistically and financially successful tours of Europe.

Schmidt said he is also an NIU graduate and studied with NIU dance faculty such as Lila Dole, Jere Tulk and Randy Newsom.

He also is the developmental director for the Ballet Chicago and the money seeker for Emergence.

Schmidt said he hopes to close a deficit with this benefit.

A reception will follow each presentation with donations costing $10 for adults, $5 for students and children under 5.