Inside these Windows
Our home away from home, Mercyhurst University provides multiple places for all students to feel comfortable and relaxed. For most students their preferred spot on campus may be either a dorm room or a main spot on campus. However, for dance majors we do not hang out in the typical hang out spots that others might desire. Located in Zurn hall, the dance space is where all dancer majors spend their day, whether it is in class, doing homework or being with friends the space is a bonding and comfortable area for all of us to connect with each other. The dance space is conveniently located, is separate from the other departments and classrooms, and offers a calming, relaxing environment, that can be utilized to our advantages to continue our dance education.
First, the dance space is located in Zurn Hall and is connected to the D’Angelo building which creates easy access to the theatre for our dance performances. (The Mary D’Angelo performing arts theatre is located in the D’Angelo building of the arts). The dance space includes two dance studios for technique classes, five separate offices for all of our faculty members, a locker room for both men and women, and a sitting area in the center outside of the studio. This efficient layout is designed to conveniently have the faculty and students have a space where they can feel at home. The convenience of the professors offices located in the same space offers students the ability to converse with their professors and to get immediate help. Dance majors are not the typical student and the faculty assists us in any way they possibly can. Typically when walking in to the dance space, very variations of possibilities could be occurring, having either students sleeping on the couch, or having students in splits stretching on the floor while trying to make it to the dressing room the dance space is a welcoming place to all of us. In general the dance space is design to make dancers feel welcomed and in a relaxed environment since we are pursuing a very difficult profession both mentally and physically. A dancer is vulnerable at all times, creating a space that is comfortable and calming is key for our success in our career.
In addition to the functionality of the dance space it is also separated from the other classrooms and majors in the university creating a distinct space for us to achieve our goals individual. The purpose of this designated area is to give us a closed setting to learn and embrace our creative side.
The dance space is a calming and relaxing area, but also goes the extra step to provide us with amenities to help us succeed. The dance space includes a microwave, refrigeration and a seating arrangement giving an extra purpose to the space for dance majors (or minors) which is very convent. Dance majors live very busy life style, dancing many hours a day. Eating dinner in an easy environment helps relieve stress. Eating at the dance space might not always be our first choice; however, the fact that we have a choice is what counts.
The dance space gives off possibly the warmest and positive energy. The dance space offers more than a career to us as students; it shows us a way of living our new life style. The dance space is highly functional and is a soothing place to encourage dance as a career to pursue our dream. The space is designed to satisfy and please students, faculty and to encourage prospective students.
