A night of performances in the West Addition of the Curry Student Center Saturday night marked a chance for two Northeastern student groups to show off for alumni and parents buzzing around campus last Saturday.

The Northeastern DownBeats, one of the university’s a capella singing groups, as well as the Northeastern University Dance Company (NUDANCO), displayed their talents in the art of singing and dancing.

The Northeastern DownBeats took the stage first to perform four songs. Their repertoire included “I’m a Believer,” by the Monkees, sung by Steve Hakansson, a senior economics major, Hoku’s “Perfect Day,” sung by Megan Lucas, a freshman undeclared major, “Inside Out,” by Eve 6, sung by Jesse Stone, a senior philosophy major and “Two Princes,” by Spin Doctors, sung by A.J. Martucci, a sophomore civil engineer major.

Before the event began, Hakansson said he was excited about what the night was about to offer, as the DownBeats had only performed these songs on Newbury Street, and never in front of a Northeastern crowd.

NUDANCO followed, showcasing four different styles of dance, including ballet, expressional modern dance and romantic choreography performed by an on-stage couple.

Katheryn Fulton, a freshman undecided major and company member said she was nervous before the show.

“Hopefully I won’t fall off the stage,” she said. Fulton’s 14 years of dance experience shined once she took the stage for her solo dance performance.

The student groups had many rehearsals in preparation for the event.

“Hard work really pays off,” said Ty Seifuddin, president of NUDANCO and a senior computer engineering major. “It was just a good break from studying and classes.”

Lucas said Saturday’s event was the “pay off” for all the hard work the DownBeats put into rehearsals.

Margaux Cormier, a middler nursing major, said NUDANCO typically puts on two performances a year, and uses them to increase the group’s exposure.

“We like having extra opportunities [to perform], it’s a great way to get ourselves on campus,” Cormier said.

Prior to the creative performances in the West Addition, there was a showcase of undergraduate student research projects.

Students from different majors ranging from psychology to mechanical engineering displayed their research projects in the 2006 Homecoming E3 Experiential Education Expo.

MJ Paradiso, the vice president for academic affairs for the Student Government Association, said he was pleased with the turnout, as it is important to show all areas of a Northeastern education to the alumni who returned to campus for Homecoming.

“It’s good to bring alumni back and show them what we’re doing,” Paradiso said. “Northeastern has grown so much, it’s good for them to stay in touch.”

Justin Repici, coordinator for experiential education at Northeastern, said he was impressed with the turnout.

“The audience was a nice mix of students, parents and alumni,” he said.

This was the first time Homecoming hosted a creative performances event with the Downbeats and NUDANCO. Student Creative Performances was originally advertised to feature NU ‘ Improv’d and the dance group, Silver Masque, but Repici said those student groups were not confirmed to perform. NUDANCO was asked to fill in after they were unable to participate. Overall, he said he hoped student performances would become a staple during Homecoming week.

“It went very well, especially with the competition of the football game,” Repici said. “Hopefully next year we’ll be able to expand and improve.”