Orchesis Presents "Works In Progress"

Orchesis Orchesis Dance Company will be performing its final evening of dance for the 2005-2006 academic year on May 3, at 7:30 in King Concert Hall. Entitled "Works in Progress," the show includes more than a dozen choreographed and restaged works by Fredonia students.

"The mini concerts are by far what we take pride in the most- it is such a collaborative and creative evening," said Joshua Jeffery, Orchesis' treasurer and a choreographer/dancer in the concert. "All the pieces are choreographed, danced by, lit by and sometimes even the music is created by Fredonia students. The culmination is an entertaining, poignant and often times awe-inspiring evening of dance!"

Choreographers this spring cover the gamut in terms of style, class standing and academic focus. Debbie Williams, a sophomore B.F.A. Musical Theatre major is choreographing a piece which includes many different dance styles. Some 15 dancers will perform hip-hop, jazz, lyrical and modern in a creative 'club scene' which Williams has created onstage.

Jaime Fast, a sophomore Childhood Education major (Music Concentration) is creating a piece entitled "Many Colored Days" after the Dr. Seuss book of the same name. The music accompanying her piece was created by another student in Fredonia's Ethos New Music Society. "I've loved the choreographic process so far," said Ms. Fast. "I've always just made up choreography on my own. Making an actual piece for more than one person has been a challenge for me, and I am really enjoying it."

Orchesis has also launched a new website to keep its over 60 members involved and updated. For more information, visit the new Orchesis website.