Bwog’s Staff Dance Enthusiast Megan McGregor reports…

Yesterday, the line for the TIC to see Orchesis’ fall 2010 showcase was so long that it went outside of Lerner and even caused many to miss the first half of the show. If you decide to go to the second and final showing of “down by the shORCHESIS” this evening, as I highly recommend that you do, you should definitely get your tickets far before show time (read: not ten minutes before).

A variety of contemporary, tap, jazz, and ballet pieces comprise Orchesis’ fall 2010 showcase. One of the most striking pieces of the show concludes the first half—a piece entitled “A Broken Hallelujah,” choreographed by Molly McMenamin. Elegant and graceful dancers perform McMenamin’s fluid and beautiful choreography with a supreme quality of movement. The piece’s contemporary feel with apparent classical influence allows for moments when it seems as though the dancers are suspended in air. Danced to Rufus Wainwright’s “Hallelujah,” McMenamin’s piece, the conclusion of the first half of the showcase, leaves the audience wanting more.

My favorite piece of the showcase (although there were so many truly great ones) is Caroline Walthall’s “Dust, Anew.” 13 dancers, clad in yellow, grey, and red, pleasantly fill the stage with their seemingly effortless movements and twirling skirts. Another contemporary piece, “Dust, Anew” takes a step further towards the experimental than McMenamin’s piece, and it works stunningly. Danced to a live version of David Grey’s “Babylon,” this piece is uplifting and truly makes one want to dance (or sway in one’s seat if that’s not one’s cup of tea).

Amanda Kostreva’s piece, “un(Developed),” mixes sex appeal with the grotesque, creating a brilliant and interesting ballet piece performed en pointe. While absolutely telling of the ballerinas technique and ability, “un(Developed)” plays with unconventional and conventional movement, creating an enticing and interesting piece performed to Big Nuz’s upbeat “Ugesi.”

The showcase concludes with its largest piece, an entertaining, beach-themed piece entitled “This works for me… it’s a Beach Party!” Fun and light while still choreographed and interesting, this piece ends the show on a happy note, leaving the audience longing to join Orchesis’s onstage dance party.

The second and final showing of “down by the shORCHESIS” is today at 6 p.m. in Roone. Do not wait until the last moment to get your tickets!