SPRINGUP LIVE! SHOWCASE 2026
APRIL 25th, 2026 | Samuels Theater
PROGRAM
Then, Again
Company: PRICEarts NeWave
Choreography & Performance: Noel Price-Bracey and Lyndsey Vader
Music: Can I know You by Afriquoi, Kakatsitsi and Earth, Wind, Water by Yatao, Alexander Mercks
Music edit: by Bryson Brunson
Note: NeWave is an extension of the Seattle based company PRICEarts NEW.
Glacier (excerpts)
Company: JCWK Dance Lab
Choreographic Direction: Jessica C. Warchal-King
Performance: Arielle Ridley, Megan Zalek, Jessica Warchal-King
Music: Marty Bonk and Riley Monasmith
Becoming Human, Parts I and II (2026)
Choreography: Ben Munisteri
Dancers: Carlye Noblit, Davida Sealy, Anna Zach
Costume design: Amy Best
Music: Wally Gunn, Nobukazu Takemura (sampling Steve Reich’s Proverb)
States of Matter
Choreography: Dawn Blanco
Music “DELRESTO (ECHOES)” By: Travis Scott ft Beyonce
Rhythm in Motion
Improvography: Justin Ballasy
Music: "Inventions" by Hauschka
Body on the Line
Company: DanceLink
Choreography: Sarah Carlson
Music: Ethan Summer
Text: Why Is US Healthcare So Broken? | 2 and 20
Original Text: Jessica Minor, Dani
Graphics editing: Rachel Halkias
Performance: Dani Curtain, Rachel Halkias, Vernon James, Jessica Minor, Arielle Ridley
Odyssey Excerpt (Part I)
Company: Artistic Edge Dance Company
Choreographer: Narissa Wescott
Dancers: Amira Brauer, Gabrielle Drivon, Cheyenne Markey, Karli Sartor, Shannon Van Dusen, Jordan Yasenchak
Music: 2WEI & Rob Cairns
"A journey of sins and darkness is revealed, and turns to light within time."
Waiting Room
Company: Human Landscape Dance
Choreography: Malcolm Shute, in collaboration with the dancers
Performers: Stacey Yvonne Claytor, Carrie Monger, Alexander Short, Malcolm Shute
Music: “Hallelujah Junction,” First and Second Movements, by John Adams. Performed by Nicolas Hodges and Rolf Hind
One Mic
Company: Born Into The Arts Dance Company
Choreography: Dominick Boyd
Performers: Laili Trager, Trinacy Thompson, Jaslyn Echevarria
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR TECHNICAL CREW:
Lighting Design: Chris Connelly
Sound/video: Stella Kim
Front of house: Jahniya James
ARTIST BIOGRAPHIES
Justin Ballasy (choreographer & dancer) is a tap dancer with over 25 years of experience in performance, education, mentorship, and choreography. He has trained under renowned artists such as Omar Edwards, Karen Calloway-Williams, and Robert Burden. From a young age, he immersed himself in the culture and history of tap dance, spending extensive time at New York City jazz venues such as Swing 46, where he learned from masters including Harold “Stumpy” Cromer and Jimmy Slyde. He is deeply committed to preserving and passing on the traditions and knowledge of the art form to the next generation. A 2018 graduate of Muhlenberg College, Ballasy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education, Performance, and Choreography, with additional studies in theater and acting. His performance credits include numerous regional and local productions. He is a YoungArts Award winner in dance and was selected as a Top 20 "street side" contestant on the television show “So You Think You Can Dance” at the age of 18. Ballasy has choreographed award-winning competition pieces, with students earning first-place titles at events such as ASH and Groove. He has also contributed choreography and training for performances within the Central Bucks School District. Currently, he performs with “Tap Team Two” based in Philadelphia and serves as the Artistic Director of “TTap,” a dance company in the Lehigh Valley. He continues to teach at tap festivals and perform throughout the East Coast, maintaining an active presence in both the educational and professional dance communities.
