Master Classes with Joseph Morrissey

Last week, the Mercyhurst Dance Department had the pleasure of hosting a number of master classes taught by Joseph Morrissey. Currently, Morrissey is the director of dance at Interlochen Center of the Arts. Prior to this position he was the Director of Artistic Planning and Touring for The Hong Kong Ballet. He has danced with Boston Ballet, Bavarian State Ballet in Munich, Germany, and the Charleston Ballet Theatre. He also holds a degree in Classical ballet from Indiana University and a masters in Performing Arts Administration from New York University.

Joseph Morrissey taught master classes at Mercyhurst from Thursday, March 31^st, to Saturday, April 2^nd. His enthusiasm and excitement flooded into the classes, pushing the students to continue to think about their dance in a new way. His brisk combinations and exact positions encouraged quickness of mind and body. Likewise, the emphasis on the use of plié helped the dancers feel a rhythmic pulse through each combination, making the movement more natural and fluid. In his short time at Mercyhurst, Morrissey created a personal connection with each student, encouraging and correcting each individually. We are very thankful that Joseph Morrissey was able to come and share his talent with the Mercyhurst Dance Department.