Dance

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, the classical and contemporary ballet focused program is designed to offer a wide range of mandated curriculum in dance that will include courses in a diverse array of dance techniques, history, choreography, pedagogy, dance sciences and most importantly, numerous performance opportunities.  Leadership development opportunities are abundant for performing ensembles that tour regionally, nationally, and internationally as well as three clubs, service, internships, and study abroad programs. 

Before students graduate, they are offered a variety of main stage performance opportunities, including faculty and guest artist concerts, full length ballets, musicals, student choreography concerts and performances with SoMar Dance Works (by audition only) and The Mercyhurst Dancers.  Students are regularly introduced to renowned guest teachers and choreographers, and are encouraged to participate in theatre and opera where dance opportunities are available. To extend their academic and dance achievements, the program also boasts a collection of student run organizations including Dance Club, Liturgical Dance Ensemble, and the National Honors Society for Dance Arts.

This degree is targeted to students who aspire to a career in professional concert, commercial performance and/or choreography with long term goals set on leadership following their performance career. The degree mandates additional curriculum in dance techniques, performances and choreography to support professional experiences and leadership in these areas of the field. It can also accommodate some dual majors.

 Download Degree Requirements (PDF)

This program is intended for the student who wishes to pursue a rigorous degree program of combined general and dance studies. The degree allows a student to complete a dual major or minor that complementary to the field and/or a concentration in pedagogy or to complete accelerated programming. Emphasis is placed on the development of transferable skills that will support transitions inside or outside the dance field.

Download Degree Requirements (PDF)

Consists of 12 credits as follows:

DANC 475: Internship (3 credits)

3 additional credits from the following:

DANC 180: Intro. to Labanotation (3 credits)
DANC 200: Intro. to Arts Administration (3 credits)
DANC 380: Choreography II (3 credits)  
DANC 485: Senior Seminar (Pedagogical Research) (3 credits)

3 additional Dance Technique Elective credits (1-3)

3 additional from the following:
DANC 291, 292: Company Ensemble (1 credit) *Co-req. Ballet, Modern, and/or Jazz Technique
DANC 391, 392: Company Ensemble (1 credit) *Co-req. Ballet, Modern, and/or Jazz Technique
DANC 491, 492: Company Ensemble (1 credit) *Co-req. Ballet, Modern, and/or Jazz Technique

Recommended:

PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
EDEC 101: Early Foundations (3 credits)
ESPE 101: Psychology of Diverse Learners (3 credits)
EDEC 105: Health and Wellness (3 credits)
ESPE 201: Inclusive Practices (3 credits)
PSYC 235: Sports Psychology (3 credits) *Offered in 2020
EDEC 301: Early Childhood Methods (3 credits)

Those interested in teaching adaptive dance might also consider a minor in Special Education or Art Therapy.

Consists of 21 credits as follows:

ACCT 101: Principles of Accounting (3 credits)
MGMT 120: Principles of Management (3 credits)
MKTG 162: Principles of Marketing (3 credits)
DANC 200: Intro. to Arts Administration (3 credits)
DANC 475: Arts Management Internship (3 credits)

2 electives of the following, at least one 300 level course.

ART 128: Graphic Design Basics (3 credits)
COM 240: Digital Video Production (3 credits)
COM 260: Intro. to Social Media (3 credits)
ART 321: Intro. to Website Design (3 credits)
COM 312: Communication & Social Responsibility (3 credits)
COM 314: Global Communications (3 credits)
COM 330: Web & Social Media Analytics & Strategies (3 credits) *Requires COM 260 to be taken previously or concurrently

Consists of 24 credits as follows:

Dance Technique (12 credits)

Ballet (3 credits) *6 credits, REQUIRED
DANC 151: Modern I and/or DANC 251: Modern II (2 credits) *Modern I REQUIRED, pre-requisite for Modern II
DANC 161: Jazz I and/or DANC 261: Jazz II (2 credits) *Jazz I REQUIRED, pre-requisite for Jazz II

Dance Technique Electives (2 credits)

Various courses to choose from (1 credit)

Performance Courses (3 credits)

Company Ensemble (1 credit) – 2 credits REQUIRED; must be enrolled concurrently in a technique class
DANC 190: Production Practicum (1 credit) – REQUIRED

Theory Courses (6 credits) *Choose two of the courses listed

DANC 110: Dance History (3 credits)
DANC 106: Music for Dancers (3 credits)
DANC 280: Choreography I (3 credits) *Pre-requisite – Sophomore standing or higher
*Recommended that students take Music for Dancers or Dance History before Choreography 1

Physical Maintenance (1 credit) *Choose one of the courses listed
DANC 150: Dance Conditioning (1 credit)
DANC 104: Pilates: Mind/Body Mat Practice (1 credit)

• Audition for the Department of Dance, REQUIRED
• Additional courses in each category may be taken if desired and as schedule allows
• MANDATORY enrollment in a technique class for a full semester if enrolled in Company Ensemble
• Casting in a Company Ensemble production is by audition and not guaranteed
• It is suggested that a student complete the minor close to consecutive years to retain the technical level seen in the initial audition

2024 Performance Schedule

The Mercyhurst Dance Department strives to make an impact on the survival of high-quality classical and contemporary ballet and the building of future leaders in the arts. Experience the culmination of these emerging artists’ creative exploration and discovery as performers and choreographers.

Choreography III Concert

Walker Recital Hall

Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024 – 8 p.m.

