Sultry bodies dancing with flared-out fingers dominates Wharton Center this week in the tribute musical “Fosse.”

The musical’s run at Wharton began Tuesday and ends Sunday. Passion and flare burst from all 29 cast members performing the 27 musical numbers during the show. “Fosse” is a compilation of musical numbers from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s choreographed by the late Bob Fosse.

Stimulating music and a glitzy stage enhances the performance, with costumes just revealing enough to produce an electric sex appeal.

Several numbers enlighten the audience on the history of Bob Fosse, such as “There’ll Be Some Changes Made” from the motion picture “All That Jazz” (1979).

Cast member Chryssie Whitehead said in “There’ll be Some Changes Made,” three female dancers represent Fosse’s mistress, third wife Gwen Verdon and daughter Nicole Fosse. All women plead with him to stop his bad habits, which in real life, included a variety of substances.

While working in Chicago, Fosse died in 1987 after suffering from a heart attack.

It doesn’t take a Broadway or film expert to recognize the tunes of the dance numbers he left behind. Any Jane Doe could recognize the “Mr. Bojangles” from “Dancin”(1978) or “ Life Is Just A Bowl Of Cherries” from “Big Deal”(1986).

Haslett resident Anita Hallas came out to see the musical, and said she’s aware of Fosse’s history.

“He smoked, drank and did drugs during his life,” Hallas said. “It was a sad time when Bob died.”

Hallas said she saw the musical on television, but nothing compares to seeing it live.

Dixie Durr, an MSU professor of dance, said Fosse started out as a tap dancer, but his awkward build combined with his graceful moves made teaching and choreographing a more suitable career.

“He really wanted to be a dancer. Originally, he performed (as a dancer) across the United States with his brother,” Durr said. “But after he realized he would not make it as a great dancer, he began to teach other people.”

In various numbers of “Fosse” the cast members’ hands, shoulders and hips rolled as if they had individual spirits. Durr said Fosse’s dance style is highly stylistic, and that he left a recognizable imprint on every routine he choreographed.

“Fosse developed signature moves such as isolating particular body movements. Turned-in knees, hands and hip and shoulder rolls appear frequently in his routines,” Durr said. “Bob was inspired by theatrical dancing, realizing he could make a great choreographer.”

Reva Rice, lead dancer in the musical, said Fosse left behind a legacy of dance mixed with sensuality and style.

“It’s such an honor performing Bob Fosse routines - I’m sure every dancer on Broadway would love performing his moves,” Rice said. “Singing the vocal numbers to introduce the audience into every segment of the musical is better than I imagined.”

Fosse received many awards for his works during his life, beginning with the 1972 film “Cabaret,” which won seven Oscars including best director. A 1972-73 production of “Pippin,” on Broadway, which he directed and choreographed, would bring Fosse two Tonys. Ultimately, Fosse’s career would skyrocket. He won three Emmys for producing, directing and choreographing “Liza With a Z,” among other accolades.

And Wednesday Fosse’s legacy touched MSU students during class.

Durr arranged for a few members of the “Fosse” cast to visit a jazz dance class on campus for a special master class session, a school program in which a professional acts as an instructor.

Fosse’s cast members met with students in the IM Sports-Circle to practice some of the moves performed in the musical.

“All of the students in this class have some experience in dance,” Durr said. “ I though this would be good for them because Fosse was great at capitalizing from his weakness.”

Durr said certain moves the cast members demonstrated to the class, such as wrapping the foot around the leg while in stance on one foot, violate regular dance routines.

“Bob was pigeon-toed and bowlegged, forcing unconventional movements from his body” Durr said. “They’re teaching the students some valuable things.”

Whitehead, who instructed the master class, said she enjoyed seeing the students working hard to catch the moves.

“It was so much fun working with the students, they have a lot of potential,” Whitehead said. “They’re learning moves we’re performing in the musical,”

Tiana Flack, a family community service junior and dance student, said it was awesome the cast came to her class to visit.

“It was really hard getting all the moves right because a lot of your body parts are isolated,” Flack said.

“Fosse” runs 7:30 p.m Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range from $30.50 to $47.50 with a 2O percent discount for students with MSU ID. For more information call (517)432-2000 or 1-800-WHARTON.