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[ Thursday, April 26, 2007 ]

Dance, dance
Penn State dance group to perform spring show

For The Collegian

Orchesis Dance Company is ready to express and impress this weekend at its Spring Choreographers' Showcase.

"Dance is just a different form of communication where people express their ideas through movement," said Orchesis President Megan Lawless (senior-marketing).

"It's very interesting to see what people have to say through dance."

Penn State's oldest dance company will treat audiences to a wide range of student-choreographed numbers featuring jazz, lyrical, ballet and modern dance, accompanied by an even wider range of music.

If you go
What:
Orchesis Spring Choreographers' Showcase
When: 8 p.m. Friday, 4 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: 132/133 White Building
Details: Admission is $4.99 for students, $6 general admission

"We've got everything this semester," said student choreographer Katie Maxwell (sophomore-public relations).

"From Coldplay to Pink Floyd, to a medley of early '90s songs -- it's everything."

Maxwell said the show really displays the ability of the company.

"We have some of the most talented dancers at University Park doing what they love," she said. "It's going to be a great expression of dance. We have a lot more talent here than people realize."

Orchesis Vice President Jamie Weiler (senior-human development and family studies) said that the audience members would enjoy the show whether they have a background or experience in dance or not.

"We have a few lighter pieces that are just jazz, fun and entertaining even if you don't really understand dance," she said. "We also have some that are the opposite spectrum, that if you know dance you can really get into and find the meaning."

The company has had extra rehearsals this week to make sure the show goes exactly as planned.

"We start rehearsing at five, and we're not usually done until 10 or 11," Lawless said.

"It's constant run-throughs, but when you put the numbers together with the costumes and lighting, all the hard work and long hours come together. Seeing that happen is what makes it worth it."

Each number is performed by different groups of company members, except the final number, which features all 26 members of Orchesis.

Weiler said despite the hard work, preparing for the show is enjoyable because of the close relationships within the company.

"We have become a really close group; it's a special thing that we all share together," she said.


 



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