Dance
Orchesis Fine Arts Dance Troupe is an after-school dance troupe open to any student interested in the performing arts. It does not cost anything to join Orchesis but there are some activities that require registration and payment.
- Create original choreographies in the dance style of your choice
- Perform at Leyden events
- Attend dance workshops
- Take classes from guest instructors
- Field trips to see professional dance company shows
- Make new friends & dance on stage!
Follow us on Insta: @Leyden_Orchesis
Interested? Fill out the interest form on the bottom of the page and attend one of our first meetings:
Mondays @ 3:15- 5pm | WEST Dance Studio
Thursdays @ 3:15 - 5pm | EAST Dance Studio
2025 - 2026 Season Highlights
Leyden Homecoming Pep Rally (Sept 26th)
Create an original choreography as a troupe and perform with the fine arts at the homecoming pep rally!
Illinois High School Dance Festival Workshop (Oct 25th)
Field trip to an all day dance workshop to take classes and see a professional dance company performance!
Giordano Choreography Project (Oct-Jan)
Take dance classes from and learn an original choreography from a professional dancer from the Giordano Dance Company in Chicago. Perform on stage alongside 14 other area high schools on
Saturday January 17th!
Basketball Game Halftime Shows (Dec 19 & Jan 24)
Create a fun, high energy dance in the dance style of your choice and perform at Leyden basketball games alongside color guard!
Leyden Musical (Nov-March)
Orchesis dancers are encouraged (but not required) to audition for the musical in November to broaden their horizons and have another opportunity to dance on stage in March.
Leyden Dances! Student Choreography Showcase (May 3rd)
Open auditions in mid-March for students to create their own choreography in a dance style of their choosing, to perform in our annual showcase at West Leyden.
Rehearsal & Performance Calendar
Meet the Directors:
Artistic Director:
Ms. Lindsay Longstreth is a teacher at West Leyden, and has been dancing since high school. She has competed, performed, and taught vintage swing dance and vernacular jazz for over 20 years. She was a member of her college modern dance troupe both as a performer and choreographer. She has coached Orchesis since 2021. LLongstreth@leyden212.org
West Coach:
Mrs. Mari Uremovic is a counselor at West Leyden. She loves to dance and has been working with Orchesis since 2023. MUremovic@leyden212.org
East Coach:
Ms. Megan Michorczyk is a Social Studies teacher at East Leyden and former West Leyden graduate. She sponsors Service Club and coaches Girls Basketball. In her free time, she enjoys taking salsa classes which inspired her involvement in Orchesis. MMichorczyk@leyden212.org