Upcoming Events

Up next…

Reading Theater Project’s 5 Minute Fringe – Performance 

  • What: JCWK Dance Lab is collaborating with musician Marty Bonk for a new work as part of Reading Theater Project’s 5 Minute Fringe Festival
  • Where: Yocum Institute for Arts Education, Schumo Theater
  • When: Feb 29-March 2 at 7:30pm, March 3 at 3pm
  • More information and tickets: Click here

The Greater Reading Area Dance Exchange on BCTV.org – Education

  • What: G.R.A.D.E. is an outreach program of JCWK Dance Lab to bring awareness of dance in Berks County and the surrounding areas.
  • Where: BCTV.org or on the G.R.A.D.E. youtube playlist.
  • When: Tuesday, February 20th at 6:30pm or anytime of the G.R.A.D.E. youtube playlist.

Dance for Wellness at Celebration Villa of Exeter – Education

Songs and Poems – Performance

  • What: A mosaic of music, dance, and poetry presented by Dr. Mara Parker, Jessica C. Warchal-King, and Jessica Guzman.
  • Where: Widener University’s Kapelski Recital Hall, LC1
  • When: Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 4pm
  • More info? Stay tuned!

The Greater Reading Area Dance Exchange on BCTV.org – Education

  • What: G.R.A.D.E. is an outreach program of JCWK Dance Lab to bring awareness of dance in Berks County and the surrounding areas.
  • Where: BCTV.org or on the G.R.A.D.E. youtube playlist.
  • When: Tuesday, April 16th at 6:30pm or anytime of the G.R.A.D.E. youtube playlist

Regeneration – Performance

  • What: An afternoon of new work by JCWK Dance Lab
  • Where: Alvernia University’s Francis Hall Theatre
  • When: Sunday, April 21, 2024
  • More info? Stay tuned!

The Greater Reading Area Dance Exchange on BCTV.org – Education

  • What: G.R.A.D.E. is an outreach program of JCWK Dance Lab to bring awareness of dance in Berks County and the surrounding areas.
  • Where: BCTV.org or on the G.R.A.D.E. youtube playlist.
  • When: Tuesday,  June 18th at 6:30pm or anytime of the G.R.A.D.E. youtube playlist

Events in 2023

The Greater Reading Area Dance Exchange on BCTV.org

  • What: G.R.A.D.E. is an outreach program of JCWK Dance Lab to bring awareness of dance opportunities for adults in Berks. We welcomed professional ballerina (Complexions Contemporary Ballet) and Berks County native, Jillian Davis, home for the holidays! Jillian was a guest artist with Berks Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker. 
  • Where: BCTV.org or on the G.R.A.D.E. youtube playlist.
  • When: Tuesday, December 19th at 6:30pm or anytime of the G.R.A.D.E. youtube playlist

Ten Tiny Dances

  • What: TEN TINY DANCES is a dance series presented by Sarah Carlson | DanceLink that cultivates dances made specifically for a 4×4 foot stage. This constraint breeds a wealth of creative possibilities as it encourages artists to truly focus their vision. Alternately tender, funny, thought provoking and always brief, the dances vary in genre & tone so that there is truly something for everyone. The performance is Free.
  • Where: SteelStacks ArtsQuest Center, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA
  • When: Saturday, December 16th at 6pm
  • More information? Click here.

International Human Rights Arts Festival

  • What: JCWK Dance Lab has been selected to be a part of the 5th Annual Human Rights Arts Festival. We’re sharing new research on soil regeneration on their Climate Change Action evening.
  • Where: The Tank NYC
  • When: Tuesday, December 4th at 7pm
  • Click here for more info. 

The Greater Reading Area Dance Exchange on BCTV.org

  • What: G.R.A.D.E. is an outreach program of JCWK Dance Lab to bring awareness of dance opportunities for adults in Berks.
  • Where: BCTV.org or on the G.R.A.D.E. youtube playlist.
  • When: Tuesday, October 17th at 6:30pm or anytime of the G.R.A.D.E. youtube playlist

JCWK Dance Lab at Penn State Health’s Rec Fest

The Greater Reading Area Dance Exchange on BCTV.org

  • What: G.R.A.D.E. is an outreach program of JCWK Dance Lab to bring awareness of dance opportunities for adults in Berks.
  • Where: BCTV.org or on the G.R.A.D.E. youtube playlist.
  • When: Tuesday, August 15 at 6:30pm or anytime of the G.R.A.D.E. youtube playlist

Modern Dance for Adults Series

  • What: Alvernia University and JCWK Dance Lab are partnering to bring our communities Modern Dance for Adults. Learn Modern Dance history, terminology, practice, and choreography in a fun and supportive environment.
  • Where: Alvernia University Dance Studio, located on the second floor of the Fitness Center in Campus Commons. Click here for a campus map. 
  • When: Tuesdays in July and August from 6:30pm- 8pm. (7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1, & 8/8)
  • Cost: Sliding scale $10-15
  • Registration: Click here
  • FAQ’s and more info: Click here

Flowing Forms

    • What: A collaborative performance presented by Mikjalena Smith, HumanLandscape Dance and JCWK Dance Lab. JCWK Dance Lab is premiering new work and sharing repertory.
    • Where: CHI Movement Arts Center, 1316 S. 9th St. Philadelphia, PA
    • When: Sunday, August 6 at 3pm
    • Tickets and more info: click here. 

Barrio Alegria presents Storytelling through Dance

In Nature’s Studio

      • What: JCWK Dance Lab joins Reading Theater Project in presenting performances in the Reading Public Museum’s Arboretum.
      • Where: Reading Public Museum
      • When: Sunday, July 23, 4pm
      • More information? Click here

Dance for Wellness Trial Classes at Encompass Rehab Hospital

JCWK Dance Lab at Encompass Wellness Festival

      • What: Wellness Festival at Encompass Rehab Hospital
      • Where: Encompass Rehab Hospital
      • When: Monday, July 10 from 11am- 2:30pm

Dance for Parkinson’s Disease Trial Class

Be Curious, Wonderland Adventures at Berks Heritage Center

      • What: JCWK Dance Lab joins Yocum Institute for Arts Education and other local organizations in an immersive, site-specific arts experience for all ages.
      • Where: Berks Heritage Center
      • When: Saturday June 24, 10am-2pm
      • More information? Click here

The Greater Reading Area Dance Exchange on BCTV.org

      • What: G.R.A.D.E. is an outreach program of JCWK Dance Lab to bring awareness of dance opportunities for adults in Berks. Jessica interviews Que Rico Latin Dance Company.
      • Where: BCTV.org or on the G.R.A.D.E. youtube playlist.
      • When: Tuesday, June 20 at 6:30pm or anytime of the G.R.A.D.E. youtube playlist

We Are StarDust Workshop at Berks Nature

      • What: Movement and storytelling workshop for Preschoolers at Berks Nature
      • When: Friday, May 5

Parkinson’s and You! 

      • What: a retreat for people with Parkinson’s and their supporters. JCWK Dance Lab is sharing a movement workshop.
      • When: April 30
      • For more information, please click here. 

Berks4Peace

        • What: A month-long event advocating for non-violence in Berks and beyond.
        • When: April 2023
        • For more information, please click here

Dark Adaptation, World Premier

        • When: April 23, 2023, 4pm
        • Where: Alvernia University’s Francis Hall Theatre, Reading, PA
        • What: JCWK Dance Lab presents a multidisciplinary experience of dance, music, and visual art in collaboration with composer Stephen Grieco and visual artist Marie Grieco.
        • Click here for more information.

The Greater Reading Area Dance Exchange on BCTV.org

We Are StarDust Workshop with Rock Hollow Woods Environmental Learning Center

      • What: Movement and storytelling workshop for Preschoolers at Berks Nature
      • When: Tuesday, April 18

Lehigh Valley Dance Exchange SpringUP Festival 

      • What: Jessica is guest teaching and performing as part of the Lehigh Valley Dance Exchange SpringUp Festival
      • Where: Cedar Crest College, Allentown, PA
      • When: April 15-16
      • More information? Click here. 

I AM Women

      • What: An event celebrating women of all backgrounds. Jessica will be performing. Other activities include speakers and photography exhibits.
      • Where: GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
      • When: March 29 from 5-8pm
      • More information and tickets? Click here. 

Orbit 

MISA CRIOLLA

The Greater Reading Area Dance Exchange on BCTV.org

        • When: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 6:30pm
        • Watch online by clicking here or visit the YouTube playlist here. 
        • What: Jessica interviews the teaching artists for The Rize Program’s new adult classes.

Reading Theater Project’s 5 Minute Fringe

        • Who: JCWK Dance Lab joins other local artists as part of Reading Theater Project’s 5 Minute Fringe
        • What: We’re sharing new work and collaborating with some friends.
        • When: Feb 16-18 at 8pm; Feb 19 at 2pm
        • Where: Yocum Institute for Arts Education, Schumo Theatre
        • More info: Click here
        • Read about the performance here

Conditioning for Dancers

          • An open wellness class for dancers to focus on strength, flexibility conditioning and developing a personal warm up.
          • When: Saturday, 2/11 at 4pm
          • Where: Alvernia University Dance Studio
          • More info: email [email protected]

Events in 2022

The Greater Reading Area Dance Exchange on BCTV.org

The Crossing Paths Movement Collective

The Greater Reading Area Dance Exchange on BCTV.org

Reading Theater Project and JCWK Dance Lab present In Nature’s Studio in partnership with the Reading Public Museum. 

The Greater Reading Area Dance Exchange on BCTV.org

Reading Theater Project and JCWK Dance Lab present In Nature’s Studio in partnership with the Reading Public Museum. 

The Greater Reading Area Dance Exchange on BCTV.org

Alvernia University Spring Concert

      • When: May 7, 3pm
      • Where: Alvernia University Francis Hall Theatre
      • What: Jessica has worked with the Alvernia University Dance Ensembles

Berks 4 Peace, National Youth Non-violence Prevention Week

      • When: April 30, 9am-12pm
      • Where: Downtown Reading, PA
      • What: Jessica has choreographed the Random Act of Culture for the Berks 4 Peace Walk
      • More information: click here

Joyful Vibes

      • When: April 29, 7:30pm
      • Where: Alvernia University Francis Hall Theatre
      • What: Jessica has worked with the Alvernia Dance Ensembles, Free performance

The Greater Reading Area Dance Exchange on BCTV.org

We are StarDust: Alvernia Stress-Buster

      • When: March 24, 6:30-7:30pm
      • Where: Alvernia University Dance Studio
      • What: Jessica leads a contemporary dance workshop on her celestial research, integrating mindfulness and movement.
      • Cost: Free, please sign up

We are StarDust: Burst 3

      • When: March 20, 11:30am-1:30pm
      • Where: Widener University Dance Studio
      • What: Jessica leads a contemporary dance workshop on her celestial research
      • Cost: Free, please sign up

Domino, a music/ dance collaboration

We Are StarDust: Burst2 – a contemporary dance workshop hosted by Widener University

      • When: Feb 20, 1-3pm
      • Where: Widener University, Dance Studio
      • Cost: Free, please sign up

We Are StarDust – a virtual workshop hosted by the Pennsylvania Dance Education Organization

JCWK Dance Lab presents The Greater Reading Area Dance Exchange

Events in 2021

JCWK Dance Lab presents The Greater Reading Area Dance Exchange with Berks Ballet Theatre.

      • When: Premiered on 12/21, 6:30pm
      • Where: BCTV.org. Click here to watch.
      • What: Jessica goes behind the scenes with Berks Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker and the community members involved in the Party Scene.

Alvernia University Winter Concert

      • When: Dec 4, 3pm
      • Where: Alvernia University, Francis Hall Theatre.
      • What: Music and dance winter celebration. Jessica choreographed and directed the Alvernia Dance Ensembles.

