This spring, Arcadia High School’s (AHS) Orchesis Dance Company will be putting together a spring showcase titled “Maze of Memories.” Taking place in the Performing Arts Center Apr. 28, Apr. 29, and Apr. 30, the showcase will feature performances of student and guest choreography. Orchesis is the most advanced dance group at AHS, and this showcase is definitely not one to miss!

Sophomore Victoria Chen said that she’s feeling “extremely excited because this is [her] first spring show and the whole company has been working endlessly to make this show a success!”

The dancers have been preparing the entire year for this performance, which is going to include a variety of genres and choreographers. The styles range from hip-hop, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and modern. One portion of the show will feature dances choreographed by AHS students, while the other dance numbers will feature guest choreographers. These guests include industry professionals brought in by Orchesis to create specific pieces. As an added bonus, Orchesis dancers also received a master class from the choreographer to ensure they got the full experience. 

“The whole process of creating dances, learning from professional choreographers, learning from peers, and the long hours of rehearsal have made the moments leading up to the showcase so memorable,” said sophomore Mia Tsou. 

Tsou is especially excited because the showcase will be a first for her.

“Especially after being on COVID shutdown and as a first year member of the company, I’m excited to be on stage again and experience my first Orchesis production as a dancer,” she exclaimed.

Junior Felicia Wu is another member of the Orchesis Dance Company and is going to be performing in nine pieces. While a spectrum of genres is going to be showcased, Wu has a special preference for some over others.

“My favorite [genres are] probably contemporary and modern, I’m more comfortable with these styles. I’m in some jazz pieces, but I’m most comfortable with those,” said Wu.

Another junior with some insight is Alexa Litonjua, who has been dancing in Orchesis for two years and is now the Member Relations Officer for Orchesis. Partaking in the masterclasses have allowed her to fully embrace what it means to be a dancer.

“Working with professionals in the dance industry, you always gain something out of it. Each individual has an artistic mind of their own, and it’s refreshing to work with people that offer valuable lessons and takeaways,” said Litonjua. “Working in the dance industry can be tough, and I’ve learned that you have to be open to making mistakes. Sure it’s not an ideal thing, but it definitely relieves extra tension in mind. I’ve established the mindset of staying calm and collected during performances. All I can do is pour my heart and soul out on the dance floor.”

Tickets for the Maze of Memories are on sale on www.ahsorchesis.com. Pre-sale tickets are $15 for general admission and $20 for VIP. Prices go up by $5 when bought at the door, so remember to buy ahead of time. The Orchesis dancers have been working very hard to perfect their moves, so definitely show up to support them!

Graphic courtesy of Orchesis Dance Company