CWU's Orchesis Dance Company to perform spring concert at Icicle Creek Center for the Arts

LEAVENWORTH — Central Washington University’s Orchesis Dance Company will present its annual Spring Orchesis Dance Company Concert on May 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Snowy Owl Theater at Icicle Creek Center for the Arts.

The showcase will feature original choreography by students, alongside four pieces created by faculty and guest artists. Performances will span a variety of styles, including modern, jazz, ballet and tap, and will center on the theme of resilience.

The theme was chosen in collaboration with senior dancer and choreographer Hope Worth as part of her Douglas Honors College Capstone project. Prior to each performance, a video will be shown offering audiences insight into the choreographer’s process and explaining how each piece connects to the concept of resilience.

Students featured in the concert are enrolled in CWU’s Dance Production class, where they have been developing skills in creating and producing dance performances. They worked in collaboration with Professor McKenzie Baird to produce the concert through the Icicle Creek Center for the Arts.

The dancers include dance majors, minors, double majors, graduate students and alumni. According to the program, "The CWU Dance Program is a family, where all are welcome and supported, as we believe that dance is for everyone."

Founded in 1968 by Dance Professor Lana Jo Sharpe, Orchesis Dance Company was established to promote dance as a performing art and to provide opportunities for students to choreograph, learn, and perform original works. Its current co-directors, Gabrielle McNeillie and McKenzie Baird, strive "to make the Orchesis Dance Company a place where students can further their dancing technique while also preparing them to dance professionally beyond the college level."

Tickets are available for $25 for general admission, $18 for students, and $20 for a livestream option. More information is available at cwu.edu/academics/dance/ and icicle.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket.