The Mercer Dance Ensemble to Present DANCER DIARIES at Kelsey Theatre

The Mercer Dance Ensemble (MDE) will present "Dancer Diaries" at Mercer County Community College's (MCCC's) Kelsey Theatre on Saturday, May 21 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 22 at 2 p.m.

This varied performance will range from light and playful musical theater numbers to life changing stories that have helped the dancers become who they are. The performers will express themselves through different forms of dance including modern, musical theater jazz and ballet. Kelsey Theatre is located on Mercer's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road.

Theatre/Dance Program Coordinator Jody Gazenbeek-Person invites audiences to explore the world that these talented dancers will create as they reveal their passion for dance. "The overall feel will vary from lighthearted to strong, empowering pieces. It's an emotional journey that will move one and all."

Choreography is by MCCC faculty members Janell Byrne and Rebecca Brodowski, and Dance alumni Maria Laurenti, Stephanie Maher, and Jennifer Gladney.

MCCC students featured in MDE include Amy Annucci of Ewing, Kayla Johnson of Wrightstown, Caitlin Kazanski of Robbinsville, Diego Montealegre of Lawrence, Terrell Moody of East Windsor, Sabrina Rahman of Lawrenceville, Brianna Rapp of East Windsor, Victoria Smalls of Hamilton Township, and Kourtney Tremaine of Trenton. Alumni and community dancers include Rebecca Brodowski, Nicole Colossi, Maleek Colvin, Jennifer Gladney, Delany Hoffman, Maria Laurenti, Stephanie Maher, Danielle Marchant, Ashley Miller and Taylor Miler.

This year MDE pays tribute to Choreographer Janell Byrne as she retires from MCCC. "Janell has given so much to the Dance program, encouraging students to achieve their fullest potential. She has continued to inspire current students, as well as alumni, through her teaching and knowledge of dance," Gazenbeek-Person said. "Her works in MDE have blended different styles and themes that have intrigued and delighted audiences throughout the years."

Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $14 students/children. Tickets may be purchased at www.kelseytheatre.net, or by calling the Kelsey Theatre box office at 609-570-3333, or in person prior to the performance. (The box office opens one hour before the show.)

The MCCC Dance program includes the study of jazz, ballet, and modern dance styles from the fundamentals to advanced instruction. With the benefit of small classes and individualized instruction, students may earn either an A.A. degree, which prepares them for transfer as juniors into a Bachelor of Arts program in Dance, or an A.F.A. degree in the Performing Arts, a transfer program in which they combine conservatory training in theater, dance and music with education in the Liberal Arts and Sciences. More about the MCCC Theatre/Dance program is available at www.mccc.edu.