For the dance community on campus, the semester didn’t truly start until August 26th. That Monday night marked the beginning of Ohio Wesleyan's beloved Orchesis Dance Company rehearsals. The casting call brought dancers to Jannuzzi Dance Studio for a night that would hint at the season to come.
The concert, set to take place November 15 and 16, is already generating buzz. In conversation with the company’s director, Janet Schroeder, this excitement is palpable.
“We're starting with nothing except the ideas in the choreographer's heads and the people in the space… And the thing that excites me about that is like ‘What will it be?’” said Shroeder.
One of the Orchesis choreographers, Hannah Moore, describes this year’s vibes as “unique, funky, and fun to watch.” Although this is Moore’s first time choreographing for Orchesis, she has been a dancer in a multitude of dance organizations on campus. Moore’s love of dance is shared by the other Orchesis dancers and choreographers.
The casting call brought dancers of all skill levels and backgrounds to the same space. Formal dance training is not a requirement for Orchesis; thus creating a space for anyone to come and explore movement. Segments of choreography and guided movement prompted the dancers throughout the night.
Choreographers and dancers alike hold the feeling that this concert is going to be something the audience has never seen before. Moore’s piece, sure to captivate the audience, features music from the artist Hozier and carries a mythological theme.
“My goal is to make the audience feel uncomfortable and on edge while telling an intense narrative,” said Moore.
Freshman Charlie Holbrooks is thrilled for her first season with the company.
“I’m excited to dance, I'm excited to perform for sure. I'm really excited for the concert. I like routine and having something to go to every week,” said Holbrooks.
This year’s concert will feature a piece choreographed by Katherine Moore: guest choreographer and OWU dance instructor. Schroeder will also be choreographing a piece that will come to fruition throughout these Monday night rehearsals. The rest of the concert will be pieces choreographed by nine different student choreographers.
When contemplating the season to come, Schroeder expresses awe.
“What ultimately gets put on stage in November was created from ideas and bodies in eleven weeks,” said Schroeder.
If you’re looking for an awe-inspiring, unique, and fun-to-watch performance, come see the Orchesis Dance Concert on November 15 and 16.
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