GRADE Festival: Celebrating Dance Diversity in Berks County
JCWK Dance Lab is hosting the inaugural Greater Reading Area Dance Exchange (GRADE) Festival at Alvernia University’s Francis Hall Theatre on March 13, 14, and 15. The festival will feature different programs of artists in each 90-minute performance, showcasing a variety of dance styles and ages. Tickets are available for individual performances or as a 3-day pass, with group rates also offered. The event aims to celebrate the community through dance and support mental and physical health.
Led by Jessica Warchal-King, JCWK Dance Lab focuses on creating joy, connection, and wellness through storytelling and dance. The GRADE Festival will highlight the diversity of dance styles in Berks County, featuring dancers ranging from 18 to 88 years old. The event coincides with America's 250th anniversary, using dance as a tool to build community and promote well-being.
Participating artists and organizations in the festival are all based in the Greater Reading area, showcasing a wide range of dance styles and talents. The event aims to bring the community together through culture, music, and movement, inspiring audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The festival will provide a platform for local dancers to showcase their talent and passion for dance.
The Reading Public Museum is hosting an exhibition titled "Re-Discovering Native America: Stories in Motion with The Red Road Project" until May 3. The exhibition features a photo-docuseries highlighting present-day Native American individuals and communities, sharing their stories in their own voices. The exhibition aims to provide an accurate representation of contemporary Native America and challenge stereotypes.
The Red Road Project, founded by Danielle SeeWalker and Carlotta Cardana, is dedicated to amplifying the voices of Native American individuals and communities through photography. The exhibition at the Reading Public Museum showcases over a decade of work by The Red Road Project, focusing on themes such as language, land connection, activism, and more. The project aims to showcase the resilience and continuity of Indigenous life today.
Reading Civic Theatre will be holding auditions for the musical "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" on March 22. The production, featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, blends ancient Roman farces with vaudeville energy. The story follows a clever slave named Pseudolus who seeks his freedom by helping his master win the heart of a courtesan. The musical promises a whirlwind of disguises, mistaken identities, and comedic chaos.
Mike Reinert has released a second daily devotional book titled "Red Letter Devotional," featuring verses from Scripture where Jesus speaks. The devotional offers daily inspiration and prayers for readers on the go. Reinert's first book, "Meet With God Daily Devotional," provides Scripture verses and personal messages for each day of the year. Both books are available through Masthof Press and offer spiritual guidance and reflection for readers.