The only way to describe the performance is “visually stunning.”

The Baltimore/Chicago Contemporary Dance Theater performed its Bal/Chi dance program Thursday during their annual DeKalb concert in Anderson Hall. The theater was founded by NIU associate professor of dance Charles L. Carter. It specializes in Bal/Chi, a type of dance similar to ballet.

The theater began five years ago when two NIU graduates, Lisette Rodriguez-Narang and Lynna Hollis decided they wanted to dance professionally in the same style.

Carter decided to bring in “some friends” from Baltimore, and the theater performed their first show in 1998.

The group began touring around the country and made various stops around the country. People enjoyed their performance so much they would come to NIU just to join the theater. Students already attending NIU also found a home with the theater.

“We serve the university uniquely because we recruit students,” Carter said.

One of the newer dances performed by the theater closed the show. “Brotha Don’t Mess with a Sista!” received rave reviews when it was shown in Baltimore.

“People actually got up from their seats and started dancing,” Carter said.

For information on the theater, call 753-1407.