Grace and Gravity

Mark Santillano

The Mercyhurst Dance Department presents Grace and Gravity, featuring 42 dancers who defy, as well as embrace, gravity.

Premiering Friday, Nov. 11

Featuring a mixed repertoire of classical and contemporary works, the Mercyhurst Dancers will present Grace and Gravity at the Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center from Nov. 11-20. The concert features two faculty-choreographed dances, one restaging of a classical repertoire, and three pieces by guest choreographer, Sidra Bell. In all, the program features the talents of 42 dancers who defy, as well as embrace, gravity.

The production opens with "Pas de Quatre," a Romantic Era ballet. This interpretation features Jules Perrot's original choreography while offering a fresh look through interpretation and costuming. The story focuses on four women, all linked by romantic liaisons with Perrot, explains Jennifer McNamara, assistant professor of dance. "I've also made the decision to costume the dancers in more sleek, contemporary dresses rather than using the traditional voluminous tutus because I wanted to create a visual disruption of the stereotypes often associated with this iconic work in the Romantic canon."

Grace and Gravity features three different casts of four dancers and Richard DiFiore, principal pianist and music director for the Mercyhurst University Department of Dance, on piano. In addition, three pieces choreographed by internationally renowned guest artist Sidra Bell, whose work reveals aspects of the human condition through a distinctly female lens, make this a must-see production.

Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11-12, and Nov. 18-19, at 7 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 13, and Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. // Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center, 501 E. 38th St. // $5 to $15 // For more information visit: miac.mercyhurst.edu