Grove City College’s annual student-run Orchesis dance show runs at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 to 16, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Nov. 16 in Ketler Auditorium of the Pew Fine Arts Center on campus.
Orchesis is a Greek word for dance, and that’s what students do in Grove City’s rendition. The annual show is made up of a variety of dance numbers performed by student dancers, some beginners and others with experience. The 2019 troupe is made up of about 50 students from all years, backgrounds, majors, interests and Greek groups, according to Gabby Ross ‘20, junior chair of Orchesis.
“This diversity all lends itself to the creativity put into the making of this show and that is why Orchesis is really special,” she said.
This year’s theme is “A Year in the Life” and walks through seasons of nature and life. “The progression of dances will tell a story that the audience will be able to relate to, whether it be the cold feeling of a dance representing snow in winter or the romance portrayed in one dance inspired by Grove City College's ‘ring by spring’ tradition,” Ross said.
The show opens with "Seasons of Love" from the musical “Rent,” choreographed by Paige Stitt ’21. Other dances include a contemporary dance to “Autumn Leaves” by Ed Sheeran, choreographed by Kylie Syska ‘22; “A Christmas Spectacular,” a fun upbeat Rockette-style jazz piece choreographed by Makayla Himes ‘20; “Grow As We Go” by Ben Platt, choreographed by Ross; “Glorious” by Macklemore, a hip hop that embodies the feelings of elation in the summertime choreographed by Abby Parsons ’21.
Ashley Raine ’19 was involved in Orchesis all four of her College years. She danced in it her freshmen year, fell in love with the show, and started choregraphing her sophomore year. Choreographing an Irish step dance for Orchesis is one of her favorite memories, along with “waiting in the wings on stage, watching the dance before mine and knowing I was up next.”
“The community was what made me fall in love with Orchesis my freshmen year. I felt so welcome and loved by these people that just enjoy dancing together,” Ross noted.
Admission is free, but tickets are required. To reserve tickets, visit www.gcc.edu/tickets. Tickets will also be available for pickup in the Breen Student Union.