Amira Brauer (dancer) has over 13 years of dedicated training, where she has developed a versatile foundation in dance, exploring a wide range of styles including contemporary, modern, hip hop, acro, jazz, tap, and ballet. She trained at Coalesce under the guidance of Jaimie Geddes, where she developed the confidence and passion for performing. Throughout her dance journey, she has performed and competed in both recreational and competitive settings, earning notable recognition for her artistry and dedication. She was awarded a title for her senior solo performance and was selected as a “Faces of DECA” award winner, representing the DECA Dance Competition throughout the 2024-2025 season. In addition, she was honored as a scholarship finalist at Artists Simply Human during her senior year. Amira is currently a sophomore attending Alvernia University where she is pursuing a degree in Occupational Therapy with a minor in Psychology. She previously performed on the University’s dance team,
representing her school and program to the fullest. Aside from her artistic and academic pursuits, Amira developed her own soccer training company, where she enjoys mentoring young athletes and helping gain their love for the sport.
Martin Bonk (composer) was a street musician in New York and played in most every fire company in Berks County. His original music can be heard at martinbonk.com
Sarah Carlson, (choreographer) MFA, LMT, is the Founder & Artistic Director of DanceLink, a project-based company which seeks to bridge people, ideas & understanding through the power of movement. Sarah is a co-director of the Lehigh Valley Dance Exchange & a licensed massage therapist. Sarah is currently an Associate Professor of Dance at Cedar Crest College and has been on the dance faculty at Lehigh University, Muhlenberg College, DeSales University, and the University of Southern Mississippi. Sarah is the proud recipient of the 2023 LVAIC Dance Consortium’s Dance Service Award. In 2008, Sarah founded DanceLink to promote community and to use the wisdom of the body to unpack the big questions, often spiritual in nature. DanceLink’s projects have received funding from the Pennsylvania Partners for the Arts, the Cultural Coalition of Allentown, the Lehigh Valley Dance Exchange, the Lehigh Valley Engaged Humanities Consortium and the King County Arts Commission. Sarah received a BA in French and European Studies from Connecticut College and an MFA in Dance from the University of Washington.
Stacey Yvonne Claytor (dancer) is the proud Founder and CEO of C4 Performing Arts School in Fairfax, VA and Artistic Director of Claytor Company, a professional dance company under the C4 umbrella. Stacey is a passionate and dedicated performing artist, arts educator and arts advocate whose work has carried her from classrooms to great performance venues around the world. Stacey studied at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater and Dance from James Madison University and a Master of Fine Arts degree from The George Washington University. When asked in a 2013 interview, why she chose to be an artist, Ms. Claytor answered simply, "I am an artist...why, because it is my joy, it is my peace, it liberates and sustains me."
Chris Connelly (lighting designer) is a Lehigh Valley based lighting, sound, video, and technical designer. His work has been seen in a variety of non-profit, educational, and professional venues, as well as corporate and industrial events. Chris received his Master of Arts in Theatre from Villanova University and currently is on the faculty at Penn State Berks, Alvernia University, Cedar Crest College and DeSales University. Chris also serves as resident lighting designer and “technical guru” at Berks and Alvernia as well as many theatrical positions with his full time job at Center Stage Lighting and Rigging. He is a member of IATSE Local 200 (Allentown) and is a ETCP Certified Entertainment Electrician. When not participating in specific theatrical pursuits, Chris is an EMT, loves following his nieces and nephews around as they perform in their various musical and athletic events, and pursues his love of music as he conducts and sings with the Lehigh Valley Italian American band. Thanks and love to his family, especially Mom and Dad for all their support over the years, and for his “kids” for always propping him up.
Dani Curtain (dancer) received a bachelor’s degree in dance from DeSales University in 2021. They currently work at a special education private school as a support counselor. They are a registered behavioral technician looking to become a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst. They have performed for Sarah through DanceLink for a few years now. At their current job, they also run a dance club for the students to be able to express themselves through the universal language of dance. The body can express the things that words can’t.
Gabrielle Drivon (dancer) started dancing at a very young age and has not stopped. She trained at FuSia Dance Center non-competitively but has been included in feature performances in New York, Philadelphia, Florida, and many more. From training with many different choreographers up and down the East Coast and honing her craft, she had decided to pursue dance in college earning her B.A in Dance and Theater at DeSales University in 2022. This is her second season with the Artistic Edge Dance Company, and is very excited to start another season. She has performed not only in the dance community but in the theater community in the Lehigh Valley as well. She just recently performed as Chris in Northampton Community College production of “Carrie”, Sandy at The Shawnee Playhouse’s production of “Grease”, and Crystal at In2YouArts Company’s production of “The Wedding Singer”. She also teaches at FuSia Dance Center for the Arts, Dance Works, and Knowlton Fine Arts Academy.
