Orchesis builds a stage for everyone
- Laura Celadon
- May 31
- 4 min read
Performed by over 200 students, “Orchesis Presents: By the SeashOrchesis” brought bold choreography, vibrant lights, and an unwavering sense of community.

Photo by Sherry Chen/The Barnard Bulletin
May 31, 2025
Orchesis: A Dance Group at Columbia University held its most recent performance on Sunday, April 6. The ensemble of more than 200 dancers performed 20 different numbers by 18 choreographers. Many of the choreographers had already been a part of Orchesis, either as dancers, choreographers, or both. The dances were a mix of jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop.
Orchesis is the largest student-run dance group in all of Columbia. Aiming to provide an inclusive space on campus for students to get together and dance, this group welcomes dancers at any level, regardless of previous experience. Even graduate students and alumni are welcome to audition. Orchesis puts on semesterly showcases, and each performance includes many pieces with various styles showcased throughout.
One of the senior choreographers, Pia Velázquez (BC ’25), had been with Orchesis since fall semester of her junior year and was also a dancer in many numbers in the showcase. “While I had definitely choreographed dances for myself and my friends, whether it was for fun or high school talent shows, I did not have any experience choreographing for a large group of people, so it was definitely an interesting experience. I was really fortunate to have a great cast that was willing to learn and grow with me. They were very patient when I would forget what I was teaching, which I promise happened very few times,” said Velázquez.

Senior choreographer, Pia Velázquez (BC ’25) and other dancers.
Photo by Sherry Chen/The Barnard Bulletin
When talking about her experience as a choreographer, Velázquez said, “This experience made me realize that choreographing is about so much more than just teaching a dance. It’s also about creating a relationship with your dancers where you can be honest about what works and what doesn’t, and have fun!”
Also a dancer, Velázquez elaborated on her experience by saying, “I’ve been doing it my whole life, and I’m very grateful that Orchesis allowed me to do it in college in a more relaxed setting. The experience of being a dancer is different from being a choreographer because you don’t have the responsibility of creating a dance, but you do have the responsibility to make the choreographer’s vision come to life while still making the dance your own.”
With quick transitions in between, each dance had a clear aesthetic theme, supported by the song choice, lighting, and costumes. The entire showcase was made up of dances for pop culture songs, ranging from Nicki Minaj to Lorde to a song from “Teen Beach Movie.” Each dancer brought so much energy, reflecting their love for performing together onstage. The energy and song choices made the audience cheer throughout the showcase, creating a strong sense of community.
One of the technical elements that stood out the most was the use of colorful lighting, which would slowly change into a gradient of color as the dance progressed. This made the entire showcase more lively and entertaining by focusing the attention of the audience through the use of vibrant backdrop colors such as reds, purples, blues, and greens.
Each piece also had a unique costume. Each dancer wore a distinct outfit, however, everyone matched colors and styles, simultaneously maintaining individuality and unity in each number. For example, for the ninth performance, choreographed by Brianna Lubin (CC ’25) to the song “Never Too Much” by Luther Vandross, dancers wore black and silver outfits. No one wore the same costume, but they all incorporated black and silver with different materials and styles.

Photo by Sherry Chen/The Barnard Bulletin
The entire audience was filled with students ready to support their peers, screaming and clapping throughout each performance. “The performance was so energetic and the choreography matched the song choices perfectly,” said Valerie Chiege (CC ’28). “The whole showcase was really entertaining and fast paced because of how short each dance was.” When asked what her favorite dance was, Valerie responded, “My favorite has to be the second dance after the intermission. That was the dance for the song ‘Problem’ by Ariana Grande because it had my favorite choreography and the dancers felt very energetic for the performance.”
I particularly loved the first performance, called “Nicki MinOrchesis.” It was choreographed by Abby Mankin (BC ’25) and Haley Scull (BC ’25) to the Nicki Minaj songs “Roman’s Revenge,” “Anaconda,” “Super Bass,” and “Beauty and a Beat (ft. Justin Bieber).” Pink hues were projected as a backdrop, and there were so many dancers onstage, which was a powerful beginning for the entire showcase.
The Orchesis showcase was a celebration of movement, creativity, and community. With its inclusivity, energy, and wide range of talent, Orchesis continues to provide a space where students come together to express themselves and support one another, both onstage and in the crowd. Their showcases are must-see events for the Columbia community.
