This Friday and Saturday, the Orchesis Dance Company presented its annual “Under the Lights” showcase. This year was different than previous years because they performed last Thursday during lunch and gym periods 4,5, and 6 to perform a preview to students before their showcase. They performed various styles of dances, including jazz, tap, contemporary, hip-hop, and lyrical.

The company includes dancers from all grade levels and are selective in regards to technique, style, and skill. From August through February, members of the Orchesis Dance Company prepare for their showcase.

The dancers practiced weekly on Tuesdays from 2:45-5:30, Thursdays from 2:45-4:30, and sometimes Fridays from 2:45-5:30 to put on the annual showcase. Although there is a lot of time commitment involved as the dancers have to balance practice days with academics and activities outside of school, it is not an issue as the dancers are passionate about what they do and the people that surround them while they are doing it.

“It’s not really stressful because I get to see my friends and do something I love,” junior Orchesis dancer Kailey Gasik said.

Choreographing is one of the fundamental parts of each dance. Most dances are student-choreographed from dancers in the company. Dancers come up with choreography and present them to the Orchesis staff to see which dance is the best.

“We audition dances that we have created either by ourselves or with another person, if our dance is chosen it is put in our show. I did a dance with my friend and it’s contemporary, it’s a good experience because you get leadership skills from being in charge of practices,” Gasik said.