Mercyhurst tradition manifests staying power with Dance Department’s Raw Edges XXVI
Some traditions may come and go, but one with proven staying power—the annual showcase for emerging choreographers known as “Raw Edges”—now enters its 26th year at Mercyhurst University.
The university’s Department of Dance presents “Raw Edges XXVI” April 26 –28 in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.
Each year brings a new group of young artists spreading their creative wings and presenting remarkable dance works. This year’s performance features 12 upper-level student choreographers in two separate programs. The choreographers are Joanna Clifford, Nadine Fox, Mara Isaacson, Katherine Kilbourn, Morgan Masters, Anna Menarchek, Grace Mullins, Madeleine Plourde, Caitlin Settle, Alyson Szewczyk, Katelyn Turner-Leftwich, and Olivia Turner-Leftwich.
As usual, audiences can expect a wide variety of topics explored by these dance makers, who start researching their projects long before rehearsals begin. The subjects chosen are often very personal to the creators.
Assistant Dance Professor Mark Santillano, who is one of the faculty overseeing the concert, says, “We often remind our students to cultivate interests outside of the dance studio. We want them to develop as a whole person, so when it comes time to create their art, they have something worthwhile to say. This is exactly what these choreographers have done. They’ve created works inspired by a broad range of subjects.
This year, the topics include The Oregon Trail, vision impairment, insomnia, performance anxiety, Marzanna, (the Pegan Slavic Goddess of Death), and Wabi-Sabi, the traditional Japanese aesthetic centered on accepting and appreciating the beauty of the impermanent and imperfect nature of nature.
One of the choreographers, Alyson Szewczyk, who is pursuing dual majors in Dance and Neuroscience, researched brain chemistry in the aftermath of a disaster. The disaster she has chosen to choreograph about is the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, which happens to be the day she was born. The piece, Strength in Unity, explores the togetherness that was experienced following the fear and chaos of that day.
Another dance, titled Lines and Drafts, is inspired by the three phases of Pablo Picasso’s painting career. This dance will feature live music by Johnathan Nolan, adjunct instructor of Guitar.
Santillano adds, “This variety is what makes Raw Edges always so exciting.”
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.
Audiences have two opportunities to see each of the two separate programs. Program A will be presented in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center on Friday, April 26, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 27, at 2 p.m. Program B will be presented Saturday, April 27, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 28, 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 miac.universitytickets.com or by calling the box office at 814-824-3000.