Orchesis Dance Company filled the Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Apr. 23, 24, and 25 with its show, “404: Identity Not Found.” The production featured compelling narrations and new structures amidst the audience seats.
Upon entering the PAC, attendees noticed a few major “upgrades” to the house: additional monitors and lights along the walls and a raised platform—the satellite stage—between the top and bottom seating sections. The monitors displayed dance practices, choreography, and encouraging messages from Orchesis families and friends prior to the beginning of the show. The lights pulsed with the emotion of each dance: green for an uncomfortable, on-the-edge feeling and pink and blue for an upbeat, cheerful song. The satellite stage was utilized by Orchesis between transitions, featuring dancers representing Artificial Intelligence (AI) with glowing glasses.
“We would have people run either away from the satellite stage or come back up to it…We also have voiceovers in between certain dances [when] people dance on the satellite stage to…the voiceovers,” said senior Orchesis member Grace Huang. “We really wanted the audience to be immersed in the voiceovers and the intensity [they] convey [to] the storyline.”
Donning lit-up glasses and all-black attire, the dancers opened with “As Alive As You Need Me To Be” by Nine Inch Nails, choreographed by Orchesis Director Breanne Orlowsky and Alumni Choreographer Kylie Guiking, an energetic rock song that set the mood of the technology-themed show and hyped the audience for upcoming numbers.
The first act contained powerful, assertive songs like “Caution” by Skrxlla, choreographed by Dance Captain senior Charis Chuang and senior Hazel Jung; “Mood Swings” by Little Simz, choreographed by Secretary junior Sloan Olko and Vice President junior Christopher Tsai; and “Rhyme Dust” by MK and Dom Dolla, choreographed by Chuang, junior Arielyn Luo, and sophomore Arina Shim. Orchesis also touched on the audience’s emotions through heartfelt pieces such as “Peer Pressure” by James Bay and Julia Michaels, choreographed by Luo and Treasurer senior Rachey Shay; “lighthouse” by Kelly Clarkson, choreographed by Chuang and President senior Kathleen Kwan; “Blue” by Faouzia, choreographed by guest choreographer John Barclay; and “Contaminated” by BANKS, choreographed by sophomore Abby Clevenger and Tsai. The first half of the show ended with “Running” by NF, choreographed by alumni choreographer Alexa Litonjua and Ms. Orlowsky. This piece featured tall mirrors positioned in the dark background of the stage, reflecting introspective thoughts and the fear of losing a loved one.
Orchesis member junior Joyce Chan cited that she enjoyed dancing to emotional and heartfelt songs. Her favorite song to perform was “‘Found You’…because it really shows how you can [discover] people who help you find your identity.”
After a 15-minute intermission, Orchesis returned to the stage with the attention-grabbing “Shadows,” an eerie narration track choreographed by guest choreographer Sabrina Phillip. Following this were songs with a diverse range of themes. The hip hop track “Lose Control” by Missy Elliott, Ciara, and Fatman Scoop, choreographed by Ms. Guiking and Ms. Litonjua, featured rebelliously-styled suits and a hanging disco ball that accumulated cheers from all viewers. “Dhindora Baje Re” from the movie Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, choreographed by guest choreographer Kavita Rao, was an energetic Bollywood dance with bright colors and vibrant costumes. “Maneater” by Nelly Furtado, choreographed by alumni choreographer Talia Yip, exemplified the dancers’ sass and confidence.
“I liked ‘Let You Know,’” said Huang when asked about which piece was her favorite. She added that it was “a very emotional lyrical song that talks about how you’ve given someone so much, but they never seem to think it’s enough.”
Finally, “Feel Again” by OneRepublic, choreographed by Ms. Orlowsky and Ms. Yip, showcased the dancers in white costumes, showcasing their purity and renewed identities. As the show came to a close, a projector screen was unraveled to display each dancer. Applause erupted from the audience as individual dancers were shown, recognizing the talent and dedication of each Orchesis member. Closing night also featured speeches and flower bouquets from both advisors and Orchesis student officers to express their gratitude for their successful final major production of 2025-2026.
