Luther College presents Orchesis Showcase

Luther College’s dance troupe Orchesis will perform their Spring Showcase at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27, and 1 p.m. Sunday, April 28, in the Jewel Theatre in the Center for The Arts on the Luther campus.

This event is open to the public with no charge for admission and will include a brief intermission.

The Showcase will include a selection of pieces choreographed by Luther students and a featured piece choreographed by alumna Chris Johnson, ’87, Luther’s first dance major. The guest artist residency for Orchesis was made possible by Luther’s Lecture and Fine Arts Committee.

The performance will feature 16 dancers and a collection of 25 lyrical, jazz, contemporary and modern dances.

The student coordinators of the Showcase are senior Grace Larsen and sophomore Avery Pazour. Larsen has been a part of Orchesis since coming to Luther in 2015. “I came to Luther a bit overwhelmed by moving away from my family, but finding Orchesis was like finding a family away from home. I joined the team simply because I have always had a love for dance.” She is the most excited about her duet with teammate and senior Haley Steffen. Pazour’s experience with Orchesis has also made a great impact on her life. “It has brought me some of my closest friends and given me a great way to express myself”¦ and also helps me continue doing what I love in college.” Pazour’s favorite aspect of the showcases is that each choreographer portray’s their own vision through the dances. Her favorite piece is “Boxed,” the featured piece choreographed by Johnson.

Though the Showcase does not have a theme, Orchesis hopes to convey their love of dance as well as their love for each other through their performances. Each choreographer has included information about their pieces to help the audience gain a better understanding of the dances.

Complementary snacks and beverages will be available to those who attend, and Orchesis stickers and buttons will be available for $1 each.