Jaslyn Echevarria (dancer) is a junior at William Allen High School and has been in the dance department with Ms. Blanco at Allen since last year. Jazzy has also been dancing at Born Into The Arts Dance Studio for approximately 3 years under the direction of Dominick Boyd. This is Jazzy’s first year in the Dance Academy at Allen. Her team is her biggest support system. After high school, Jazzy plans on majoring in dance in college and being a professional dancer.
Sicora Floyd (dancer) is a senior at William Allen and has been a part of the dance program since 10th grade. Sicora also takes dance classes at That’s Dancin’! She currently takes Advanced Hip-Hop and Contemporary classes. Sicora can’t wait for this amazing opportunity to dance with so many talented dancers and be taught by such great choreographers at SpringUp Dance Festival. She is looking forward to displaying her passion on stage and in the dance studios because it brings her so much joy. In addition to the William Allen Dance Academy, Sicora is the Varsity Cheer Captain and a member of the bowling club. Next year, she plans on attending Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, MD. Sicora would like to thank Ms. Blanco, last year’s academy, and this year's Academy for pushing her to another level, and making dance so enjoyable for the past three years.
Rachel Halkias (dancer) has been dancing professionally for 14 years with multiple companies and choreographers, including DanceLink. She recently became a co-director of the Lehigh Valley Dance Exchange, which serves dance professionals in that Pennsylvania locality. She began her dance training at age four, acquiring a foundation in classical ballet, jazz and modern dance. She attended DeSales University and Temple University, where she continued training with a focus on modern. Rachel is passionate about collaboration, storytelling and pushing the boundaries of her comfort zone as an artist.
Naomi Herrera (dancer) is a heavily involved senior at William Allen High School when it comes to the arts. She is involved with every single arts program at her school, but is especially honored to have come back to dance after stopping when she was younger. Her future plans include studying Music Education at Moravian University in the fall and to hopefully give back to the same community that has shaped her passion for the arts. Naomi also plans to continue sharpening her skills on the stage with dance and theater. Naomi thanks her community and God for the support that has brought her to where she is today.
Yasi Hilario (dancer) is a senior at William Allen High School and has trained under Ms. Blanco for two years. Outside of school, she dances with Born Into the Arts Dance Company. Yasi serves as Class President and the Future Female Leaders Club President. She has been involved in varsity track, cheer, debate, chorale, and NJROTC (Operations Officer). Her favorite style of dance is hip hop. Yasi plans to attend an HBCU to study criminal justice and psychology, with a minor in dance. Yasi is excited to perform as part of States of Matter and thanks her friends as well as her teammates Aya and Jazzy, Ms. Blanco, and Dominick and Alicia Boyd from BIA for their constant support.
Venrick James (dancer) is an emerging dancer/choreographer from Allentown, PA. A very versatile mover, Venrick has training in Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Umfundalai, West African, and Capoeira. Venrick has collaborated with many notable artists, such as Ellenore Scott, LaTasha Barnes, Dara Meredith, Fairul Zahid, Xiang Xu, and has toured with Sarah Carlson’s company, Dancelink. He has presented his own choreography through festivals, including the Northeast American College Dance Association Festival and Touchstone Theater’s Festival Unbound through Changing the Race Dance. Venrick recently graduated from Temple University with a B.F.A. in dance and is transitioning into a professional career that will showcase all the knowledge and artistry he has gained through his experiences.
Sabrina Lopez (dancer) is a senior at William Allen High School, and this is her second year dancing with Mrs. Blanco. She has always had a passion for dance, influenced by its deep connection to her culture. Sabrina has been involved in school activities since the ninth grade, including the Class of 2026, Future Female Leaders Club, cheerleading, Upward Bound, and Career Pathways. After high school, she plans to attend Northampton Community College to pursue a career in radiography. Although her time dancing with Mrs. Blanco at William Allen has been short, Sabrina is truly grateful to have had a teacher who continually pushes and supports both her and her growth as a dancer.
