Dance
Orchesis Dance Troupe is an extracurricular student dance group offered by the Leyden High School Fine Arts Department. It is open to students across the district, grades 9-12. Students have the opportunity to learn various styles including modern, contemporary, bachata, authentic jazz, kpop, lyrical, modern, hip-hop, and cultural dance forms. Orchesis is a great opportunity to develop their technical skills, performance skills, learn how to produce original choreographies, expand aesthetic values, and enhance expressive and creative abilities. We also attend dance festivals, host guest instructors, and go on field trips to see professional dance performances.
Upcoming Performances
Giordano Choreography Project Performance
Purchase tickets to support your friends as they take the stage on Saturday, Jan 18th @ 7:00pm at Barrington HS! Order tickets here
Spring 2025 Events
Want to join Orchesis? We accept new dancers throughout the year by audition only.
IHSDF Student Choreography Competition (Jan/Feb)
Join Orchesis and compete against high schools across the state with an original choreography for this year's IHSDF Student Choreography Competition!
Auditions:
- Tuesday January 28th @3:10pm East Auditorium.
- Fill out the interest form here
- Informational Slides here
- Email Mrs. Naik (enaik@leyden212.org) if you have any questions!
Leyden Fine Arts Dance Showcase (March/April/May)
All Leyden dancers are invited to audition to perform in the annual Fine Arts Dance Showcase. All styles are welcome - ballet, tap, kpop, hip hop, bachata, salsa, swing, and more! Solos, duets, and groups can audition.
Auditions:
- Monday March 10th @ 3:10 West Dance Studio
- Tuesday March 11th @ 3:10 East Auditorium
- Email Ms. Longstreth with any questions
Rehearsal & Performance Calendar
Meet the Directors:
Artistic Director: Lindsay Longstreth is a teacher at West Leyden, and has been dancing since high school. She has competed, performed, and taught authentic swing dance and 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.
email: llongstreth@leyden212.org
West Assistant Director: Mari Uremovic is a counselor at West Leyden. She loves to dance and this is her second year working with Orchesis.
email: MUremovic@leyden212.org
East Assistant Director: Emily Naik is an English teacher at East Leyden. She grew up taking a variety of dance classes and participating on her high school poms team. During her teaching career, she also coached cheerleading for six years. This is her first year working with the Leyden Orchesis Dance Troupe.
email: enaik@leyden212.org