Wheeling Orchesis to perform at national festival
Submitted by Gina Badal/District 214
Wheeling High School Orchesis is proud to announce that it will be one of the few groups from public, non-magnet schools selected to perform during the closing night gala concert of the National High School Dance Festival on March 10.
The dance “Flow,” choreographed by former River North dancer Lizzie Mackenzie, will be presented in the 1,870-seat Merriam Theatre in Philadelphia. Over 150 works were submitted from public, private and magnet fine arts high schools in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Bermuda for inclusion in festival performances. This marks the third time in the last three festivals that Wheeling Orchesis has been selected to perform. Cast members include Dani Bitout, Mallorie Bromer, Chelsie Coren, Aaron Jung, Harlan Rosen, Melody Sylvester, and understudy Marika Paciorek.
The community is encouraged to attend a preview of the work during the upcoming annual Orchesis concert, “Juxtaposition,” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 23-25, in the school’s Sang Theater. Wheeling High School is at 900 S. Elmhurst Road, Wheeling. This year’s concert will celebrate the diversity and creativity of the 27 members in Orchesis. Works include tap, classical Indian dance, lyrical, jazz, tango, modern, and musical theater. In addition to Mackenzie, guest artist pieces were created by Scott Bartell (Spectrum Dance Theatre, Washington), Allen Desterhaft (professional ballroom dancer), Tim Heck (former member of Blue Man Group), and Amanda Tanguay (from Marriott’s cast of “Legally Blonde”). Tickets are $8 and available at the door or purchased in advance at the school’s main office during school hours.
The Orchesis season will continue as Wheeling next hosts Dance for Life’s Next Generation for the 18th year at 5 p.m. Sunday, March 4. The event will feature 12 youth companies performing professionally choreographed works by some of Chicago’s premiere artists. All proceeds will be donated to Dance For Life and The Children’s Place Association. Orchesis will then travel to Philadelphia to attend and perform in the National High School Dance Festival.
For information, email Diane Rawlinson at diane.rawlinson@d214.org.
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