Dozens of Orchesis dancers gathered on stage in Shafer Auditorium to stretch in preparation for their final dress rehearsal on Wednesday, Nov. 5. Music blared in the background as dancers scrambled to get into costume before they were to gather on stage. Final instructions and directions were called out from the directors and stage manager as everyone filed into place. Chaos and mayhem filled the auditorium until places were called and the production began its final run through. A calm settled before the auditorium and the performance began.

Students who auditioned in the fall did not need prior dance experience, but many of the participants have danced in the past.

“This is my first year in Orchesis. I’m kind of just jumping in,” said Veronica Schuver, ’17.

This year’s production is composed of 18 dances. The show opens to Jessie J’s new single “Bang Bang,” with a soul-train, line-style showcase for the choreographers. The stage is darkened but for a single spotlight where each choreographer steps in and shows off.

The performances cover a wide range of genres and styles of dance and many dancers participated in multiple pieces. Some dancers who illustrated the strength and control necessary for ballet later exhibited the fluidity and precision crucial for hip-hop.

Megan Greig, ’18, who has an interest in pursuing international studies, is participating in Orchesis for her first time. She is dancing in four pieces with a variety of different styles and has a lot of experience with dance.

“I’ve been dancing for 16 years,” said Greig.

Orchesis will continue to run through Saturday, Nov. 8, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday being 8 p.m.

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Amasa Smith

Spencer Vicente, ‘17, choreographed a slower piece to “Say Something,” which is performed towards the end the show.