Students in Orchesis, Ohio Wesleyan University’s student dance company, will explore interconnectedness through dance in eight original, contemporary pieces as part of their annual concert, Orchesis 15/16.
Photo by Trent Williams
The concert, performed by the company’s 24-person ensemble, will premiere Nov. 13-15 and include six pieces choreographed by students:
- Senior Jeunesse Jacobs of Lithonia, Ga. demonstrates physically challenging choreography based on the specific goals of her dancers.
- Senior Yasmin Radzi of Spring, Texas re-contextualizes for the Main Stage her senior dance film, which focuses on dance in the midst of confining architecture.
- Junior Jeremy Griffin-Jackson of Redford, Mich. explores breaking traditional dance lines of shape and formation.
- Junior Maddie Presley-Wolff of Ashburn, Va. examines alienation and loss.
- Junior Diana Muzina of Willoughby Hills questions the impact of societal messages on women.
- Sophomore Alexia Minton of Wilmington breathes life and movement into Lorado Taft’s statue Solitude of the Soul.
Guest choreographer Jill Becker collaborates with the ensemble to present Migrations, a response to the international refugee crisis.
The performance will conclude with Effort of Interface, choreographed by visiting assistant professor of dance Rashana Smith. The piece will feature original music by OWU assistant music professor Jennifer Jolley.
“This year, we’re exploring the effort that we extend to each other, specifically the connections and disconnections we find ourselves negotiating on a daily basis,” Smith says in a written statement.
Performances are Nov. 13-14 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. on the Main Stage of Ohio Wesleyan’s Chappelear Drama Center. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for non-OWU students, OWU employees and seniors, and free for OWU students with a valid student ID. Call 740-368-3855 to reserve tickets.
