Mercyhurst University Presents Raw Edges

Friday, March 17

For 19 years, the Mercyhurst University dance department has showcased student choreography through its annual spring performance. This year, the tradition continues.

From March 17 to 19, the dance department invites the public to Raw Edges, a unique show that will feature the choreography of 16 upper-level dance major students, who have spent months preparing routines that address complex topics like obsession, death, and mental illness.

Student choreographers auditioned in December and began rehearsals shortly after in early January. With some guidance from department faculty, it's students who create the show. They are responsible for choices in costume, lighting, music, and more.

This year's choreographers have found inspiration in art and poetry. They've used resources both in and outside of the dance department, working with psychology and biology professors and involving the Mercyhurst student choir in the performances.

During intermissions, students will speak with the audience through interactive "Talk Back" sessions. They will recall and describe their individual artistic processes and explain how they turned their ideas into original choreographed routines.

The 16 student choreographers are supervised by faculty members Noelle Partusch, Mark Santillano, and Solveig Santillano. – Tracy Geibel

4:30 p.m. on Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, 2 p.m. on Sunday // Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center at Mercyhurst University, 501 E. 38th St. // $15 adults, $10 seniors and students, $5 ages 12 and under // 824.3000 // miac.mercyhurst.edu