Orchesis defines dance

In Greek, the word "orchesis" means "the art of movement."

This weekend, the Orchesis Dance Company, along with students from the Penn State Dance Program, will define that art for the University.

The choreographer's showcase will demonstrate the talents and skills of University student choreographers and dancers at 8 p.m. today and 2:30 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday in 132 and 133 White. Admission is $5 for students and $6 for general admission.

"We are a group who love to dance and want to devote time to dance whether or not we want to pursue choreography as a career," said Shannon Ahern (sophomore-psychology).

In English, the word "student" can sometimes be equated with the word "amateur."

In this case, that correlation is misleading. This dance company does not encompass the concept of amateur at all. The production, and the manner in which the company performs, is far from amateur, several of the Orchesis choreographers said.

"Many people expect to see a high-school recital or something of the type," said Kelli O'Donnell (sophomore-accounting).

But the performers are definitely not on a high-school level.

"It's not a professional production, but it's damn close to it," said Leandra Bevan (sophomore-education).

There will be 11 pieces in all, 10 choreographed by University students and one that is choreographed by a faculty member, said Patricia Heigel-Tanner, director of Orchesis.

Members of some larger dance companies may find it hard to jell together, but this company disagreed.

"We all work really well together. We bring respect to each other, a professional courtesy," said Jennifer Conley (senior-integrative arts).

The dancers expend much time and effort throughout the semester. But their love for dance, and the adrenaline, keeps them going, said Rica Gugliotta (senior-integrative arts), who choreographed a piece titled "! # ; ? @".

"It's always nice to have an audience after all the effort put in," Gugliotta said.

In order to choreograph a piece, a person needs an idea or inspiration, Conley said. In this showcase, some pieces are inspired by music, by issues or by movement. Each piece has a different flavor and portrays a little something about each choreographer as well, she said.

From tap to jazz to modern, Orchesis Dance Company will display a wide-ranging repertoire. From a piece choreographed to the music of Alanis Morissette, to one based on a painting by Vincent van Gogh, to another piece with an unpronounceable title, this performance will bring the unexpected.

"There is a nice variety of styles in the show this semester. The pieces are very different and special," said Orchesis president Gina Desko (senior-philosophy).

Members of the company encourage people to come to the performance even if they don't love dance.

"The performance is for everybody," Conley said. "It's a universal way to communicate. Anybody coming in with an open mind will definitely have a positive experience."