Salina Bowe photo: The Mercyhurst University Dance Department presents Beyond Words III, a mix of several styles of ballet dances that opens on Friday, Feb. 28, for a preview performance in the PAC.

The Mercyhurst dance program will be holding a night of happiness, with dancers from the Mercyhurst ballet program and dancers from the SoMar Dance Works coming together in the newest show Beyond Words III.

Beyond Words III is choreographed by George Balanchine of New York City Ballet, James Clouser of the University of Arizona, and Erie choreographers Lesley Bories-Scalise, Tauna Hunter and the collaborative duo of Mark and his wife, Solveig Santillano. The Santillanos are the co-directors, dancers and choreographers of SoMar Dance Works.

SoMar Dance Works have presented around the Erie community for years including a performance of Beyond Words in 2011.

Choreographer Tauna Hunter says the dancers that are performing are top-notch. “These dancers are the cream of the crop,” said Hunter.

“The program always showcases how extremely versatile our dancers are. And, as usual, we’re pushing boundaries. From the surreal to the silly, and the preposterous to the poignant, we like to keep our audiences guessing what’s coming next.”

This event will be benefiting SafeNet. SafeNet is an organization devoted to ending domestic violence by providing services to victims of domestic violence and lending education, support and advocacy.

The pre-show reception and silent auction also benefits the Mercyhurst Dance Department’s Jenni-Lyn Watson Memorial Dance Fund, a fund that has been established since 2011.

Beyond Words III includes seven short dances with different themes of ballet.

Also included, is a special “Talk Back” segment which offers audience members a special opportunity to meet, talk with and ask questions of the dancers and choreographers following Friday’s and Saturday’s evening performances.

Beyond Words III will be showing in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center on Friday, Feb. 28 at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, March 1, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 2, at 2 p.m. The showing on Friday, Feb. 28, is a preview of the show, with only balcony seating available.

For more information, including ticket prices, visit the Mercyhurst Institute of Arts and Culture website at http://miac.mercyhurst.edu. For more information on SoMar Dance Works, visit the SoMAr Dance Works homepage at http://www.somardanceworks.com/.

Tickets and information can also be accessed by calling (814) 824-3000.