By Casey Oliver

Choreographers and dancers are limbering up once again for the Dance Discovery Studio’s winter hip-hop show.

The curtains rise on the dance recital, themed X-plosion, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4-5 in the Abilene High School auditorium. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Abilene High School theatre department.

Amanda Sampson, one of the show’s choreographers, said performers have been rehearsing since September.

“The dancers in our routines range from sophomores in high school to young adults, so there’s no kids dancing on stage with us,” said Sampson, senior English major from Austin. “We’re going to be doing everything from hip-hop to contemporary and lyrical dances.”

Jessica Floe, junior art major from Arlington, Wash., said she understands the importance of promoting artistic endeavors in Abilene.

“As an art student, it always means a lot to me when other students can appreciate what I do,” Floe said. “I think showing up to these types of recitals is an awesome way to support artists and keep Abilene as cultural as possible.”

Sampson said the dance company is trying to make this year’s show different, bringing in guest artists to heighten the appeal. Student attendance has been high in the past, she said, and tickets go quickly. Students who wish to attend can buy tickets from dancers on campus.

“We’ll be putting posters up around campus” Sampson said, “but we’re really depending on word of mouth.”

Sampson said people who want more information can join the Dance Discovery group on Facebook.