Reading Theater Project’s Mixed Messages

      • When: November 18-21.
      • Where: WCR Center for the Arts
      • What: An evening of live, original theatre informed by the past year. Jessica choreographed. Click here for more information. 

We are StarDust: a contemporary dance workshop My Body: A Star. Presented by Widener University College of Arts and Sciences.

      • When: Nov 14, 3-5pm
      • Where: Widener University Dance Studio
      • What: Jessica leads My Body: A Star, Burst 1, a contemporary dance workshop based on StarDust research. Bursts 2 and 3 in Spring 2022. Click here for more information. 

Alvernia University presents The Cherry Orchard

      • When: Nov 4-14, 8pm.
      • Where: Alvernia University, Francis Hall Theatre.
      • What: Alvernia Theatre Fall performance. Jessica choreographed on Alvernia Theatre students.

Violins of Hope

YWCA Week without Violence

      • When: Block event – October 23, 12-4pm
      • Where: Pottstown YWCA, Kings Street. Click here for directions.
      • What: Jessica co-choreographed the Random Act of Culture dance. To learn the dance and participate in the Week without Violence, click here.

JCWK Dance Lab presents The Greater Reading Area Dance Exchange with YWCA.

National Dance Education Organization’s National Conference.

      • When: NDEO conference runs Oct. 7-10
      • What: Jessica presented on the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) components of Harvest Moon. She also facilitated two additional presentations and participated on a panel.

JCWK Dance Lab presents The Greater Reading Area Dance Exchange with Barrio Alegria. 

Harvest Moon

      • When: September
      • Where: Online
      • What: A music and dance collaboration culminating in virtual events exploring metaphors of the moon, lunar research, and Zoom as a compositional tool. Each performance will include an optional audience engagement component.
      • Tickets: sliding scale pay what you can.
      • The music component of this performance has been sponsored by a generous grant from the Reading Musical Foundation. Thank you!
      • For more information about the experience, please visit the Harvest Moon page by clicking here. 

JCWK Dance Lab presents the Greater Reading Area Dance Exchange 

Reading Theater Project presents In Nature’s Studio in partnership with the Reading Public Museum. 

BodyStories – a virtual retrospective

“Will Power” – Shakespeare Done Live

      • When: April 21, 22, 28 & 29
      • Where: Alvernia University & Online
      • What: Theatre & Dance performances sponsored by Alvernia University’s Fine & Performing Arts Department. (Jessica has mentored the dancers in this performance).

Dance Exposure presented by ArtsQuest & Lehigh Valley Dance Exchange

      • When: April 23-25
      • Where: Online: https://www.lvdanceexchange.org/danceexposure
      • What: Lehigh Valley Dance Exchange presents their spring Virtual Dance EXposure in collaboration with ArtsQuest. JCWK Dance Lab is among a diverse group of artists.
      • More info? Click here. 

Absence a dance film presented by Reading Theater Project

      • When: February 26-28
      • Where: Online
      • What: Reading Theater Project’s 5-Minute Fringe: Adaptations. A different group of artists will be presented each evening.
      • Tickets: Free
      • More info? Click here

Events in 2020

Alvernia Theatre presents Four Shows for the Age of Covid. 

      • When: Nov 4-7 & 11-14 at 7pm
      • Where: Online.
      • What: Jessica is Artist in Residence in Dance at Alvernia University. She’s led members of Alvernia’s community in developing an evening of dance for Alvernia Theatre. See all four nights.
      • Click here for more info.

National Dance Education Organization National Conference 2020

      • Poster presentations on the research for HOMEbody and Practicing Performance
      • More info here

FringeArts Fringe Festival 2020 – The Other Side of the Window Screen

      • When: September 10-October 4
      • Where: Online and in the comfort of your HOME
      • What: A pay-what-you-can choose-your-own-adventure exploration of HOME.
      • More info? Click here. 

