Rock dancers join April 16 ‘National Water Dance Project’

April 4, 2016

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - At 4 p.m., April 16, four Slippery Rock University dancers will take their position at the edge of East Lake for a live-streamed event. On cue, they will begin to dance, moving their arms and legs in a prayer of invocation for the environment.

The occasion is a national collective called the "National Water Dance Project." SRU dancers will join 1,200 dancers from 80 institutions nationwide to dance in tandem along a body of water to bring attention to water issues in the United States. Dancers' moves will be broadcast on YouTube at 4 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.

SRU performers include: Maile Landi, a dance major from Oceanside, California who serves as choreographer; Logan Beck of Macungie, Victoria Lowrey of Harrisville and Na'keisha Barber of Ulysses.

Nora Ambrosio, SRU professor of dance, said dancers in 26 states signed up to present different dances stretching from coast to coast.

"Dancers across the country will dance by different waterways, including lakes, bays, oceans, rivers and streams," Ambrosio said. "The event will create an opportunity for dancers of all ages to experience the power of art and performance as a vehicle for social change by collaborating on the formation of a nationwide movement choir. The goal is to initiate a national 'water ethic' that can inform and inspire both participants and audience members to take responsibility for conserving and protecting the water that they use and enjoy."

Dancer Dale Andree founded and directs the National Water Dance. She conceived and launched the dance in Florida in 2011. In 2014, the dance went national.

Last year, SRU dancers participated in the event along Slippery Rock Creek at nearby Rock Falls Park.

MEDIA CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine | 724.738.4854 | gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu