The Signpost from Ogden, Utah • 7

9 0109 PUBLIC AND FIVE Signpost February 10, 1987 7 Arts Dancing leaps to life in Orchesis "Dance is alive and well at Weber State College," said Michele Rusinko, director of the Orchesis dance program at WSC. Sue Hiatt Staff Reporter Although dance is now officially a part of the newly formed Department of Performing Arts, the dance studio is still housed in the Swenson Gym. Students may continue to receive P.E. credit for dance classes, and the requirements have not changed for a dance minor. Orchesis has a long history.

The word is a derivative from Greek orchestra, relating to the space in front of the Greek stage where the chorus would dance. Margaret 'Doubler of University of Wisconsin established the first Orchesis. She began the first dance major and minor program in a higher institution of learning, according to Margaret Waterfall. Waterfall is an instructor of Yoga, and Rape Awareness. She is a previous Orchesis director at Weber State.

Waterfall came to Weber in 1962. Carol Westmoreland preceded her. Waterfall recalls asking Dean of Women, Marva Gregory, who was over the dance program at that time, if she was the founder of the group. "She said it was not her and that the program had been thriving long before she came. Dance has always played an important role at Weber, even when it was a two-year college," Waterfall said.

There have been several advisors over the years. Michele Rusinko became advisor and director to Orchesis in the fall of 1984. The name has formally been changed to Orchesis Dance Theatre. "'The name change reflects the fact that we are very much involved in dance theatre- -a concert form of dance that draws from other artistic media and challenges the traditional limitations of dance," Rusinko said. Orchesis Dance Theatre is an umbrella organization which gives talented students and community members the opportunity to choreograph and perform in professionally produced dance concerts, according to Rusinko.

"Our most unique element is our open-door audi- VALERIE POST takes a flying leap in Rainbowsleeves. Choreography by Keith Johnson. (Photo: Scot Smith) Did you know? tion policy. We hold auditions before each concert. They are open to WSC students, community members and talented high school students," Rusinko said.

The group strives to produce high quality dance concerts, which is why Rusinko puts so much emphasis on interaction with professionals. This has been a real focus of Rusinko said. "'We feel it is very important for the students to have the opportunity to work with professional choreographers." "Rainbow Sleeves," is a dance piece choreographed by Keith Johnson, who is currently a dancer with Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company in Salt Lake. John Mead, a professional from Repetory Dance Company, came to Weber this past weekend to audition students. He has also choreographed dances for WSC concerts.

"We are constantly seeking funding to bring in guest choreographers," Rusinko said. Another unique feature of the dance program at WSC is that the professionals and faculty are not the only creators of the dances. "Many university programs feature only faculty work in their formal concerts," Rusinko said. "We try to include student works in all our concerts." Orchesis Dance Theatre presents an experimental concert in the fall, which is primarily student choreographed, performed and produced, according to Rusinko. A more formal concert is held in the spring.

They are bringing two professional concerts to Weber State this spring. Children's Dance Theatre is scheduled for March 18, and The Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company will perform here on April 19. (see DANCE on page 8) STUFF HOT KWCR 3000 FM AT: 88 WSC FEB. WATT DANCE PRESENTS 21 UNION BALLROOM 8 PM. DANCE MUSIC NORTHSTAR EMOO MODERN ROCK METAL SOUL TICKETS: $2.00 WIN FIRIEE BOOKING Enter WITH NORTHSTAR! Goa Cola LISTEN FOR CONTEST AND TICKET INFORMATION.

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