This semester our Loretto Academy dance team, Orchesis, led by senior president Kylin Aguirre and senior vice president Alejandra Chew-Oaxaca competed in a dance event at the El Paso County Coliseum.
The Orchesis dance team practices after school twice a week in the dance studio.
Guided by head sponsor Mrs. Cortez, the girls are often learning new choreography for school performances such as the fall and spring recitals.
This year, however, encouraged by athletic director Mr. Nieto, Orchesis decided to enroll in an actual competition where they would be going up against other rival teams in the city.
The Orchesis team chose to dance a “Veracruz folklorico” or Son Jarocho, which
refers to a vibrant regional folk music and dance style from the Mexican state of Veracruz.
Vice President Alejandra Chew took on a leading role while prepping for this performance and choreographed the entirety of the dance.
She said, “I have been teaching folklorico to the Orchesis girls for about two years now, they have always been really excited to learn the dances and it makes me glad that I’m able to share that part of my life with them.”
Pieces of the choreography were the same from Orchesis’ winter showcase at Loretto but a few adjustments were made to make the dance more challenging, including wearing candles atop their heads!
On the day of the performance the Orchesis team met backstage to practice their routine and go over any last minute adjustments.
Unfortunately, one team member’s candle broke minutes before Orchesis was set to take the stage.
Thankfully, Alejandra had some tape on her and was able to fix the candle right before they went on to perform.
The Orchesis team went on to win second place in the competition and were able to bring home the silver for Loretto Academy.
Kylin said, “Participating in this competition was so good. I loved it.”
Although this is the first competition Orchesis has competed in in recent years, it’s reassuring to know that this could be the start of a new tradition where the dance team can partake not only in showcases but also in multiple competitions throughout the year.
Kylin said, “I’m glad to know that future Orchesis members will likely continue this new tradition.”
It’s a joy to know that from now on the entire El Paso community will be witness to the hard work, effort, and dedication given by our Loretto dancers.
