Spring moves

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CMU’s Orchesis Dance Theatre troupe isn’t letting the cold and soggy
weather dampen its performers’ spirits heading into its annual spring
performance.

Orchesis will perform in Moore Hall’s Bush Theatre Thursday through Saturday
at 8 p.m.

This year’s performance will include 14 dances, incorporating different
genres of dance, said Orchesis Director Yvette Birs Crandall.

“I think there’s a variety in our shows,” Birs Crandall said.
“There are some pieces that are more adult entertainment, but there are
some dances that can be entertaining for both adults and younger adults.”

Styles of dance this year include jazz, tap, hip hop, ballet and modern dance,
Birs Crandall said.

“These performances are a way to present dance as a visual and performing
art to the community,” she said. “It also gives our student dancers
a chance to perform, who have studied and performed dance for years.”

Birs Crandall said Orchesis’ main goal is to bring the performing arts
to Mount Pleasant.

“We’re not a large metropolitan area, so our main goal is to bring
dance to the community, and we do have local dance studios, so it gives those
in the studios a chance to perform.

“It’s a good way to present dance as a visual and performing art
to the community.”

This year, Birs Crandall is expecting a good turn out because of the show’s
various dance numbers.

“We have a good turnout usually,” Birs Crandall said. “Last
year, we had one show completely sell out — we had people literally standing
at the box office and didn’t have any seats available. This year, we have
a number of dances that are geared toward younger viewers, but generally we
try to give a variety and some depth to our shows, so everyone attending our
concerts can enjoy the show.

“But the kids love to bring their friends and parents up for the shows.”

Birs Crandall said it is great to have dance troupe that is as diverse as
Central’s campus.

“Our company is drawn from all across campus, from all different majors
and areas of the university” she said. “It’s nice to have a
group that’s so diverse.”

Tickets are available at CMU Box Office, located on the lower level of the
Bovee University Center, or by calling 774-3000 or toll free at (888) CMU-0111
and are $3 for students and $5 for general admission.