Orchesis gives Neuqua students a chance to express themselves

"Orchesis" is the art or act of dancing. And Neuqua Valley High School's Orchesis dance ensemble allows students to express themselves in just that way.

The troupe's 44 dancers are demonstrating their art this weekend during Orchesis' 11th annual showcase. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday in the school theater. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults.

Neuqua provides several opportunities for students to dance, from physical education classes to the pompom squad. But Orchesis offers a diverse opportunity for dancers dedicated to the art form.

"In Orchesis, the girls do many styles of dancing -- tap, jazz, ballet, modern, pointe," Orchesis director Courtney Frame said. "It allows for more artistic expression."

This is Frame's first year directing the group, but she comes with experience. Frame has been dancing since she was 3 years old.

She got her degree in health and physical education from Illinois State University and spent time as the assistant coach of ISU's dance team before moving to Naperville.

"(The girls) were very talented right off the bat," Frame said of her first impressions of Orchesis. "I knew how lucky I was."

Margie Chambers, who recently retired as director of Orchesis, brought the program to Neuqua when the school opened in 1997.

When she left, the dancers weren't sure what to expect from their new director.

"We were all kind of nervous at first," said Katie Biegal, a senior dancer. "But (Frame) has been great. It's been such a good change."

The troupe accepts members by audition only. Returning dancers must re-audition every year, and they aren't guaranteed a spot.

To keep up with the competition, many of the dancers are involved in programs outside of Orchesis. Most split their spare time between pompoms and studio dance classes.

"All (of the groups) are important," Frame said. "I would say they have a little more ownership of (Orchesis) because of the choreography."

The opportunity for students to choreograph sets Orchesis apart from other programs. Half the dancers arranged pieces for the upcoming show.

"Some of our choreographers are just as good as professionals," Frame said.

She thinks the show will appeal to the interests of many in the community.

"These girls have invested so much of their time, and this is a quality show," she said. "It's a close, affordable night out, and it's a great opportunity to see what the youth in the community is doing."

Highlights of the show include the high-energy parent dance, in which Orchesis parents will groove onstage to hit tunes from the years their daughters were born.

Also a draw: Several pieces feature boys from Neuqua who can dance as well as perform "lifts," raising the girls into the air.

"It's so cute to see the boys involved," said Barbara Conley, whose daughter, Lauren, is a senior in the troupe. "Some of them are just hams. It's their chance to get up on stage."

But Frame said the focus of the night will be on the girls.

"This is a very special group of 44 girls," she said. "They work hard and are loyal, trustworthy and talented, but they are not over-confident. They know there are things they still need to learn."

The last piece of the concert will feature the five seniors who are four-year Orchesis members.

"It's a very special piece for us," senior dancer Katie Biegal said. "A good one to end the year on."

Though many dancers will participate in spring events, including the Illinois State Dance Festival on May 10, the upcoming concert marks the end of the year for the group as a whole.

"I'm extremely emotional," Frame said, anticipating tears after the show. "This will always be my first group -- a very special group for me."

It's a special group for the departing seniors as well. Biegal says the girls' passion for dance and their dedication to each other will show in their performance.

"We're loving what we're doing and committing completely to it," Biegal said. "You meet some of your best friends here, but it's different because you're not only meeting people; you have to work with them. You're creating art with these people. It brings you so close to everyone."

If you go

What: Neuqua Valley's Orchesis dance troupe's 11th annual showcase

When: 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday

Where: Neuqua Valley High School theater, 2360 95th St., Naperville

Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for students

Info: (630) 428-6000