Cheyenne Markey (dancer) is a professional dancer/performer, teacher, and choreographer. Cheyenne grew up in the suburbs of PA and currently resides in Montgomery County. She began her dance training 20 years ago [age 7] at well-known studios around the area, including: Creative Steps Dance Studio, Creative Soles Dance Studio, and On Edge Movement Dance Studio. She began her dance journey studying the fundamentals of Hip Hop. From there, she trained in Break Dancing, Dance Hall, Partnering, Classical Ballet, Pointe, Jazz Funk, Broadway Jazz, Heels, Lyrical, Modern, Contemporary, and Broadway Musical Theater. She has previously performed in the 6ABC Dunkin Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade (2014, 2019), West Chester Christmas Parade, Globetrotters Half-Time Show, a member of Penn State University - Altoona Dance Team from 2016-2017 and a member of Kutztown University Dance Team from 2020-2022. She has had the privilege to entertain audiences on and off television - commercial and non-commercial work alongside amazing artists such as Cupid, Macy Gray, Meg Donnelly and Aloe Blacc. Cheyenne has been a professional dance educator since 2018 and joined Artistic Edge Dance Company in 2019. Since then, Cheyenne has married, welcomed motherhood in 2022 to a sweet boy named Maverick and their family will be growing as they welcome their baby GIRL in February 2026!
Arisvelis Mejia (dancer) is a Senior at William Allen High school and has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She has been taking dance classes with Ms.Blanco all four years of high school, starting in Dance 1 to Dance Concepts and eventually Dance academy. She has been training in hip hop, modern, contemporary, and jazz. Arisvelis has performed in the The William Allen Dance Concerts DRIVEN (2024) and HEADLINES (2025). She had so much fun during these showcases and is excited for her last one. After high school, Arisvelis plans to attend college for sonography and wants to minor in dance.
Jess Minor (dancer) has participated in several projects with DanceLink starting in 2017. She began her dance training at age five in Easton, PA, where she acquired a foundation in a variety of genres including ballet, tap, jazz, modern dance and more. At Cedar Crest College she was able to continue her dance training and grow her dance and choreographic abilities. Additional training includes the aerial arts of silks and Lyra. She now resides in Easton now with her three dogs, two cats, and aquatic frogs and is continually thankful for the opportunity to share her love of dance with the community.
Riley Monasmith (composer) is a Berks County native, musician and composer.
Carrie Monger (dancer) received a Minor in Dance from James Madison University and a Master's Degree in Counseling from the College of William and Mary. She has been dancing professionally in the Metro DC area since 2001. She has performed extensively, both nationally and internationally. In addition to dancing with Human Landscape Dance, Carrie dances with Claytor Company and is a member of UpRooted Dance. Carrie has also choreographed and collaborated with other performing arts companies and visual artists in the area. She currently works as an Artist in Residence with Georgetown Lombardi Arts and Humanities Program and the Inova Schar Cancer Institute.
Ben Munisteri, originally from NYC, has received many grant awards, commissioning funds, and critical praise for his choreography. Supported by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, he has toured to Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival (Doris Duke Theater), MASS MoCA, Tanzmesse Düsseldorf, Florida Dance Festival, and many other venues. Munisteri has won grant awards from the Jerome Foundation, the National Dance Project, the NY Foundation for the Arts, the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, and others. He is the associate dean of DeSales University’s School of Performing Arts.
Carlye Noblit (dancer) is a senior at DeSales University, dual majoring in Dance and Business Administration. She grew up dancing at In Motion Academy of Dance and has performed in various DeSales University Dance Ensemble Concerts, working with choreographers such as Armando Braswell, Lawrence Jackson, and Jennifer Conley (regisseur for Martha Graham). She has also performed in and choreographed for the DeSales Emerging Choreographers Concerts. She has also performed at the Making History Gala in a piece choreographed by Julia Mayo, as well as at 10 Tiny Dances in a piece choreographed by Ben Munisteri.
Natalie Pierre (dancer) is a senior at William Allen. She has taken dance classes since her freshman year and is now a part of the Dance Academy. Natalie has danced in the 2025 spring dance concert “HEADLINES” as part of the dance concepts class. Natalie would like to thank her sister and Ms Blanco for pushing her beyond her limits so she can show others what she can do. Natalie would also like to thank her mom for supporting and helping her prepare for dance concerts.
