Artistry in Motion: The Orchesis Ensemble Takes the Stage

This year’s Orchesis performance, a showcase that highlighted both student-led innovation and professional collaboration, graced the stage of the Lewis Theater on February 26.

For many dancers, the process began with finding their own voices as choreographers. Charlotte H. ’25 reflected on the unique experience of co-choreographing a piece with a partner this year, noting how they "really flowed together.” She shared that the collaboration was "really helpful and motivational," allowing her to bounce ideas around in a way that felt "really special.” Dance Teacher and Director Justin Dominic emphasized that his role is to provide a "toolbox" of compositional tools while remaining an "outside eye," ensuring that the students remain the driving force behind how their visions come to life.

A major highlight of the concert was the piece "Rose," a work 20 years in the making inspired by Bach’s Chaconne. To elevate the performance, the ensemble collaborated with violinist and Holton Strings Director Dr. Mark Schuppener, whose live accompaniment brought a "new dimension" to the work. Mr. Dominic noted that this partnership allowed dancers to experience the "energy and dialogue that happens when movement and music share the same space.”

The journey from the first rehearsal to the final curtain call was marked by significant personal transformation. Maya G. ’25 shared that she “will carry a lot of courage and confidence” from the experience, noting that she felt she had transformed as a dancer and a person by learning to dance freely and fearlessly. Similarly, Reilly E. ’27 reflected on her growth since the preseason, when she felt nervous about her dance background. Through the process, she "grew more confident" in her ensemble work, realizing that her individual strengths contributed to the collective beauty of the performance.

Ultimately, the concert served as a culmination of the dancers' dedication. As they stepped onto the stage, they did so not just as individual performers, but as a "fierce, cohesive ensemble" with a shared commitment to the work they built together. For the Orchesis company, the performance was more than just a show; it was a "connective source of joy" that reflected the spirit of the entire community.