Orchesis to present “On Edge… Dances on the Brink”

The Wilson College Orchesis Modern Ensemble will present its “On Edge…Dances on the Brink” performance November 8 and 9 in the Appenzellar-Buchanan Dance Studio. The ensemble’s choreographic works range from an upbeat jazz number to a soft, lighthearted group collaboration by several performing students.

President of Orchesis, Destiny Patterson is thrilled to see the outcome of the performance.

“I think this upcoming performance will be really great. There is a wide variety of styles and students, so the audience should enjoy it,” said Patterson.

The members of Orchesis seek to explore the possibilities of dance and movement.

There are both new and more experienced choreographers to show their work at the performances.

Paula Kellinger, Professor of Dance and the faculty advisor for Orchesis, expresses her own excitement about the upcoming performance.

“A real Broadway style concert. Hugely entertaining and lots of energy. Wonderful dancing by wonderful students!” said Kellinger.

Kellinger has worked with Orchesis for many years and she is mediating the two group pieces choreographed by Azusa Terajima ‘16 and Neena Gurung ‘15.

The students are excited to perform their own works alongside two Orchesis Ensemble pieces. Students have worked since the beginning of this semester on their own to create and give mini-showings to the rest of the ensemble for critique and further investigations in their choreographic experience.

Christiana Bredbenner ‘15 is excited about being a member. Her piece involves six other dancers and guest members of Orchesis. She and her dancers are eager to perform their work after the positive experience of working with a new choreographer. “Orchesis is truly an amazing thing to me – I’ve met some awesome people and learned so much in just three semesters, and I’ve discovered a love for dancing and choreographing that I never realized I had,” said Bredbenner. “I look forward to practicing and performing with the Orchesis team more than practically anything else at Wilson and I know our concert will be absolutely wonderful again this semester.”

Orchesis members agree that their performances will be exciting and artful.

All of the performances, which are open to the public, will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with a Saturday matinee at 1 p.m. After the Matinee on Saturday, the dance group will return to the audience and have an open discussion about their experiences, motives in dance, and their continually changing attempts to redefine what dance is.

“I think this performance of Orchesis this semester will show different aspects of emotion whether it is happy or sad.

This performance of Orchesis will be something that will be memorable and enjoyable,” said Neena Gurung, the Vice-President of Orchesis.

The general admission is $10. All students, from any school get in at $3. Children under 12 get in free.

For more information and reservations contact Professor Kellinger at pkellinger@wilson.edu