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Arcadia Weekly Apr 28, 2022
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By Danielle Workman
After numerous virtual performances presented on YouTube and other online streaming services, Arcadia High School’s Orchesis Dance Company will be presenting its Spring Production, “Maze of Memories,” in person for the first time in two years.
“The show’s theme, ‘Maze of Memories,’ is a journey of self-discovery and reflection,” explained Orchesis Dance Company Treasurer Athena Liu.
“Throughout our lives, we encounter different emotions and obstacles that cause us to question our identity and values. We experience introspection, loss, love, and improvement. All these components are weaved into a collective human experience and are included in the different dances we are performing in this show,” elaborated Liu.
Liu further explained that the pieces in the show aim to depict the nuanced layers and complexities of life that make us who we are. Although the show’s theme was announced just recently, Orchesis’ Spring Production has been in the works since the beginning of the school year.
“Rehearsals for the show have been consistent and stemmed throughout the whole school year,” advised Ashley Wu, a first-year member of Orchesis Dance Company.
“These rehearsals have been a lot of work, but are still so much fun. I love having the opportunity to work with guest choreographers, peers, directors, and even Orchesis alumni. During rehearsals, we learn the choreography, space the dances, iron out all the details, as well as practice in costume.”
According to Wu, the entire school year, from after-school and weekend rehearsals to early mornings and dancers’ personal practice, has been spent preparing for this show. Each rehearsal is typically three hours long, but as the show dates approach, Orchesis dancers have dedicated even more time to perfecting each dance and preparing for this performance, which tends to add up to over nine hours a day at rehearsal.
“At first glance, the rehearsal process may seem very tiring, considering how many hours we spend practicing for this show; however, this is all outweighed by the bonds and memories the 29 Orchesis members have made with each other,” reflected Orchesis Dance Company President Jolie Fong.
A culmination of nearly a school year’s worth of work, Wu expressed how much the Orchesis Spring Production means to the dancers.
“It reflects the company’s hard work and dedication as a team and family. I am most excited about getting to perform on stage with my friends on all of the show dates! We all have worked endlessly and cannot wait to show the audience what we have done.”
With this being the first in-person performance in years, many of the Orchesis members have not had the experience of performing in person for the Spring Production.
“I am most excited to perform with my company members by my side,” exclaimed Liu. “Although I am a second-year member, this is my first Spring Production in person due to the virtual setting of last year’s performance.”
Fong also affirmed her excitement for the shows and how special they will be for the dancers.
“I am most excited about having an in-person show because, as a senior, this is my first and last Orchesis Spring Show since we could not host a live show for the last two years due to COVID.”
The eager anticipation to perform for a live audience again aside, Liu reflected, “Orchesis helps me venture out of my comfort zone and elevates all of us to the next stage in our dance journey. I cannot wait to show a new side of my dancing that I have worked to explore. We have been working extremely hard, and we have so many good things to show to everyone!”
Maze of Memories performances will be held on Thursday, April 28 at 7 p.m., Friday, April 29 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, April 30 at 6 p.m. at the Arcadia Performing Arts Center. To buy tickets for this show, visit this link. For more information about the Orchesis Dance Company, check out ahsorchesis.com or follow the group on Instagram and Twitter @ahsorchesis. To learn more about the programs offered at Arcadia High School, visit ahs.ausd.net.
