The students in Penn State's Orchesis Dance Company said they are excited about their showcase performance this weekend.

"I look forward to this every semester. It's the reason that I'm in Orchesis," said Caitlin Wockenfuss, the company's vice president.

The showcase comprises 13 dances choreographed and put on by students, who will perform in different styles: ballet, hip hop, modern, jazz, lyrical and dramatic.

"It's exciting because we have new choreography which brings a new dynamic," Orchesis President Alyse Sciolla said. "The dances are based on emotions and feelings, and we have a really nice mix of jazz with some cool modern pieces also."

Sciolla said Orchesis' 34 dancers have practiced since the third week of school, but not without encountering a few problems along the way.

"It gets more difficult to get space for practice, but this semester has been a little bit of a small miracle," Sciolla said.

With space being scarce, Orchesis had to rearrange performance dates and times. There will now be three performances: 7:30 p.m. tomorrow and 1 and 4 p.m. Sunday.

Megan Lawless has been with the company for three years. Lawless choreographed one dance to the song "It's Raining Men" and will perform in three other dances.

"My choreography is about girls having confidence," Lawless said. "It is fun, upbeat, sassy and confident."

Lawless said there is no better place to be than on stage.

"As soon as I get on stage with the lighting and the music it is surreal," she said.

Marianne Aichele has also been with Orchesis for three years.

This year, she is the company's treasurer and, like Lawless, she choreographed one dance and will perform in three others.

"Its great to dance with everyone in the company," Aichele said. "We have a really good time."

Wockenfuss choreographed a modern dance and will be performing in four others.

"My choreography is about the delicate balance and harmony in the universe," she said.

Sciolla said she put a lot of emotions into the dance she choreographed.

"We create these pieces from our hearts," Sciolla said. "My dance is about my emotions about getting ready to graduate. It deals with my sadness of leaving Penn State and my anger at having to grow up. It is dedicated to the senior class."

Sciolla said the group is excited to perform the dances that the members choreographed and practiced for so long.

"Having people come to see you do what you love is such a rush," Sciolla said. "It's the best thing in the world."