Free Fringe Philly 2020 with Write Me a Letter Philly

      • When: September 1-October 4
      • Where: Online and in the comfort of your home
      • Artists interpret letters
      • More info? Click here

Adaptations with Reading Theater Project

      • When: Premiering July 27th and enduring online
      • Where: Online. Click here
      • What: Berks County artists experiment adapting to Covid-19 and creative challenges.
      • Read more about Jessica’s work by clicking here. 

InterruptingMayhem a dance on film presented by Dixon Place and curated by Sangeeta Yesley/ Creative Performances as part of  Dance Quarantine VII

Wheels of Light video presentation as part of Alvernia University’s Cabaret

      • When: Saturday, May 9th at 2pm
      • Where: Online – Click here to join the Facebook watch party
      • What: Alvernia University Students rallied to keep the creative spirit of the Performing Arts alive. JCWK Dance Lab is sharing Emily Coppa’s performance from the Reading Theater Project’s 5-Minute Fringe Festival.

InterruptingMayhem a dance on film at Sarah Carlson/ DanceLink’s Ten Tiny Dances – Virtual

Wheels of Light at Reading Theater Project’s 5-Minute Fringe Festival

      • When: Thurs-Sat Feb 20-22 at 8pm & Sunday Feb 23 at 2pm
      • Where: Yocum Institute for Arts Education, Reading, PA
      • Tickets: $15. Click here to reserve yours! 
      • What: Jessica has reset Wheels of Light on Reading-based dance artist Emily Coppa. This Reading-premier will be performed as part of Reading Theater Project’s 5-Minute Fringe Festival. The theme: Mirror. This performance is part of the Berks County Celebration of Women in the Arts. For more info on the performance and process, click here.

HOMEbody

      • When: Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 7:30pm
      • Where: KYL/D’s CHI Movement Arts Center in South Philadelphia. 1316 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147.
      • Tickets: $14-16 Available on The Dance Box Office by clicking here
      • What: HOMEbody travels to Philadelphia with the support of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund through the PPA Project Stream Grant. HOMEbody is supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

Events in 2019

HOMEbody

      • When: November 21 at 7:30pm
      • Where: Alvernia University, Francis Hall Theatre
      • Cost/ Tickets: $15-$25. Click here to order tickets. 
      • What: The Alvernia University Art Series presents JCWK Dance Lab’s HOMEbody – a contemporary dance performance exploring home as geographic place and as physical body. Jessica will perform Shed and premier HOMEbody, a multigenerational, all-female cast with original music in collaboration with Paul Fejko. HOMEbody is supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

JCWK Dance Lab at KYL/D’s InHale Performance Series

Rising Tide

      • When: October 4 & 5
      • Where: The Icehouse, Bethlehem, PA
      • Cost/Tickets: $15/$20 – cash or check at the door.
      • What: Rising Tide is an evening of performance initiated by Sarah Carlson/ DanceLink exploring issues of the female experience.  JCWK Dance Lab will be sharing excerpts of HOMEbody.

Widener University Summer Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Symposium

      • When: September 20th
      • Where: Widener University
      • What: Two students from Widener University have been researching Jessica’s latest project, HOMEbody, and will present their summer research in performance and poster presentation.

Dance for Wellness at Tower Health/ Reading Hospital 

Shed at KYL/D’s InHale/ ExHale Performance Series in Philadelphia

      • When: Saturday, May 11th at 7:30pm
      • Where: KYL/D’s CHI Movement Arts Center, 1316 S 9th St
      • Cost: $10 click here for tickets

“Rediscover” screened in the Lehigh Valley!

      • When: Lehigh Valley Dance Exchange SpringUP Dance Festival on Saturday, March 30th at 7pm
      • Where: Cedar Crest College
      • Cost: $20
      • Get tickets & more info here.

Contemporary Dance Movement Practice for Every Body Open practice from 2018-2019

      • When: LAST CLASS APRIL 30th! from 6-7pm
      • Where: The Restorative Center, 6 Hearthstone Ct, Reading, PA
      • Cost: $12 – register online here
      • Class Description: Contemporary Dance Movement Practice (for Adults) explores principles of somatics, energetic awareness, and performance practice with contemporary concert dance foundations and techniques. Participants will be challenged to find freedom within structure, story-tell with their movement, create connections between dance and “everyday life,” and (re)discover joy in their dancing body. Previous experience with a movement practice (yoga, Pilates, martial arts, or other form of dance) is highly suggested, but not necessary; an open heart and mind is always welcome and appreciated. Click here for more FAQ’s.

