Tradition will highlight a historical dance company's performance of theatrical, acrobatic folk dances when the group takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Eisenhower Auditorium.

The Moiseyev Dance Company, founded in 1936 in Russia, will perform 11 different pieces based on traditional dances from Europe, including some from Greek, Moldavian and Russian cultures.

Many of the pieces performed by the group were choreographed by Igor Moiseyev, who founded the European folk dance company more than 70 years ago and made them the first dance group from the Soviet Union to visit the United States.

The group's 2008 North American tour will commemorate the passing of Moiseyev, who died in November, and the 50th anniversary of the company's first performance in America.

Laura Sullivan, marketing director for the Center for the Performing Arts, said the group's traditional dance uses many gymnastic feats including leaps and jumps that convey the cultural roots of each piece.

"They are both very graceful and very athletic," she said in comparing the dancers to gymnasts. "It's an exquisitely trained and skilled company."

The interpretations of traditional folk dances performed by the company are similar to Riverdance's take on Irish folk dance, said Elisha Clark, head of the dance program at Penn State.

She said the company's folk dances mirror elements of ballet because the "character dances" that are a part of many ballets are based on folk dance.

"I think it's interesting to see dance that's historical and see what's the same and what has been left behind," Clark said.

Although the dance program does not focus any of its studies on folk dance, Clark said all students working toward a dance minor are required to attend.

"I think it's important the students are exposed to all different types of dance," she said.

Sullivan said she hopes students will not be deterred from attending the performance because it is taking place right after winter break.