Tomorrow night, Eisenhower Auditorium will resound with the gospel sound of Essence of Joy. The local choir of 20 University students will provide the music for the professional contemporary dance company Dance Alloy's performance, Crossings.

The choir began rehearsals in January and had its first run through with the dancers last Wednesday night in preparation for tomorrow's show, during which the groups will perform together.

"I am so incredibly psyched," said Phil Bugaiski (senior-science). "It would be like me being in the choir of Les Miz when it comes next fall."

The 8 p.m. performance tells the story of a young black girl coming of age and the struggles she faces. It deals with the search for identities and values, along with a sense of loss and recovery.

The story was originally written to provide a technical contrast between a traditional black gospel choir and a white contemporary dance company, said Tony Leach, Essence of Joy director. Although Essence of Joy is not an all-black choir, it still provides an "interesting juxtapose," he added.

Changing the source of music for that "interesting juxtapose" has not caused a problem for the members of Dance Alloy. In fact, some of the dancers prefer it.

"There are differences in each choir, but it's always a positive difference," said performer Dennis Birkes. "That's what makes it exciting."

Music director for Crossings Dionne Freeney said although there may be difficulties in the beginning, the outcome is worth the effort.

"It all flows eventually," Freeney said. "It takes some amount of work to get it all together. You're never quite sure what will happen."

Freeney said she found Essence of Joy "wonderful."

"They have been a delight to work with," she said.

Combining local singers with the dancers was the idea of choreographer David Rousseve and composer Ysaye Barnwell.

Dance Alloy utilizes local talent in its production as a way to have some involvement with the community, said Myrna Munchus-Bullock, assistant to the director for community education and outreach for the Center for the Performing Arts.

Choir member Mamie Beard (senior-music education) said she found the event beneficial.

"It gives people a chance to get some experience under their belts," Beard said.

Bugaiski said it is a great idea that allows the community to add a personal touch.

"It gives local talent a chance to perform, and it makes each performance special," he said.

The production provokes thought about the issues presented in the story for many of the choir members. And the experience has reinforced the fact that people still hold stereotypes of African-American women in society, Beard said.

"The old concepts are explored in a different way," she said. "The context of dance, choir and narration gives it a full feeling."

Bugaiski also found the issues confounding.

"I've been exposed to more racism and pain, but I've also been exposed to more love," Bugaiski said, adding he hopes students who attend the performance learn some of the lessons he did.

"We don't get a lot of exposure about growing up in a different environment," he said.

Note:

-- Dance Alloy is a Pittsburgh-based dance company established in 1976 that focuses on combining education with entertainment by centering its performances around social issues. Tickets cost $16 for nonstudents and $12 for students.