Dance Groups

Performing and choreographing opportunities are provided through Iowa State’s three dance groups:

• Orchesis I
• Orchesis II
• Iowa State University 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
• Performing

They also provide a strong sense of teamwork and community, which balances the sometimes impersonal atmosphere of a large university.

Orchesis I

Orchesis I holds open auditions in both fall and spring. This group is responsible for Barjche, ISU’s major spring dance concert. Members come from all university majors, from aerospace engineering to zoology. Undergraduate, graduate students,  and faculty collaborate to perform in all kinds of techniques and styles: from jazz to tap, modern dance to ballet. 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.

Meeting times: Thursdays from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. in Forker 196

Orchesis II

Orchesis II has 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.

Meeting times: Tuesday from 7:00 p.m.-8:30p.m. in Forker 196

Dues: $20.00 a semester

Iowa State Tour Company

The Iowa State Tour Company is a small (6-10 members) improvisationally based group which does special lecture/demonstration performances for various campus, community, and school groups.

Audition times are announced after the fall auditions of the Orchesis groups.