Early Start for Moor Dancers

During the summer, two of AHS’ dance teams, Orchesis and All Male Dance Team, began practicing and showing new members the ins and outs of being a part of a team.

Orchesis held practices starting Aug. 10 every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The returning members dedicated their time to showing new members the basic techniques.

This included introducing and perfecting techniques, such as turns, leaps, chasses and other foundational dance moves.

The leaders had a good amount of work to accomplish, considering that there are approximately 58 members, with about 25 to 30 new girls to add to the team roster.

“Training new members was a bit of a challenge because, as a teammate, trying to critique the girls was difficult because there [always was] a risk of insulting or embarrassing them, or making them feel like they are being singled out,” said senior Orchesis member Vanessa Giles. “Sometimes it is hard, but we are all really doing the same thing: Trying to make the team perform better.”

Orchesis also made progress for the Homecoming routine that will be performed at the assembly later this year.

Similarly, the All Male Dance Team has been working on new choreography that they perfected during the summer.

Various styles of dance, such as hip-hop and feminine have been at the top of their to-do list, while also working to add their own personal interpretations and styles to each routine.

Both Orchesis and All Male Dance Team share the same sentiments about upcoming competitions and performances.

“Our leaders are working their foundations up and leading the team with enthusiasm and creativity,” said senior All Male Dance Team member Arty Jiang.  “We have bonded as a team with a common goal of achieving an award-winning set.”

Victoria Gavia, Copy Editor