Central Washington University - Orchesis Dance Company

Announcing our second round of auditions for the 2026/2027 academic year! We are looking for strong, skilled, performers from a broad range of backgrounds to participate in our University Dance Company. Auditions will be held in Nicholson Pavilion 124 at 3PM. Directors will be making decisions immediately following auditions. If you are accepted into the company you will be required to stay for an all company meeting from ~4-5:50PM.
Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/jgwCDNX0Sr

📸Photo by Dance Faculty McKenzie Baird of recent grad Rhodes Van Houten from our Spring 2026 performance.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Arlette is a 4th year getting her music degree in vocal performance and a minor in dance performance. she has been on the CWU dance team for all 4 years and a part of the Orchesis dance company for the past 2. After graduation, she hopes to audition and book gigs in either the music or dance fields. she is very grateful for all the experiences her time at Central gave her.

Next up in our senior spotlight is Beth who is majoring in business administration with a specialization in leadership and management. After graduation she will be attending cosmetology school. Beth has been in Orchesis for four years and choreographing with us for the past three! Here's what she had to share, "I am thankful for all the lessons I’ve learned and the friendships I’ve gained while being apart of Orchesis."

Registration for Spring auditions is now open! In-person auditions are on Saturday 5/30 from 2-4PM in Nicholson 124. You can audition for both the CWU Dance Team and the Orchesis Dance Company on the same day, go check out for more info.

Register here:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/irbfZryE3f

📸by Dance Faculty McKenzie Baird

Happy International Dance Day! Reflecting on our amazing shows last week, feeling super lucky that we get to do what we love. Thank you to Dance Faculty McKenzie Baird for these photos!

Our next senior is Amy Sisson! Amy who is a dance major and entrepreneurship minor has made a lasting impact through her dedication, leadership, and commitment here at the Orchesis Dance Company.

Reflecting on her time dancing at Central, Amy shared that the experience has meant everything to her. It has strengthened her work ethic, taught her the importance of teamwork, and helped her grow both as a dancer and as a professional.

During her time here she served as Dance Team co-captain for 3 consecutive years. She was also a member of Orchesis throughout all four years and choreographed three pieces that were featured in company recitals. Additionally, she brought her piece “Name in Lights” to the NDEO National Conference of September 2024!

Amy, thank you for your hard work and contributions to this program. We look forward to seeing all that you accomplish in the future!

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Rhodes has been a member of Orchesis this year and has had an incredible experience being part of the group. They recently completed a Master of Science in Integrative Human Physiology and will be starting a PhD program in Human Physiology with a specialization in neuroscience at the University of Oregon. Rhodes has been choreographing for the stage for about seven years, though this was their first-year choreographing for Orchesis. They shared how thankful they are to have found such a kind and supportive community of dancers, which helped them fall in love with dance again while also allowing them to explore their creativity and learn from other dancers and choreographers.

Want to see why these dancers are so happy? We open in two days! Get your tickets at the link in our bio 🤩
📸 by one of our amazing Assistant Stage Managers, Rowan Lorio .theater