MADCO will perform "Exercise Imagination" Friday at the Touhill at UMSL.

Many young people think of “culture” as a heaping plate of vegetables. They know it’s supposed to be good for them, but they don’t think it will be all that enjoyable. MADCO wants to change that perception.

The resident dance company at the University of Missouri–St. Louis will perform “Exercise Imagination” at 7 p.m. Friday (Jan. 20) in the E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Theater at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL. The performance is designed for interaction between young audience members (elementary school students and older) and MADCO artists.

The dance company will show off excerpts of its athletic, entertaining and architecturally stunning dances. They’ll also share behind-the-scenes tidbits about how artists get their inspiration and what it takes to turn an idea into a dance. Audience members will have a chance to work together to create a new dance for the company.

The concert is part of the Touhill’s Arts@Play series, which strives to give young people the opportunity to experience the performing arts in an entertaining, comfortable and fun setting.

Tickets are $5. Visit touhill.org or call 314-516-4949 to order tickets.