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Cal Poly Orchesis Dance Company Gives ‘Gala Performance’ at Regional Dance Festival

Cal Poly’s Orchesis Dance Company was selected from among a diverse group of regional collegiate dance companies to perform in the Gala Performance at the recent American College Dance Festival.

The festival, a regional conference that celebrates collegiate dance with classes, workshops and adjudicated concerts, was held March 13-16 at Scottsdale Community College in Arizona.

Dance companies from Mills College, the University of Hawaii, Humboldt State, the University of Arizona, Arizona State, Sacramento State, St. Mary's College, Sonoma State and more participated in the festival’s three concert performances.

Orchesis was one of 11 companies chosen for the Gala Performance, which showcases the festival’s most exemplary dances.

“Even without a dance major, our school was celebrated with as high an honor as any school with a dance major would seek,” said Diana Stanton, Cal Poly associate professor of dance. “The adjudicators are some of the most prominent professionals in the field, and they give critical feedback to the choreographic work that the schools present. This is a huge honor, and we are nothing short of thrilled.”

This marks the second time in 10 years that Orchesis was selected to be part of the Gala Performance. The Gala Performance is not a competition, but rather a celebration of choreographic artistry, innovation, and excellence in performance.

Cal Poly presented “Water,” a work of guest artist Wade Madsen from Seattle. The adjudicators called the dance “masterfully crafted” and gave special recognition to the student performers. “Our students were recognized for their clarity of execution, sophisticated expression of nuance, and the power of the group as an ensemble,” Stanton said.

Stanton recognized Christy McNeil, Cal Poly’s newest full-time dance faculty member, for “rehearsing the dance to excellence.”

For more information on the dance program at Cal Poly, contact  at 805-756-2039 or the Theatre & Dance Department at 805-756-1465.

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