Performing and choreographing opportunities are provided
through Iowa State's three dance groups: Orchesis I, Orchesis II,
and the Iowa State Tour Company. Because much of
the dance activity at ISU is organized through these groups, students have
tremendous input and a responsibility for shaping their own movement
experiences.
These
clubs promote interest and activity in dance as a creative art form and
members can be involved in all aspects of production including
costuming, choreography, lighting, sound, publicity and performing. They also
provide a strong sense of teamwork and of community which balances the sometimes
impersonal atmosphere of a large university.
Orchesis
I, a modern dance based group which holds open auditions in both fall
and spring, is primarily responsible for
Barjche, ISU's
major spring dance concert. Members come from all university majors, aerospace
engineering to zoology, undergraduate, graduate and faculty who perform in all
kinds of techniques and styles: from jazz to tap, modern dance to ballet.
Orchesis also produces two mini-concerts every year—S.A.C. (Sunday After Church)
a cabaret-style dance show in the fall and FOCUS, a theme-oriented spring
concert which is performed in a different location on campus every year.
Orchesis sponsors guest artist residencies with the support of the
Betty Toman
Guest Artist Endowment and members also attend the American College Dance
Festival each spring.
Orchesis
II is a dance group with open membership for students who wish to learn
and participate. The performance schedule for Orchesis II includes the fall
studio concert, "Footfalls," followed by participation in Iowa State's annual
Madrigal Dinner in January. A spring studio concert, "Images of Dance" and open
air performances are presented for the VEISHEA celebration. Orchesis II also
does service projects and mini-performances throughout the Ames community.
The
Iowa State Tour Company is a small (6-10) improvisationally based group
which does special lecture/demonstration performances for various campus,
community and school groups.
