Dance is what Saralyn Ward (senior-integrative arts) has committed her life to for 18 years.

All her hard work will finally pay off when Ward presents her senior honors thesis project -- a choreographed showcase featuring every type of dance from ballet to jazz -- to friends and faculty this Saturday in Schwab Auditorium.

Ward describes her showcase as "Chicago-like."

"Each piece has its own distinct character," she said.

The music will range from classical to classic rock and will feature some recognizable theme songs.

"What Saralyn has done is different from other senior honors theses in Arts and Architecture because the production is on quite an ambitious scale," said William Kelley, Ward's advisor. "It is extremely difficult and time consuming."

Ward said she has faced many obstacles trying to produce the showcase.

Her entire honors thesis was in jeopardy due to the diminishing dance program at Penn State.

Since Penn State does not offer a dance major, Ward had a difficult time trying to find a department to back up her efforts.

Funding for the showcase was provided by the Integrative Arts and Honors Program, The Center for Performing Arts and the School of Arts and Architecture.

"Many of those that have provided funding were going through their own budget to pull out money," said Ward.

A total of $1900 has been donated to Ward's senior thesis project.

It was not easy finding a venue for the showcase, Ward said. The White Building was used in the past for dance performances, but new fitness programs have taken up the space.

A feat in itself, the showcase will feature 20 volunteer dancers. The dancers range in every major from finance to landscape architecture.

Other than Ward, none of the students will be receiving academic credit for their performance.

"The show has a lot of variety, and the dancers are amazing," Ward said.

"I think the dancers demonstrate the increasing interest to explore dance outside of their majors. I want people to be aware at Penn State that there is dance outside of the dance team."

Ward has been rehearsing with the dancers since last October.

"Her choreography tends toward a high level of sophistication," said Amy Dupain-Vashaw, the adviser for Orchesis Dance Company, of which Ward is a member.

"She tackles big ideas in her choreography. These ideas are sometimes personal, but they are captured in a way that speaks beyond the personal and reaches out to speak universally."

Ward had originally planned to dance one piece of the production, but due to a torn Achilles tendon, she will not be able to.

Ward has choreographed, costumed, produced and run every business aspect of the production.

The showcase will begin at 4:00 p.m. Saturday in Schwab Auditorium.