The University of Tennessee Dance Company is kicking up its heels for this weekend’s spring concert.

The concert features a variety of dance forms, including ballet, jazz, modern dance and tap. The basis for the Dance Company’s show is balance – a balance created by the diversity of choreographers that work on the show.

“We start out with staff choreographers and see what works they want to do,” Gene McCutchen, dance program coordinator, said. “After we look at those, we find guest choreographers to have a balanced program. We try to keep a wide variety of styles in the concert each year.”

The program’s highlight is renowned choreographer Martha Graham’s “Steps in the Streets.”

“This work is from her early period in the 1930s,” McCutchen said. “Through this piece, the audience will learn about modern dance in its inception.”

Many dancers are looking forward to performing Kelly Arsenault’s “Rumors.” Arsenault, who is a former UT dancer, put together an image of life and gossip.

“Kelly’s piece is my favorite,” Matthew Dunlap, a company dancer, said. “The piece is geared toward what the audience wants to see, and the choreography is fun. The piece stands out a lot.”

Another number that will stand out is an a cappella tap. The tap is choreographed by Kristy White, a dance instructor. In an a cappella tap, the rhythm is the music, McCutchen said.

Not only is the concert entertaining, but it also seeks to inform.

“By coming out to the show, they are supporting art,” Dunlap said. “They’ll also be learning things. They’ll learn that there is a lot to see and what their fellow students can do.”

Audience members will also learn about the history of dance.

“Dance was the first art form,” McCutchen said. “It is often called ‘the mother of the arts.’ If you’re informed about the arts, you should know about dance.

“Dance is something that people not only watch but can also get involved in,” she continued. “With dance, you don’t have to go out and buy an instrument. The body is the instrument, and you can continue to do it for years.”

Because of its history, dance has become a defining part of every society.

“Dance is an important part of society and the history of the world,” McCutchen said. “All societies have their own form of dance, which tells other cultures about them.”

Dance also describes the dancer. Dancers perform for many reasons – rebellion being only one.

“When I was little, I wanted to take dance,” Dunlap said. “My parents were against it, because there weren’t many studios around and not many boys take dance. At UT, I began to take it out of rebellion. God has put it in my life now, and it will be a part of my career in the future.”

The UT Dance Company Spring Concert will be at the Clarence Brown Theatre Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Student tickets are $5, and faculty tickets are $10.