What is Orchesis?

Orchesis is a Greek term whose truest meaning is "to dance." It began as a university dance club first organized at the University of Wisconsin-Madison during the academic year 1917-1918 by a group of students who wanted more opportunity to study dance than was possible in regular university classes. Orchesis is not a national organization but a name used by graduates of Wisconsin for their own dance groups as they began to teach in various sections of the United States.

At UNI, Orchesis began as a dance group of eleven members organized during the academic year 1926-1927 and is presently a UNI dance company of students interested in pursuing the choreography, performance, and production of ballet, jazz, modern, and tap styles of dance. Orchesis at UNI is also a student organization that provides social opportunities to its members and is governed by elected student officers.

Orchesis members have many performing opportunities throughout the school year. In the fall, Orchesis shares the stage with UNI International Dance Theater members for the Family Fest Dance Concert. In the spring, Orchesis produces a full length dance concert. If you are interested in becoming an Orchesis member, please visit our Auditions site. Orchesis is available for performances, clinics, and classes for the community.

For further information, contact the dance program.