Forget heading to New York this weekend; there's a cheaper alternative to the performing arts in State College.

This weekend, Penn State's Orchesis Dance Company will impress audiences with its Spring Choreographers' Showcase, featuring professional style, grace and a diversity of choreography that could give a few New York companies a run for their money.

The show, which will consist of 12 multifaceted pieces, will take place at 4 p.m. Saturday and at 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday in the White Building.

"We practice all different dance styles, including modern, ballet, jazz, hip-hop and everything in-between," Orchesis president Lauren Petrasek (senior-marketing) said. "What sets us apart from other dance groups is the fact that all of our dances have meaning behind them."

Dance themes in this weekend's choreography showcase range from dreams to friendship to the journey from college to graduation, among many others, Petrasek said.

"For example, the dance that I choreographed this semester is about a dream and how it acts as a link into your subconscious," she said.

This variety of choreography styles and themes help set Orchesis apart from other dance groups at Penn State.

Established in 1935 as an unofficial organization through a Penn State dance course, Orchesis Dance Company has changed little in structure since its beginnings and continues to produce and promote a professional atmosphere.

"I've been with Orchesis since my freshman year," member Michelle Galione (senior-science) said. "I love it so much because I got to meet so many different people and experience so many different styles of dance that I probably never would have experienced if it were not for this company."

In describing her piece on the transition from college to graduation, Galione said she was excited to be choreographing.

"I think it's really cool -- thinking of an idea, working with the music, teaching it to the dancers and watching it all come together week after week," she said. "I loved choreographing this piece because I got to work with 10 amazing dancers."

For other members, choreographing was more difficult than in previous shows.

"Choreographing this semester was a bit more time consuming than usual because I chose a different style," member Almaris Acin (senior-marketing and international business) said. "My dance piece uses folding chairs and high-heeled shoes, so it was tricky in choosing movement that would not hurt the dancers."

Despite obstacles, Acin said she is still greatly enjoying choreographing for the upcoming show.

"The girls are amazing to work with, which made choreographing all the more fun," she said. "They picked up on the choreography very quickly and even came up with ideas for the piece and costumes themselves."

Tickets for this weekend's performance at 132 and 133 White Building are $4.99 for students and $6 for general audience members.

Tickets will be available at the door.