FREE

Polychromatic

Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center

Like a prism refracts light, creating the full spectrum of colors, Polychromatic is an array of the many shades that dance can embody. Building on their consistent reputation as Erie’s premiere dance ensemble, the Mercyhurst Dancers presents a mixed repertoire concert of neoclassical and contemporary works by both faculty and guest artist choreographers. Polychromatic is a concert not to miss.

• Friday, Nov. 8, 2024 – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 – 2 and 7 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 – 2 p.m.

'Tis the Season

Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center

‘Tis the season for trumpets and tutus, sugar plums, and saxophones! Let the Mercyhurst Dancers and Jazz Ensemble put you in the holiday spirit with a concert of music and movement. Swing into the holidays with the Jazz Ensemble’s big band collection of seasonal tunes. The Mercyhurst Dancers will also present “The Nutcracker Suite.” Set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless seasonal classic, this beloved ballet is a feast for the eyes. ‘Tis the Season is perfect for the whole family.

• Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 9, 2024 – 11 and 7 p.m.

Choreography II Showcase

danceSpace Palmer Studio

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 – 8 p.m.

FREE

Raw Edges XXVII

Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center, Mercyhurst University

Join the Mercyhurst Dancers as they celebrate 27 years of cutting-edge choreography. With an exciting mix of music and themes, Raw Edges XXVII features innovative dance works by emerging artists. Included in the program is an interactive Q&A session with the program’s choreographers as they discuss their inspirations and creative processes. Experience an audience favorite and Mercyhurst tradition at Raw Edges XXVII.

• Friday, April 25, 2025 – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, April 26, 2025 – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Sunday, April 27, 2025 – 2 p.m.

Are you a professional dancer in transition? Now is the time to advance your career and apply your professional experience toward a baccalaureate degree at Mercyhurst University.

There are many exciting and rewarding employment opportunities for those individuals who are educationally prepared. The Mercyhurst University Returning Professional Program features experienced faculty, a national reputation for excellence and the dedication, commitment, and hard work of the students.

If you are a ballet dancer with three years of professional experience, Mercyhurst offers you the opportunity to turn your life experience into transferrable credits towards a baccalaureate degree in dance, or one of 40 other majors.

In this win/win program, the university benefits from your experience, while you move more easily through your career transition. The Returning Professional Program emphasizes the importance of planning for the long-term future by offering a B.A. degree with a concentration in pedagogy or a BFA degree.

Life Experience/Transfer Credits

Based on a professional experience portfolio presented at the onset of admission, returning professionals who apply for our program have the option of petitioning the Dance Department to accept up to 24 elective transfer of life experience credits toward a non-dance major, or up to 37 transfer or life experience credits within the dance major. Credits could be a combination of the following:

16 credits           Ballet Technique

 6  credits            Pointe/Men’s Technique

 4 credits            Modern, Tap, Jazz, Music Theatre

 3 credits            Dance History

3-9 credits         Choreography I-III

 3  credits          Pedagogy

 3  credits          Kinesiology 

 6 credits            Company Ensemble

If pursing a B.A. degree in dance, you would be required to enter and complete the program in applied theory (pedagogy).

Admissions Requirements

• A minimum of three years professional experience
• The ability to reside in Erie, Pa.
• A completed application form
• Three recent letters of recommendation from directors, instructors, choreographers and/or colleagues to show evidence of leadership potential
• A personal biography narrative, outlining your career path, aspirations and professional interests
• Your résumé
• Video documentation of performances, choreography and/or teaching
• Support documentation: photos, programs, reviews, interviews, etc.
• An on-campus interview with the faculty

Transfer credits from other accredited colleges and universities are considered for acceptance. A limited number of scholarships, stipends, financial aid and work-study opportunities are available.

The Dance programs offers a variety of internship opportunites. Listed below are some of the internsips our dance students have been a part of. 

The Dance programs offers a variety of internship opportunites. Listed below are some of the internsips our dance students have been a part of. 

• American Ballet Theatre
• Arts Council of Erie
• Ballet Concerto
• Ballet New England
• Ballet Theatre Midwest
• Graphic Design
• Boston Dance Company
• Broadway Dance Center
• California Ballet School Inc.
• Count Basie Theatre
• Dancenter
• Disney College Program
• Erie Bayfront Dance
• Erie County Historical Society
• Erie Dance Conservatory
• Erie Dance Consortium
• Erie Philharmonic
• Hersheypark Entertainment
• Hilton Head Dance School
• Interlochen Center for the Arts
• Lake Erie Ballet School
• Macfadden
• Mercyhurst Ballet Theatre
• Mercyhurst College Dance Department
• Mercyhurst College Summer Dance Experience
• Mercyhurst University Center for Arts/Culture
• Morriss Center (The)
• NWPA Collegiate Academy
• Paige Conservation, Inc.
• Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School
• Pittsburgh Youth Ballet
• SoMar Dance Works
• WRKT/WRTS

Each year, dance department presents internationally acclaimed guest teachers from companies such as American Ballet Theatre, Bad Boys of Dance, Ballet Hispanico, Ballet Jazz de Montreal, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Cuban National Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company, MOMIX, New York City Ballet, North Carolina Dance Theatre, Pilobolus, Paul Taylor Dance Company, STREB Extreme Action, Trey McIntyre Project, Royal Danish Ballet, and Jin Xing Dance Theatre Shanghai.  Below is a list of some of our master classes, guest artists, residencies, and other opportunities that have been affiliated with the Mercyhurst University Dance Department in the past: