The University of Alberta Orchesis Dance Group Constitution

1.1.      The name of this organization is Orchesis Dance Group also referred to as Orchesis. Formerly titled Orchesis Modern Dance Group and Orchesis Creative Dance. From this moment forward may also be referred to as the Group.

2.        ARTICLE: MISSION STATEMENT

2.1.      Orchesis Dance Group (Orchesis) is an organization for dancers of all ability levels, from beginner to advanced, offered by the University of Alberta (also referred to as the University). Orchesis provides opportunities for camaraderie and valuable shared group activities, with the experiential, developmental, and growth possibilities this implies. Orchesis is open to anyone interested in any aspect of dance.

3.        ARTICLE: OBJECTIVES OF THIS ORGANIZATION

3.1.      Orchesis is designed to meet a number of needs and to include a wide range of modern and jazz dance enthusiasts through the following objectives:

3.1.1.           To provide professional quality modern and jazz dance training.

3.1.2.           To offer varying levels of classes in modern and jazz technique and movement exploration appropriate to a broad range of needs.

3.1.3.           To provide a laboratory situation for Members to develop their dance talents and skill level.

3.1.4.           To provide performing opportunities in a fully produced concert environment.

3.1.5.           To give aspiring choreographers and established guest choreographers a venue to create dances with and on a willing and trained population.

3.1.6.           To stimulate, enthuse, and inspire dancers toward new dance approaches in modern and jazz dance.

3.1.7.           To provide an educative medium for participants and audience within the university and community at large. Orchesis serves as an outreach for the University.

3.1.9.           To offer Group opportunities to see professional dance concerts at a discounted Group rate, further stimulating review, critique, and dance study.

4.        ARTICLE: MEMBERSHIP

4.1.      All types of Membership may be referred to as Members.

4.2.      Active Membership in Orchesis is for the duration of the academic year, beginning at Fall Session and ending at the end of Spring session of each academic year.

4.2.1.           There are 3 levels of active Membership:

4.2.1.1.      Student Membership: University of Alberta students (matriculated full or part time student paying user fees through tuition)

4.2.1.2.      Alumni/Staff: formerly or currently associated with the University and the Orchesis Group

4.2.1.3.      Non-university Membership: affiliated college students, and Edmonton community, ages 16 and up.

4.2.2.           Continuing Members renew their Membership in late August or September.

4.2.3.           According to Campus Recreation Club guidelines, up to 10% of Membership may be made up of non-university people (Student Group guidelines state 2/3 of all Members must be University of Alberta Students).

4.2.4.           An active Member must ensure that he or she is informed of Orchesis business. For that purposes they shall put their name on the listserv.

4.2.5.           Active Members registered for the full year may perform in any Orchesis production, may choreograph, are invited to the choreographer's presentations and may be involved in any aspect of any choreographer's rehearsals.

4.2.6.           Members may take advantage of other discounts offered through Orchesis Dance Group.

4.3.      Associate Members of Orchesis have full privileges of Active Members.

4.4.      The Director of the Group appoints Associate Membership status for the year to people who foster the objectives of the Group. Associate Members do not have to pay for Membership dues as outlined under Bylaw 9, Membership Dues.  However, Associate Members must comply by Bylaw 9.

4.5.      Executive Members of Orchesis sit on the Executive or Extended Board for the full term as outlined by Article 6 and have full privileges of Active Members, however do not have to pay for Membership dues as outlined under Bylaw 9. Executive Members are selected as outlined in Bylaw 7 and Bylaw 8. Membership fees are as outlined by Bylaw 9.

4.6.      A drop-in policy is provided as a "trial" class. A dancer new to Orchesis may try any regular class. If the new dancer wants to become a Member they shall register in full.

4.7.      Choreographers

4.7.1.           Student Member Choreographers are chosen from an application process each year to have their work included in Dance Motif. They must be active Members registered for the full year.

4.7.2.           Faculty and Guest Choreographers are selected from the instructional faculty, the wider Edmonton area dance community and, occasionally, out of town professionals. They may be Associate or Honorary Members. The Director makes recommendations based on past experience, affordability and future expectations of the Group. Group development and exposure to professionally focused dance experiences are strongly considered. Guest choreographers will be chosen by the Director with advisement from instructors and will be discussed by the Board.

5.        ARTICLE: DANCE MOTIF

5.1.      Dance Motif, or Motif, is an annual performance event facilitated by Orchesis Dance Group.

5.2.      All Motif participants, with the exception of the Myer Horowitz Theatre Staff and Guest Choreographers, must be Members of Orchesis to participate.

5.3.      The Choreographic Submissions and Selection process for the composition of Motif is defined and coordinated by the Director.

5.4.      During the second or third Tuesday of September, the Director meets with the elected Student Choreographers and the Faculty Choreographers to discuss the artistic ideas, the rehearsal schedules, and the mentoring required for the Student Choreographers.

5.5.      For every Student Choreographer, a Mentor Faculty Choreographer is designated to provide guidance and feedback on the artistic creative process for the Choreography.

5.6.      During the second or third Thursday of September, following the Choreographers’ Meeting, the Choreographers present their ideas and sign up dancers at the Choreographers’ Idea Presentation.  All Orchesis Members who plan to be involved in

Links:

• Orchesis Dance Group Constitution