With slow and then sudden sharp movements, one dancer appears scared as she attempts to push away a group of dancers enclosing in upon her.

In an interpretation of the depression that often welcomes many students' first day at college, Orchesis dancers rehearse for their upcoming fall showcase.

Titled the "Choreographer's Showcase," the Orchesis Dance Company will feature a presentation of 12 dance pieces -- choreographed by the company members themselves. The performances are set for 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday in rooms 132 and 133 White Building.

"This is what we work for all semester. Each choreographer pores their life into these dances," said Orchesis Vice-President Lauren Rubio (senior-business management).

Music ranges anywhere from classical piano, Jay-Z, Live and Maroon 5 in a unique repertoire of ballet, tap, hip-hop, modern and lyrical dance.

"I consider ourselves a modern-based company, but everyone has a strong background in all genres," said Orchesis President Maria Stewart (senior-finance).

Founded in 1935, Orchesis has grown from an unofficial organization based on a Penn State dance class to an official dance company with 33 talented members.

"We practice 20 hours a week and take classes and we really just want people to appreciate dance as an art form," Rubio said.

Drawing inspiration from an old black and white photo of her grandparents, Orchesis Treasurer Grace Reynolds (senior-psychology) choreographed a dance set to classical piano that focuses on the bonds between family generations.

"It's happy sounding and bright and still soft," Reynolds said. "It starts and ends with grandparents and they're the focus throughout. I want my grandparents to be proud of this group and this foundation that is growing bigger and dancing together."

Along with the fall and spring showcases, Orchesis performs across campus for the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon carnival, the Homecoming parade, the Day of Silence and the Penn State sesquicentennial celebration.

Making its first appearance in an Orchesis performance, the hip-hop piece blends a little bit of old school elements with some "Kid 'N Play" partnering and cultural aspects of hip-hop, Rubio said.

"It's very energetic and the choreographer has been known to do some high-energy pieces," Rubio said.

Another modern piece, choreographed by Stewart, deals with relationships and heartache set to Maroon 5's "Ragdoll."

Inspiration for the pieces can come from anywhere.

"I think in general it's always different [for anyone]," Reynolds said. "It can come from something happy in your life, to someone else, to music you're listening to and sometimes you have ideas and you look for music to support them."

Maintaining standards of a highly trained dance company, officers act as judges over auditions held each fall for both old and new members. The audition is a two-step process that focuses on technique and the ability to perform a combination of ballet, jazz, or modern.

"You kind of just get used to it," Reynolds said. "And it's a reminder you can't start slacking and you have to keep working."

With the steady sound of counting from choreographer Wendy Kalasky (sophomore-education), one dancer arches her back in a rising and falling motion joining the other dancers. "Orchesis since 1935" T-shirts leap in unison across the floor.

"As a dancer, [the pieces] help us understand the emotions of one another," Rubio said. "[But] everyone can come to one piece and really understand, or relate to it. The meaning behind the pieces, the lights, costumes, music, you always take something from the show."

Tickets are available at the door and cost $4.99 for students and $6 for general admission.