Want to dance?

Did you used to dance but you're not a dance major? Never danced before but think it would be cool to try? Need a fun way to get some exercise? Then open class is for you!

Tuesdays and Thursdays in the dancespace you can find several kinds of dance classes to take part in. On both days an Intermediate Ballet Technique class is taught by senior dance major Tori Scott. It's a great class to come and take if you used to do ballet or if you are a dance major and want to take some extra classes. There is no dress code so it's a great way to take a good class and have fun. On Tuesdays Belly Dancing is taught by Anna Daught who is also a senior dance major. This class is something different and really fun. If you don't know much about Belly Dancing or are curious to try it, then come see what it is all about! On Thursdays junior dance major Jessica Stachelrodt teaches Hip Hop. This class is a good work out sure to make you sweat. It's good for someone trying hip hop for the first time or someone who has taken it for years. If you didn't know how to move before you will certainly be able to after one of Jessica's classes! There is also an intermediate/advanced Ballet Class taught on Saturday mornings.

So if it's Ballet you are interested in or you want to try Belly Dancing or Hip Hop, please don't hesitate to come by and check out these great classes! Mercyhurst community can attend Hip Hop and Belly Dancing for free, the Ballet class is $5 per class or you can purchase a class card. General Public must purchase a class card to take any of the open classes.

For more information check out the Mercyhurst Dance Department Website! dance.mercyhurst.edu


Schedule of Classes:

Intermediate Ballet - Tues. and Thurs. 6-7:30 p.m.

Belly Dancing - Tues. 6-7:30 p.m.

Hip Hop - Thurs. 6-7:30 p.m.

Intermediate/Advanced Ballet - Sat. 10:30 a.m. - noon

All classes in Zurn Hall danceSpace studios

Parents Weekend

Wow time is flying! It is already the fifth week of the term, which means mid-terms are upon us. Dance rehearsals are in full swing as we prepare for our Holiday Concert.

This coming weekend is Homecoming and Parents Weekend. There will be lots of festivities on campus including the Music and Dance Performance on Saturday morning. The Mercyhurst Dancers are performing exceprts from Pulcinella, which won second place in the ensemble category at the Youth America Grand Prix competition last year. Mercyhurst Ballet Theatre will be performing excerpts of pieces choreographed by Tauna Hunter and Alum Sarah Grace. There will also be performances by SoMar Dance Works, Mercyhurst Liturgical Dance Ensemble and Guest Alumnus. Homecoming weekend is always a fun time to see parents and visiting alumni and to take part in all of the great things going on around campus!



"Dance is the only art in which we ourselves are the stuff of which it is made." -Ted Shawn

Back into the swing of things

Welcome back everyone!

It is the beginning of another year here in the dancespace and things are already rolling. Everyone who came back early for Jump Start had a great time taking class with our guest teacher Thom Clower. Incoming freshmen also got the chance to enjoy great food and company with the upper classmen at the different dinner events. Members of Mercyhurst Ballet Theatre were also busy rehearsing pieces by Mr. Clower and returning graduate Sarah Mastrocola.

Official classes started last week and we held the department auditions for our Holiday show! We will be performing "Les Patineurs" Choreographed by Chrsitine Hay, a liturgical peice by Noelle Partusch and a fun always entertaining piece by Mark Santillano. The first rehearsals started yesterday and it looks like it's going to be a great performance!


Keep on Dancing :)