MCC will host ‘Dance It Up’ spring concert

EDISON — The Middlesex County College (MCC) Dance Ensemble will present its 12th annual spring dance concert “Dance It Up!” on April 26-27.

Both performances will be held in the Performing Arts Center of the Edison Campus at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

“The title of this show has much meaning in that most dances presented are inspired by the word ‘up,’” professor Aimee Mitacchione, the artistic director, said. “Some pieces are about going upward, an uplifting mood, rising above, or anything up out of reach. Mostly, our dance company is modern dance-based, yet also branches out to other styles such as hip-hop, jazz, tap, contemporary, ballet, and now even baton-twirling. It is, yet again, a delight to have professional choreographer Lees Hummel, currently the director of education for Lustig Dance Theatre, return to work with our dancers.”

Student and alumni choreographers include Jhonny Ade, Abagail Allen, Tristan Davis, Tabitha Edwards, Rodney Green, Melissa Hurst, Caitlin McHugh, Kiersten Morgan, Janine Negron, Alicia Pagan, Joisa Reyes, Asia Vaganek and Nicole Zygler.

“Our dancers range from advanced professionals in the dance field to absolute beginners,” Mitacchione said. “The dance program prides itself on providing opportunities to a diverse group of artists who may not have otherwise been given the chance to gain performance experience. We strive to provide a professional concert that will be thought-provoking and inspirational.”