During the entire two-hour performance, not one dancer smiled.

Reflected in their concentrated, intense faces was the spiritual importance of the expressive movements.

Friday night in Eisenhower Auditorium, the American Indian Dance Theatre honored such things as buffalos, sparrows, and eagles through the traditional dances of North American tribes.

The performance spawned a surprisingly vast array of emotions. It began ominously in a darkened theater as the background chants reached shrieking pitches. At first, the darkened theater and forbidding introduction seemed intimidating. Then the theater burst into a swirl of color.

The infinitely detailed costumes, which ranged from unadorned and plain to blindingly elaborate, were enough alone to hold the audiences' attention.

Despite an emphasis on the dances' traditional nature, special lighting and other effects created moods and backdrops for the dances. The technology worked magic, creating flashing, grotesque faces and far horizons at dusk, but made it difficult to remember that the dances are a spiritual event to the tribes from which they come.

The types of dances were as diverse as the costumes. Some portrayed rituals such as hunting and medical procedures. A particularly impressive performance was the Eagle Dance in which several winged dancers, their feet hidden by the smokey stage, posed as a flock of eagles flying across a sky-like back drop.

The Fancy Dance Suite ended the program in a whirling, fast-paced explosion of energy and colored ribbons and feathers. Yet the audience seemed most impressed with the Hoop Dance performed by Eddie Swimmer. Using flexible rings, he quickly created a series of structures around his body turning himself into creatures like butterflies, flowers, turtles and eagles.

Mike Charleston, associate professor of education and a member of the Choctaw tribe of Oklahoma, explained in a lecture before the performance the importance of dance to American Indians. He said that although in American culture, dances for ticks, ducks and snakes might seem ridiculous, to the American Indian they are a vital aspect of life. He also stressed that the dances are authentic.

"This is the honest, real stuff. It is not a dramatic presentation."

Audience members had favorable reactions exemplified by a standing ovation.

Kelly Schwab, a senior at State College High School, said she has an interest in American Indian culture and believes people should be exposed to such programs.

"It is very important. Especially since this was originally their land. We should respect everything they do."

Bob Moore, owner of Native American Crafts, 137 W. Main Street, Boalsburg, and a Cherokee Indian said this type of program re-energizes interest in American Indian culture.

"It was outstanding. This is probably one of the rare gatherings of American Indians in this area," he said.