The show Dancing Pros: Live! visited the Keith-Albee Theater Thursday for an evening of dance, music and entertainment.

The performance was reminiscent of television programs like Dancing With the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance, in that the audience is in control of who wins the competition through individual voting devices.

The show was hosted by Alan Thicke, and featured judges who would guide the audience to a conclusion about the dance numbers.

Angela Jones, Director of Marketing and External Affairs for the MAS, said the crowd seemed to be very receptive to the show.

“We thought this would be a great fit for our audience,” Jones said. “It has been really popular. It looks like we’ve got a great crowd and everyone seems really enthusiastic about it. I love it, this is my kind of show: music, dancing, sexy people, come on!”

Jones said the institution of the MAS exists for students, and they should take advantage of the opportunity to experience art first hand.

“The artist series exists for the students,” Jones said. “I think it is important for the students to come and be exposed, because art is not just a painting or a song—it is everything.”

Jones also said the organization aims to expose students to art they normally would not be exposed to, at a reduced rate.

“It is so great to have an opportunity when you are in school to go see a show like this, because full-time students can get a ticket for free,” Jones said. “Our goal is to educate and entertain students, and it also creates an appreciation for arts and recreation when you get out of school.”

Some attended for the performance, others attended for class credit, but all seemed to enjoy the show.

“I loved it, it was great,” freshman Kaylee Stengel said. “I have watched Dancing [with the stars] with my mom before, so I know who Chelsie is, and I just thought it was really cool, and also, it is an experience credit for my psychology class, but it helped that I really wanted to come anyway.”

Stengel also commented on the importance of the MAS to her as a student.

“I think it is important that we get that kind of opportunity,” Stengel said. “We are here, we chose to come to Huntington, we chose to come to Marshall, and I think it is cool that we get to come see things like this.”

Miranda Eaves, event planner at the Big Sandy Superstore Convention Center, said she enjoyed the show because she has watched similar programs on television. She also said she enjoyed being able to vote for the winner. She also said The MAS is a great way for college students to learn and experience different things

“I definitely think that, as a college student, every single thing that is free for you, you should take advantage of,” Eaves said. “The artist series is really great about bringing different types of culture and diversity, and that is one thing that college is all about. You should definitely go out of your boundaries and explore, and learn about yourself. “

After a thrilling show, the audience voted for their favorite dancers. Chelsie Hightower and Artur Adamski took home the prize.

Emily Rice can be contacted at [email protected].