Multiculturalism to be celebrated with diverse performances at Gannon dance night in Erie

Dana Massing, Erie Times-News
·2 min read

K-pop dance will be highlighted during a night of performances in downtown Erie that will also feature local artists representing various cultures.

Gannon University is again holding its Multicultural Dance Night.

"Dance is the universal language that pervades the barriers of language and politics," stated a news release from Gannon. "This event creates a space for celebration of cultural heritages and unique identities."

Chinese traditional dancers from Yanlai Academy of Pittsburgh will come to Erie on March 22 for the Gannon University Multicultural Dance Night. The event at the Erie Playhouse also will feature K-pop dancers from Yanlai.
Chinese traditional dancers from Yanlai Academy of Pittsburgh will come to Erie on March 22 for the Gannon University Multicultural Dance Night. The event at the Erie Playhouse also will feature K-pop dancers from Yanlai.

If you want to go

The event will take place March 22 at 7 p.m. at the Erie Playhouse, 13 W. 10th St.

Tickets are available on the Playhouse website for $17.40 for the general public and $7.40 for students, including fees. Visit www.erieplayhouse.org/shows-events to purchase tickets. Tickets are available at the Playhouse box office for $15 for general admission and $5 for students with I.D.

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What's on stage

Organizers said the highlight will be Korean popular dance by Yanlai Dance Academy of Pittsburgh. Also, Yanlai's Chinese dancers will perform with fans, ribbons and other traditional props.

Erie artists will present liturgical dance, hoop dance and traditional dances from the Bhutanese, Greek, Irish, Ukrainian and West African cultures, according to the Gannon news release.

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Bhutanese dancers of the Tamang community of Erie will enact sweet stories of love and marriage. Hellenic dancers from Assumption Greek Orthodox Church will present lively dances showcasing unity and community. Long’s School of Dance dancers have won awards for their Irish dance and will depict a story of the origin of the artform. Patterson School of Ballet will present Hopak, the national dance of Ukraine. African drums will accompany those presenting traditional West African dances. Liturgical dance will be performed by Erie children from In Purpose Studios. Jennifer Dennehy and her group will perform skillful movements with hoops.

Learn more at gannon.edu/academic-departments/chess-conference or by calling 814-871-5583.

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Dana Massing can be reached at dmassing@timesnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Gannon University to hold Multicultural Dance Night in Erie with K-pop