Return to the Stage
Ohio Wesleyan Dancers, Choreographers return to Chappelear’s Main Stage Nov. 12-13 in ‘Orchesis 21/22’
DELAWARE, Ohio – Ohio Wesleyan University’s Orchesis Dance Company returns to the stage for its annual contemporary dance concert with 13 student-dancers performing eight pieces created by students, faculty, and a guest choreographer.
The Department of Performing Arts will present “Orchesis 21/22” at 8 p.m. Nov. 12 and at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Nov.13 on the Main Stage of Chappelear Drama Center, 45 Rowland Ave., Delaware. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for senior citizens and non-OWU students with valid student IDs. Tickets are free for OWU students, faculty, and staff with valid university IDs. Tickets will be limited to 150 per performance and every other row in the auditorium will be roped off to allow social distancing. Reserve tickets by visiting owu.edu/orchesis or calling (740) 368-3855.
Artistic director Rashana Perks Smith collaborated with dancers to create “Holding Pattern.” Smith explains, “We hold a lot right now, perhaps more than we think we can. We hold space for others we cannot see in-person (or see unmasked), and we also hold space for what might happen if this pandemic continues to restrict us and inflict more work and emotional labor. In the midst of all this, we search for a working rhythm as we juggle to hold everything in anticipation.”
Guest choreographer Maree ReMalia will begin her residency the week of Oct. 18, when she will build a new piece with students based on their interests and sense of community.
The show’s remaining pieces, all choreographed by Ohio Wesleyan dance students, explore a variety of themes:
- Senior Anne Raspe presents her senior dance project. She examines her life as a dancer and how dance is represented to others outside the field.
- Senior Ellie Bearss reflects on entrances and exits both metaphorically and literally.
- Senior Tess Meddings examines survival and determination through the spatial relationships between two performers.
- Junior Alex Dolph explores a duet influenced by the work of David Lynch.
- Junior Kayla Rush develops leading and following into meticulously considered formations.
- Sophomore Ali Dix frames her piece with prop work and a trio of dancers representing visual art.
All guests to the university must wear facial coverings when indoors, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status, and follow other public health recommendations from the Delaware Public Health District and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more information, visit owu.edu/COVID-19.
Learn more about Orchesis and Ohio Wesleyan’s upcoming theatre and dance performances at owu.edu/performingarts.
Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation’s premier liberal arts universities. Located in Delaware, Ohio, the private university offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and competes in 24 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Through its signature program, The OWU Connection, Ohio Wesleyan teaches students to integrate knowledge across disciplines, build a diverse and global perspective, and apply knowledge in real-world settings. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book “Colleges That Change Lives” and included on the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review “Best Colleges” lists. Learn more at owu.edu