Amidst the madness of homecoming week, the UNI dance program — comprised of Orchesis Dance Company and IDT Dance Company — presented its fall performance on Friday, Oct. 19, and on Sunday, Oct. 21 in Russell Hall.

The performance featured several styles of dance; from hip-hop and hula to modern to disco.

Different styles had a varying number of performers in them. Some pieces consisted of only four dancers, while others involved larger groups of about twenty or thirty performers.

Both dance companies, directed by UNI’s sole dance faculty member, Mandy Masmar, began preparing for the performance just after the semester began.

“A lot of time and dedication was put into each rehearsal and performance,” said Maddie Young, a senior business administration major and president of Orchesis. “It is just a testament to the hard work and dedication that members of Orchesis and IDT have.”

The performance included 12 different pieces with students serving in a variety of capacities: dancers, understudies, choreographers, stage-hands and stage-managers. Young herself choreographed a piece titled “Seeking Serenity” and performed in three other pieces.

“The fall performance showcases everything these two dance companies have been working on since the beginning of the semester,” Young said. “It gives students the opportunity to choreograph and showcase their imagination and creativity. We love sharing our passion of dance to the student body and to have others more aware of the art as well. I think it is important to learn and become aware of different art forms that can broaden your understanding of others and this world we live in. The two companies are unique in that we perform so many styles of dance, many of which are not always showcased.”

Another performer was Jenny Krause, a senior human resources and psychology major and president of IDT. The pieces in which Krause danced ranged from traditional Vietnamese styles to musical theatre.

“The purpose of our performances is to tell a story throughout every piece,” Krause said. “Each performance also makes every dancer grow not only as a dancer, but also as a performer.”

Orchesis focuses mainly on ballet and modern technique, while IDT members learn a wider variety of dance styles.

“We cover dance styles ranging from ballroom, folk, studio and many other international styles,” Krause said. “Each semester there are different styles of dance performed at each of our fall and spring shows.”

Both Orchesis and IDT are student organizations, but they also function as classes through which students can receive credit. Both companies meet twice a week in the Wellness and Recreation Center — Orchesis on Mondays and Wednesdays, and IDT on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“All in all, we are a community of friends who wants to share our love and passion for dance with others,” Young said.

Orchesis will be holding auditions on the Wednesday before finals. IDT does not require any audition or previous dance experience. For more information, students can contact Mandy Masmar at [email protected].