Mercyhurst seeks flow of new ideas for National Water Dance collaborative

Once again, Mercyhurst University will pool its collective resources spanning the arts, sciences, environmental stewardship, social justice, literature, and history as partners in this year’s National Water Dance, a collaborative community performance that takes place across the nation at local waterways on Saturday, April 20, at 4 p.m. EST.

Taking the helm of the Mercyhurst component as she has in recent years, Solveig Santillano of the Department of Dance welcomes ideas for this spring’s rendition.

“Designed to raise awareness about local and global water issues, elevate water stewardship, and build community, this interdisciplinary venture encourages us to offer contributions centering on water themes and water-related research,” she said. “Past themes have included plastics pollution, land and water rights, and migration of humans around water. We are open to new ways to inspire what we are calling ‘Remembering Water’s Way.’”

Santillano said the Erie Maritime Museum (EMM) has generously offered to host Mercyhurst’s traveling performance, which will begin outdoors (weather contingent) and proceed through the museum, culminating with a performance in Blasco Library’s Hirt Auditorium.

“We hope that you’ll consider being a part of this event in a way that feels meaningful to you and warmly invite your input, scientific, environmental, social, artistic research, environmental organization and participation recommendations,” Santillano said.

She also suggested that faculty add the event to course calendars and syllabi and encouraged participation from Mercyhurst Ambassadors, Campus Ministry, and Mercyhurst Honors programs and departments as in years past.

Santillano asks that you forward ideas to her at ssantillano@mercyhurst.edu.