Mercyhurst Dance Department Brings 'Tis the Season to Life

Friday, Dec. 2

The Mercyhurst Dance Department will perform 'Tis the Season, featuring "The Nutcracker Suite," on Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center.

"We are excited because it's the first time they've done *The Nutcracker in five years," said Danielle Kaiser, administrative assistant for the Mercyhurst Dance Department.

The department is collaborating with Lesley Bories-Scalise, artistic director at Lake Erie Ballet.

A few weeks after this performance, the Mercyhurst dancers will perform with Lake Erie Ballet Dec. 16 through 18 at the Warner Theatre. While Mercyhurst's 'Tis the Season will feature only the second act of *The Nutcracker, the Lake Erie Ballet performance will include both acts, as it has done for 58 years.

However, the Mercyhurst show, with about 60 dance majors who have been practicing since September, will also include a segment called "Holiday Fun on Fa La La La Lane."

"We stress that it's the segment for the kids," Kaiser said.

There are singing Santa Clauses and dancing candy canes, and 20 to 30 dancers are on stage at a time.

"It's a little more light-hearted," Kaiser continued.

Admission is $5 per person. Non-perishable food items may be donated to receive one (1) child's ticket as well.

"It will get you in the holiday spirit," Kaiser said. – Tracy Geibel

4:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2; 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 // Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center, 501 E. 38th St. // $5 // 824.3000 // miac.mercyhurst.edu/events/mercyhurst-dance-department-tis-the-season-featuring-the-nutcracker-suite/