Mercyhurst Dance Department presents 25th edition of ‘Raw Edges’

The Mercyhurst University Dance Department will present “Raw Edges XXV” the weekend of April 28-30 in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.

As a showcase for emerging choreographers, “Raw Edges” is a Mercyhurst tradition spanning a quarter century. Every year brings a fresh batch of young artists flexing their creative muscles and presenting innovative dance works. This year, “Raw Edges XXV” will feature ten upper-level student choreographers: Kaitlyn Bazala, Katie Bleu, Maia Cieply, Hannah Dragan, Rebecca Jones, Erin Leach, Charlotte Meilaender, Meggie Peterson, Danielle Tuomey, and Amelia Waddell.

Audiences can expect a wide variety of topics explored by these dance makers, who start researching their projects months before rehearsals begin. This year the topics include fellowship and faith of the women of the Bible, media’s effects on the public, the seven stages of life depicted as a television game show, and a celebration of the Punk Rock movement.

The subjects chosen are often very personal to these creators. One choreographer’s dance deals with Parkinson’s disease, an ailment her grandmother is living with presently. Another shares her experience with synesthesia as it personifies the sounds of instruments, mimicking the colors, shapes, and textures that one might hear when listening to the music. Another choreographer’s dance explores the memories of being away from and reunited with the people and places that feel like home.

Assistant Professor Mark Santillano, who is one of the faculty overseeing the production, says, “The annual concert is always a very satisfying program for our department. We get to witness these young artists find their voices and create something that is heartfelt and amazing.”

Santillano adds, “The concert has something for everyone. If you’re looking for thought-provoking art, or simply wanting to enjoy skilled dancers beautifully moving to music, ‘Raw Edges XXV’ is one concert you’ll not want to miss.”

Audience members will also hear from the artists during “Talk Back” sessions offered during the intermission of each show. The choreographers will discuss their process for creating, realizing, and articulating a unique vision.

“Raw Edges XXV” will be presented in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center on Friday, April 28, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 29, at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 30, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, $7.50 for students, and $5 for youths and Mercyhurst students. They can be purchased online at the MIAC ticketing website or by calling the box office at 814-824-3000.