Tickets available for "Break!" Oct. 18 at Hulman Center

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - Tickets are available for the opening act of the 2007-2008 Indiana State University Performing Arts Series.

The high-energy and acrobatics of “Break! The Urban Funk Spectacular,” a performance sponsored by Pepsi, kicks off the series Thursday, Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m.

A distinctive American art form with hazy African roots that run through the streets of inner cities, Hip Hop is comprised of five elements - dance, MC (or “rap”), DJ, graffiti, and fashion - each component is improvised and recombined in a myriad of rhythms and styles so that Hip Hop reinvents itself continually.

Though the exact origins of Hip Hop are unclear, dance elements hearken back to an African tradition, involving a variety of footwork patterns, spinning and gymnastic type moves, Hip Hop dancing has been heavily influenced by a number of sources. Some consider James Brown and his 1969 hit "Get on the Good Foot,” one of the starting points. Inspired by Brown’s energetic, almost acrobatic dance on stage, many people began dancing on the "Good Foot," often incorporating moves that involved dramatic drops and spins.

“Break!” has been regarded as the cutting edge of dance at the dawn of the 21st century. It traces the history of Hip Hop dancing over the last 30 years, incorporating various styles of dancing such as “breaking,” “locking,” popping, power tumbling, DJ-ing, bucket drumming and electric boogaloo. The show consists of a company of supremely talented performers in different areas of street dance and performance.

Individual tickets for “Break!” are currently on sale at the Hulman Center box office. Tickets are $21 for the general public and $16 for students. Groups of 10 or more get a $3 discount off of adult ticket prices. The performance is only $10 for the first 100 ISU students who purchase a ticket at the Hulman Center ticket office. Contact the Hulman Center ticket office at (812) 237-3737 or 1-877-ISU-TIXS for more information.

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Contact: Jennifer Cook, Hulman Center Business Manager, (812) 237-3737

Writer: Paula Meyer, ISU Communications & Marketing, (812) 237-3783, or pmeyer4@isugw.indstate.edu