Buckle up and get ready for takeoff, because this year Orchesis will be flying around the world in a dynamic dance showcase!
Orchesis is a non-competitive, audition-based dance troupe in which students choreograph, learn, and perfect a variety of dances for their final showcase. Tickets are for sale on GoFans for March 13, 14, and 15 from 7 PM to 9 PM in the Performing Arts Center.
An exciting adventure awaits those going to see the show. This year, the theme is “Around the World.” Students will dance to songs about different places, such as “So Long, London” by Taylor Swift and “Vienna” by Billy Joel.
From upbeat jazz to mellow contemporary, this performance will feature various styles in 20 distinct pieces. Special guests from the Irish and Africa International Fest Groups will also make an appearance, doing a condensed version of their dances from IFest. Another unique inclusion this year is the storyline–the audience will be flown from dance to dance by “flight attendants,” narrating and introducing them as they travel the world.
“If someone doesn’t really watch dance, it’s going to introduce you to a different form of art,” said Ginevra Proserpio, a sophomore in the group. The Orchesis Showcase is special in its dedication to the art of dance.
Preparation for the performance began as early as last spring, when officers were chosen and they began to develop the theme. Officers help to run and organize the team, taking the lead. They also are the ones who “choreograph the big group numbers, such as [the] intro and finale number,” as senior Caroline Kowaleski said. Other choreographers are chosen after auditions in the fall, and they build the other numbers, picking a relevant song, a specific style of dance, and a costume. Altogether, students exercise leadership and teamwork in creating this cohesive showcase.
In addition, the three sponsors of the club, Ms. Sims, Ms. McMurry, and Ms. Purcell, have played a monumental role in guiding students, overseeing practices, and more. “Sponsors are in charge of making sure costumes are ordered, performances are ready, music is filed, and that everything is ready for show week,” wrote Ms. Purcell. Though it’s her first year as a sponsor, she was previously a dancer when she attended Sandburg.
Ms. Purcell is not the only one returning to Orchesis; Officer Sierra Frazier is ready for her fourth and final performance as part of the troupe. Her favorite part about Orchesis is the bonding between all the dancers. “No matter the age, everyone gets to be a big family in the end,” Frazier wrote. Proserpio had also mentioned that strong sense of community, built from the months of rehearsals and the vulnerability of dance.
Orchesis promises a captivating performance, and students and sponsors have worked so hard to build the show from the ground up. So, get ready for this trip around the world, and show up to support these amazing dancers!
