Orchesis is Carl Sandburg’s dance troupe, where the students take the lead in almost everything they do. They have the opportunity to create dances, choose music, and determine the theme of the show each year.
At the beginning of November, Orchesis held its main performance: The Dance Showcase. There was a show each day from November 6 to November 8, and it showcased the hard work each dancer put into their passion. It is apparent that this group of girls has become close with each other, and their friendships shine on stage.
Even though each dancer has a different background, their journeys have led them all to the same place. Addison Naroleski is a freshman who has been dancing since she was three years old. Emma Birmingham is a sophomore in her second year of Orchesis, but has danced since she was two years old. Ginevra Proserpio is a junior who has been in Orchesis for three years and has been a part of dance since preschool. Alyssa Beranek is a senior who has been in Orchesis for three years and dancing for fifteen years.
Everyone on the troupe brings something special to the stage, whether it be their amazing expression, their incredible turns or jumps, or their bubbly personality. The team would not be the same without each dancer putting their all into the stage each night.
Before their showcase, they have many practices and go to different events to learn more about the sport they love. Proserpio states, “In October, we go to the IHSA Dance Festival. We saw a lot of other schools, and we got to dance with really good teachers, and it’s fun.”
Beranek contributes by describing the convention they go to at the beginning of the year. She says, “One thing a lot of people don’t know about is the Orchesis convention the whole troupe attends at the beginning of the year. It is a huge event where we take multiple master classes, and there are even opportunities for scholarships!”
Birmingham adds that team development begins even before the school year starts. “We do a lot of summer work and practices, leading up to the show.”
Through practices and learning each style of dance, many students find one that sticks with them the most and makes a difference in their lives. Naroleski says, “I like jazz because I feel like that’s what I’m best at, it’s what I’ve been trained in mostly when I was younger.”
Birmingham agrees. “My favorite style of dance is jazz. I love the ability to express.”
Proserpio states, “I really like ballet. Ballet was the first type of dance that I’ve done.”
Students will have the opportunity to choreograph the dances in the style of their choosing, if they would like to. Proserpio says, “This year I got to choreograph the ballet dance for the Orchesis showcase.”
Naroleski has time to continue to grow as a dancer and has a goal of showing that before she graduates in three years. She states, “I want to be able to choreograph a dance, because I think that’d be really fun.”
The group creates friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. Orchesis allows the girls to express themselves and show emotion through movement and talent. They put in a lot of determination and sweat for their show each year, and prove themselves each time they step on stage.
Beranek says, “My favorite thing about Orchesis is show week. It is so rewarding to see all of our hard work pay off. All the dances come together, and we get to see our costumes on stage for the first time. It is a super fun week that everyone looks forward to.” They showcase their talent through these pieces that will move the audience based on how they present themselves.
The club itself is open to anyone who may want to audition. Naroleski says, “When I was in 8th grade, I had freshman friends who I danced with at my studio who did Orchesis, and they were telling me good things about it. I wanted to join just to get more involved.”
Through a similar experience, Proserpio states, “When I was in the OJH dance club, Caroline, who is now a freshman in college, came to help out. She was in Orchesis, and she talked to us about it, and I was like ‘oh that’s interesting,’ so then I decided to audition for it.”
Joining Orchesis will open many doors for dancers down the road. Birmingham says, “I joined Orchesis for the opportunities, so I get to choreograph, make more friends, and become part of the sisterhood.”
The girls get closer the more they get to know each other, and strive to keep those connections strong. Beranek, who is also an officer for the group, explains, “We as officers try to hold many team bonding [activities] throughout the year. We started the year with a few that really helped connect our troupe. We are all friends, and it makes our connection on stage so much stronger for the audience.”
Naroleski talks about the experiences that are had throughout the season during practices. She states, “My favorite thing is probably being able to just dance with all my friends, and meeting people, and spending time with them after school doing what I love.”
Ms. Sims has done a lot for Orchesis as its head sponsor and has truly helped the girls’ passion for dance grow. The girls may have to say goodbye to her this year, as this is her final year as the coach/sponsor, but they know she is always there in case they need anything. Naroleski says, “[Ms. Sims] was always encouraging, and she was always reminding us how hard we’ve worked and how that paid off, and she was proud of us.”
Birmingham states, “This being her last year, these last shows really hit home, and it’s just really emotional. She has taught me a lot, so I am very grateful to have her as a sponsor.”
Beranek adds, “My favorite memory of Ms. Sims is watching her randomly pull out dance moves no one knew she could do! She was a dancer and coach for many years, and she’s still got it.”
Orchesis is not only a place to express yourself through dance on stage, but also to build connections that will last a lifetime. Traditions make the club even more special. Beranek explains, “My favorite Orchesis memory is our tradition of going out to eat before our first show every year. I love spending time with all my friends and getting hype for our performances together.”
As their season comes to an end, the dancers look back and realize that Orchesis is more than choreography and music. It’s about the hard times during rehearsals, the inside jokes, the friendships that they’ve made along the way, and the opportunity to grow not only as a dancer but also as a person.
There is no time limit on the activities and passions that you have. Or, as Beranek put it, “Slow down—you’re living the memories you’ll miss someday.”
