Back in the Groove
Ohio Wesleyan to Present Three Performances of Orchesis 2025 Dance Concert Nov. 14-15
DELAWARE, Ohio – Ohio Wesleyan University's Orchesis Dance Company will present its annual concert, Orchesis 2025, with new pieces by seven student choreographers and guest choreographer Elizabeth Sugawara.
The show will open at 8 p.m. Nov. 14 on the Main Stage of Chappelear Drama Center, 45 Rowland Ave., Delaware, and continue with performances at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Nov. 15. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for senior citizens, and free for OWU students and employees with a valid university ID. Reserve tickets at owu.edu/Orchesis.
Orchesis 2025 is directed by instructor Katherine G. Moore, who has been teaching at OWU since spring 2023. An active professional performer, choreographer, and educator, Moore is excited to share this year's pieces and display the efforts of all the choreographers and performers.
"This year's concert showcases a real range of dance styles, moods, and choreographic landscapes," Moore said. "I'm excited by the diversity of methods the student choreographers are using and think it will make for an exciting concert."
In addition to student-choreographed pieces, the concert will feature a work by guest choreographer Elizabeth Sugawara, a professional interdisciplinary artist, experimenter, and improviser. Based in Columbus, Sugawara has worked with OWU students this semester to create a playful and intricate new work for Orchesis.
OWU undergraduate choreographers and their Orchesis 2025 pieces are:
- Seniors Sharvi Arora of Jammu, India, and Aninditha Nair of Dombivli, India, present "Lok Katha," which translates to "a story of the people." Rooted in Indian folk and reimagined through modern movement, this piece invites you to experience a touch of the home and heritage they carry with them.
- Junior El Healey of Westlake, Ohio, presents "What Will Save Us?" This piece explores the growth of violence and power in our world. "What is killing us? Who are we fighting? Is there any purpose to find in the midst of it all? Don't look away, the world is watching."
- Junior Iliana Horley of North Ridgeville, Ohio, presents "Mind Unwound," a contemporary piece that physically embodies all the struggles in an individual's mind at once. The dancers each explore one particular struggle, and throughout the performance, start to realize that each struggle holds less weight if we carry them together.
- Junior Abigail Kallay of Painesville, Ohio, presents "Monotony," a piece looking at the tedium of life and exploring how we find joy inside of it. "It is these small moments that make it all worth it as we find joy, hope, and humanity despite it all."
- Junior Liz Railsback of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, presents "B&W." This piece is about who and what you think it is. "If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything" – Malcolm X.
- Junior Allison Reich of Wadsworth, Ohio, presents "Through The Eyes of Elvis," a captivating tap piece that explores the unique and ever-changing aspects of Elvis's intriguing life. Dedicated to the choreographer's grandpa, the piece features the dancers playfully interacting and tapping to the rhythm as they attempt to win over the audience with their good looks, talent, and charm.
Learn more about Ohio Wesleyan's Department of Performing Arts and all upcoming 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 experience, the OWU Connection, Ohio Wesleyan teaches students to understand issues from multiple academic perspectives, volunteer in service to others, build a diverse and global perspective, and translate classroom knowledge into real-world experience through internships, research, and other hands-on learning. 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. Connect with OWU expert interview sources at owu.edu/experts or learn more at owu.edu.