Dating in the 21st century takes many forms — newspaper ads, online dating services and blind dates, to name a few. But some people prefer to meet a potential mate the old-fashioned way — spontaneously, face to face.

Such was the case at a recent speed dating event at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster.

“This is an exciting avenue to find a companion,” NWI Speed Dating founder Donna Evans said as she coordinated the evening's paperwork. “Speed dates are relaxed and pressure-free.”

A recent social get-together, advertised as “12 dates in one hour,” had 40 single men and women of all ages participating in icebreaker games before the dating began.

“I haven't had much luck with online sites so I wanted to try this,” Rose R. said. “This is so much better. You can actually see who your talking to.”

Janet J. agreed.

“It's a little intimidating when you're on your computer; you don't really know who that person is,” she said. “This type of event gives you the opportunity to see if you click with someone right away.”

The impetus to start NWI Speed Dating came to Evans in an unusual way.

When an opportunity came about to enroll in a class that taught television production at a local cable station, the East Chicago resident jumped right in. Her project was to develop, direct and produce a show. She called her project “The Dating Game.”

At that time, TV dating shows were still popular and dating websites were being developed, so she felt the subject matter was timely.

“It was challenging, but I learned quite a bit,” Evans said. “I also found there were a lot of people looking for companionship, and this led me to do some research.”

That research culminated in her developing NWI Speed Dating 10 years ago.

“I've been to a few of these dating events and they're always interesting,” Dan K. said. “The crowd is diverse and it's a great atmosphere.”

After checking in at the registration desk, visitors were given instructions for an icebreaker game prior to the main event.

Daters were given either the top or bottom half of a playing card and they were to seek out the person holding the other half.

The pair then were to write down five things about themselves, including one falsehood.

When called up to face the crowd, they introduced each other and asked for audience participation in guessing the incorrect statements.

Refreshments and a short comedy show also were on the agenda.

Once the main event began, there was no stopping the continual flow of conversation, although the speed daters wouldn't know until the next day who “chose” them.

After meeting and talking for five minutes with each potential partner, the session ended and participants wrote down their choices of persons they wanted to connect with further.

Evans took all paperwork home to process. If two people selected each other, they were given each other's contact information. It's up to them how they choose to proceed, Evans said.

Venues may change for the three speed dating events per year, but the mission of the founder stays steady — to offer a safe, fun environment in a convenient location for single people to meet. For more information, call 219-805-3283.

Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.