Walker Recital Hall will be welcoming the Mercyhurst Dance Department to its stage on Nov. 21, for the department’s annual Choreographic Showcase.
The dance department, which is accredited through the National Association of Schools of Dance, places emphasis on continuing high quality ballet and creating the future leaders of arts in the United States.
This focus will be apparent at the showcase, titled “A Choreography Showcase: Shift Happens,” which will feature a variety of dance styles and musical accompaniments choreographed and performed by Mercyhurst dance students.
Junior Dance and Management major Rebecca Voulgarakis explains that “the focus [of the showcase] is not on the performance itself, but more on letting choreographers from the Choreography  II class demonstrate their talent.”
Junior Dance major Sara Clarke, also presenting work in the show, added that “we are able to build upon our choreographic skills.”
Choreography challenges students to not only study dance, but also apply their knowledge of dance to create a living piece of art on stage.
For example, Voulgarakis’s production will focus on young women growing up and finding power through their individuality, which will give them power to strengthen their community.
Clarke’s piece is inspired by the short story “The Pull of the Ocean” by Jean-Claude Mourlevat, with a message of being drawn to the ocean.
“(Shift Happens) is the stepping stone (for students) between informal showings by the Choreography I class and the fully produced PAC showcases that the Choreography III and IV classes will have in the Spring,” Voulgarakis said.
Free of charge, it will be the best opportunity for the Mercyhurst community to come witness the talent of its own nationally recognized program.
The show will be at 8 p.m. in the Walker Recital Hall on Nov. 21.