Shed – a new solo at Reading Theater Project’s 5-Minute Fringe Festival: Finding Home 

Events in 2018

Master Class Series with the Lehigh Valley Dance Exchange

      • When: Sunday, Dec. 2 from 10am-12pm
      • Where: Cedar Crest College – Steinbright Hall Dance Studio
      • Cost: $20 Cash only at the door
      • Int/ Adv Contemporary Dance Class for ages 14+

Premier of “Rediscover” – a dance-film

Contemplative Dance Class with Alvernia’s Seniors’ College

      • When: Thursday, Sept 27 from 11:30-1pm
      • Where: Alvernia University
      • Jessica will be leading a Contemplative Dance class for members of Alvernia University’s Seniors’ College. For more info regarding the class and joining the Seniors’ College, click here. 

Mindfulness Youth Series presented by RIZE

      • When: Friday, Sept 14 from 4-7pm
      • Where: Goggleworks Center for the Arts 4th floor
      • Cost: Free
      • About: “The iCommit Campaign’s Mindfulness Youth Series will inspire and educate youth to exercise their inherent humanitarian leadership skills though a workshop on enhancing benefits of mindfulness techniques.” Jessica is presenting a Mindful Movement workshop.

Dance on the Streets aka DOTS Fest 2018

      • When: Saturday, Sept. 15th from 3-8pm
      • Where: Grill then Chill Bar & Lounge, 400 Woodward St. Reading, PA
      • Cost: Free
      • About: Hosted by RIZE. Performances throughout the day, face painting, music, art, food, & more..

Contemporary Dance Class/ Workshop for Adults

      • When: Tuesday, August 7 & 14 from 5-7pm & Sunday, August 19 from 12-2pm
      • Where: The Restorative Center, 6 Hearthstone Ct, Reading, PA
      • Cost: Pre-registration $15 – register online here . Drop in $20
      • Class Description: Contemporary Dance Movement Practice (for Adults) explores principles of somatics, energetic awareness, and performance practice with contemporary concert dance foundations and techniques. Participants will be challenged to find freedom within structure, story-tell with their movement, create connections between dance and “everyday life,” and (re)discover joy in their dancing body. Previous experience with a movement practice (yoga, Pilates, martial arts, or other form of dance) is highly suggested, but not necessary; an open heart and mind is always welcome and appreciated. Click here for more FAQ’s.

Little Things – 6 Soloists Performing Dance and Poetry

Created by Brandi Ou, Jessica C. Warchal-King, Rhonda Moore, Grace Stern, Maria Guzman, and Nikolai McKenzie. “Little Things” explores the vast and dynamic elements that constitute the relationship between mother and child. Through movement, sound, and poetry, six artists peel back layers of their personal maternal stories. Runtime is 45 min.

      • When: Saturday, June 23rd at 2pm & 4pm
      • Where: Ballroom Philadelphia – 1207 Gerritt Street, Philadelphia.
      • Tickets: $10 suggested or pay what you can. Proceeds will be donated to Mary’s Shelter – an organization in Reading, PA that supports pregnant women and new mothers who are “in need of a supportive environment because of lack of suitable housing or favorable family relationships”. Seating is limited. To reserve your seats, email [email protected].

Please plan extra time for parking and traffic. The performances will start promptly and late audience members won’t be admitted.

Philadelphia Youth Dance Fest

      • When: March 25th at 1pm
      • Where: Drexel University’s Mandell Theater
      • What: Jessica created a new work on the members of Berks Ballet Theatre

KYL/D’s InHale Performance Series

    • When: May 11th & 12th at 7:30pm
    • Where: KYL/D’s CHI Movement Arts Center, Philadelphia, PA
    • Cost: $10 ticket link coming soon!
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