Grambling State University - Tiger Yearbook (Grambling, LA)

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es eetrn iy, BAS Tiger Life 321

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TIGER LIFE Dancers 3 32) Artist 323 The Oldest 324 | Brief Case Man 325 Night People 326 Roughing It 328 Single Parents 330 Madness 332 EMERGENC 320 Tiger Life Commuters 334 Researchers 336 Getting A Job 338 Fashions 340 Cheap Gas 341 | Graduate Students 342 | Hats

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eo eoOnomry ZrPzmmre Z=rOOsn Orchesis Dancing Their Way To Fame The pay is “extremely low,’”’ the competition is tough and only the strong survive. If you are a member of the Grambling State University Orchesis Dance Group, you are quite accustomed to the above criteria. They are the “‘facts of life’’ for each dancer. Actually, it’s not all that bad. There are benefits—travel, fame and performances before thousands of appreciative fans. Heading the famous dance group is Dianne Maroney, an out- standing teacher and disciplinarian. To become an Orchesis member one must endure hours of practice. In the fall dancers work out daily from 6 to 8 p.m. and springtime sessions are even longer. In addition to the 6 to 8 p.m. daily practices, Orchesis members also attend 12:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday extravaganzas and 10 to 12 a.m. Sunday workouts during the spring. How does one join? Well, anyone can try out. Although for- mer dance training is desirable, it’s not required. Ms. Maroney is known for her ability to train anyone willing to learn. Beginners usually start with the apprentice group. There one . perfects his or her skills in hopes of making the first unit. Competition is keen on both units, and one must try out for each dance performance. “We're actually organized like a dance company,” noted dancer Robin Porter. ‘‘The group is all volunteer and there is no pay.” Practice is usually held in the basement of Bowen Hall. There members are trained in the techniques of ballet, modern (Tortou and Graham) dance, jazz and ethnic routines. In the fall most of the time is spent getting ready for halftime performances. Springtime work is geared more towards shows at universities and area schools. So why does one join such an elite group? Ms. Porter gave this reason: “I love to dance and this keeps me in shape.’ Members of the organization include Ronald Jackson, Cheryl Gilyard, Mia Lancaster, Arlene Wright, Robin Porter, Khi Wil- liams, Millicent Pnen, Libbie Taylor, Tracy Benjamin, James Sherrell, Alexis Pricsley, Toni Singleton, Monica Illes, Angela Spearman, Lorraine Morgan, Carla Winston, Stephanie McHenry, Charena Steverson, Reva Holmes, Andrea Satanley and Makeda Zulu. Male dancer practices. Members of the first unit work out. Dianne instructs. onsite