Mercersburg Academy will present the Spring Dance Concert Saturday, May 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the Burgin Center for the Arts’ Simon Theatre. This event is free and open to the public.

The production runs about an hour and a half and is composed of 26 dances, covering all major genres of dance: ballet, jazz, modern/contemporary, tap, and hip-hop. This year the dance program has had a focus on celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, which carries through many of the choices for the production, said Kelsy Rupp, Mercersburg’s director of dance. “However, our signature variety of styles is still prominent throughout.”

Rupp is looking forward to “celebrating the dancers’ hard work and watching them show off the immense amount of talent and dedication they devote to their craft.” Students in Mercersburg’s pre-professional dance track have already taken their performances on the road and received awards for their work earlier this year. “They have so much to be proud of and to present to their community,” Rupp said. “It’s going to be an amazing production!”

Choreographing the concert is a collective effort by Rupp, adjunct instructors who work with the students on a weekly basis, and guest artists who have visited campus throughout the school year. Adjunct faculty include Tara Nalley, Michael Reyes, Kylee Sherbert, and Michaela Smallwood. Guest artists include danah bella [sic], Jess Beach, Olivia Ratliff, Nicole Ruark, Neal Carter, and Elizabeth Buchheister. The following students also contributed choreography: Josefina Hanley ’24, Elizabeth Orders ’25, Ellie Sapp ’25, Cricket Tatone ’24, Mattie Welch ’26, and Coco Zhai ’24.

Rupp encourages everyone to come support the dance program and enjoy a memorable evening of entertainment.