Tom Trimble spent many nights in a chair, rocking his new baby, who only would sleep while in someone’s arms. Thinking about the sensation of falling when the first instant of unconsciousness hits combined with the responsibility of a life in his arms inspired Trimble’s piece.

“That crossover time between being awake and dreaming is what I have tried to capture,” Trimble said of his modern dance piece “Insomnia.” “It is actually a creative tool that is not new.”

Diversity is a strong element in this year’s NIU Spring Dance Concert, which Trimble is involved in. The Northern Dance Theatre will present six pieces choreographed by NIU faculty during the weekend’s four performances.

Included are three ballet works: “Les Sylphides,” a 20-member ballet choreographed by Judith Chitwood. There also is a duet of “Black Swan Pas de Deux” from “Swan Lake,” choreographed by Randall Newsom, and “The Russian Bouquet,” choreographed by Danielle Jay. “Silent Songs,” choreographed by Jere Tulk, and “Whisper of Wings,” choreographed by Karen Williamson are two modern dances being performed.

However, the dance invoking the most curiosity is Trimble’s “Insomnia.” Falling asleep again and again in a chair is what inspired the choreographer to create the piece.

Trimble said Salvador Dali would deprive himself of sleep for several days at a time, and then sit in a chair with a large metal spoon in his hand. As he began nodding off to sleep, the spoon would drop from his hand. It would hit the floor with a loud clang. The noise would wake him and he would jump to his easel to sketch the strange and surreal images that had been in his mind during those moments of teetering at the edge of sleep.

Trimble’s dance centers around what can be described as a hybrid between a swing set and a jungle gym. In simple terms, it’s a chair suspended nine feet off the ground. Trimble often choreographs around a prop or set piece, and this demands, or invents, entirely original movement.

“This particular set piece must become an extension of the dancer’s body,” he said, “because he is forced into totally unconscious balance, hanging from the ceiling.”

Tickets are $7 for students, $8 for seniors and $14 for general admission. For more information, call 753-1600.