Orchesis parent #3 chiming in. Many kids get in after the auditions, it's not about weeding out only the best but meeting kids where they are with respect to dance. Many levels represented and they learn tons. Plenty of 9th grade spots available. Awesome leadership and choreo opportunities. Great way to keep your kiddo in dance while allowing them to explore other activities and maintain a healthy "work-life" balance.

Another orchesis parent. Agree with the PP. To me, the real benefit of joining the team isn't the dance instruction (my DD is unlikely to dance past high school) but the experience of choreographing your own dance, teaching it to the girls who will be performing it, coaching them to make it polished, and then performing it in front of the school community. It takes a lot of gumption. They have to learn to deal with team members who don't pull their weight, injuries that derail things, and the outcome is ultimately seen by all their friends. Pretty nerve-racking.

Current parent of orchesis. It's a lovely group of kids. Some with no dancing experience and some with. It's very heterogeneous. My daughter has enjoyed it. They also encourage them to choreograph their own things for a portion (with their groups) and that's great to watch.

It probably helps to have some dance experience, but most that want to join make it. The girls seem to enjoy it, but I wish they offered more instruction and less “self-directed” routines. My daughter used to think they are so advanced, and was part of junior orchesis, but overtime started to recognize that’s it’s not particularly inspired as you would hope for a dance team.

Learned a new word today - neat!

Hi. Wondering if anyone has experience with Holton's Orchesis team. if so, how experienced do you need to be to be accepted? And are there typically 9th graders on the team? Thanks.