Their kicks were high, their form unique and their energy unparalleled. And that was only the kids.

With their arms flailing in the air and parents joining in, a crowd of more than 100 children and adults attended an interactive dance showcase by the Deeply Rooted Dance Theater ensemble Sunday afternoon at the Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave.

The Chicago-based dance group, now in its 10th year, gave the audience a taste of African-American contemporary dance and a firsthand look into performing onstage.

The event was hosted by Evanston Library Friends, which brings various family events to the library.

“I hope (audience members) learn about African-American culture in dance and things that tie in with black history,” said Kim Hoopingarner, president of Evanston Library Friends.

Two male dancers began in “focus position,” standing straight with their bodies relaxed. The dancers used the exercise to center themselves before they performed.

Children and parents joined the dancers in various warm-up activities.

The dancers then performed “Jagged Ledges,” a piece focusing on living with HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Inner turmoil and tension produced sharp movements from the dancers, but they found comfort in “Heaven,” a piece celebrating the triumph of the human spirit.

The contagious rhythms of South Africa came alive as the dancers performed a piece influenced by the South African “boot dance,” which incorporated “bamba” and “plena” dance moves from Puerto Rico. The audience finally was treated to a full dance performance, “Oluwa,” which was an example of storytelling through body movement.

Eleven-year-old Alexander Foucault attended the event and was impressed with the themes behind the dancing.

“I really enjoyed how they moved and how it was choreographed,” Foucault said. “Each time they moved it expressed a different feeling and symbolism of a different idea.”

Kevin Iega Jeff, the group’s co-founder and artistic director, said the ensemble incorporates African dances to create pieces that reflect issues affecting the daily lives of individuals in society.

“We like to think that when people leave the theater they leave with an empowered vision in their lives,” Jeff said. “They should be entertained in the process, but also challenged to thought.”

Reach Lensay Abadula at [email protected].