Dancers from across the region want to inspire people who watch their memorial show next week dedicated to Virginia Tech shooting victims.

For 1 1/2 hours on Wednesday, dancers from a range of disciplines will perform a mix of specially choreographed pieces -- with at least two crafted by April 16 victim Reema Samaha -- as a way to celebrate life and the power of dance.

Samaha, a Tech student from Centreville and avid dancer, would have seen no better way, the organizers said.

The Contemporary Dance Ensemble started the eclectic joint performance as an addition to a scholarship they created in Samaha's honor. The show, planned as an annual event, is expected to embody Samaha's thoughts on dance.