Noel Price-Bracey (she/her) is a contemporary artist, advocate, and educator whose attention to social change has led her to create, collaborate, and perform across the U.S., including Allentown, PA, Philadelphia, PA, Kalamazoo, MI, Detroit, MI, Chicago, IL, Seattle, WA, Spokane, WA, Bellingham, WA, Missoula, MT, and Portland, OR as well as internationally, Canada and Italy. In 2014, she established PRICEarts LLC, a multidisciplinary arts organization with a mission to empower communities to find freedom through creative expression. In 2019, she received the SeattleDances, Dance Crush award for her work with PRICEarts and her commitment to advocating for mental wellness through dance. With her teaching, Price-Bracey explores the dynamic tension between Western learning modalities and communal pedagogical practices. Noel earned her MFA in Dance from the University of Washington, Seattle, in 2024. Noel Price-Bracey is currently an Assistant Professor of Jazz dance at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA.
Karli Sartor (dancer) graduated from West Chester University May of 2022, where she majored in early grades education and minored in dance and autism. She also completed her master’s at Drexel University where she majored in applied behavior analysis with a concentration in autism. She is currently a 3rd grade teacher at Penn Valley Elementary school in Lower Merion School District. Karli has been dancing for twenty-one years and is trained in all styles. She grew up training at The Dance Depot in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, and was on their competition team for ten years. During her time at West Chester University she participated in the University Dance Company as a dancer and choreographer. She choreographed for three of the company's shows. Karli also co-choreographed a duet in last year’s AEDC show, and this year has choreographed her first group piece for the company.
Davida Sealy (dancer) is a dancer and choreographer from Philadelphia and student currently pursuing a B.A in Dance and Criminal Justice, with a minor in Psychology, at DeSales University. She has trained in ballet, contemporary, modern, jazz, tap, musical theatre, hip-hop, and more, and she is especially drawn to work that blends strong technique with emotional expression. She has performed in works by guest artists and faculty, including Ben Munisteri, Armando Braswell, Antonio Brown, Cameron McKinney, Urban Bush Women, Clifford Williams, and a Donald Bryd restaged work. Vida has also trained with Dance class in New Jersey, dancing with their Classified Dance Company competition team, earning overall awards and many scholarships. Her choreographic work often explores different movement vocabularies, human connection, and takes inspiration from her personal life and psychology. She would like to thank her family, mentors and peers for their constant support and collaboration.
Ky’asia Sharp (dancer) is a senior at William Allen High School. This is Ky’asia’s first year in the Dance Academy, but has had a strong passion for dance her whole life. Ky’asia has recently joined Born into The Arts Dance Company and considers pursuing her dancing career in the future. Kyasia has performed in her 8th grade school play, MOANA starring as Tefiti & Teka. Ky’asia is currently William Allen’s class of 2026 Vice President, and carries multiple leadership roles within her community. Over Kyasia’s high school years, she has participated in cheer and track and field. Ky’asia Sharp has committed to Cheyney University, the nation's 1st HBCU, where she plans to study Forensic Science and Business Management. Ky’asia would like to thank Mrs. Blanco for being a loving, supportive coach while also teaching her discipline and self confidence on and off stage.
Alexander Short (dancer) has been dancing in the DC area for many years and has worked with many local choreographers. He has been dancing with Malcolm Shute and Human Landscape Dance since 2006, performing at local and international venues such as the Contact Dance International Film Festival in Toronto, the Exchange Choreography Festival in Tulsa, the CHI Movement Arts Center in Philadelphia, and the Shinpukuji Temple in Kyoto, Japan. Alex is a Certified Movement Analyst.
Malcolm Shute (choreographer) MFA, CMA, founded Human Landscape Dance in 2006, and has since brought contact choreography around the world. Specializing in artist partnerships, Human Landscape Dance has given performances, held workshops, and shot video footage in Europe, Asia, and South America, as well as cities across the US and Canada. Noted for “…ingenious choreography and staging...” by the Washington Post, Shute’s dances are characterized by intimate portraits of portraits of people using touch to communicate, bodies molding to create a collage of images. Shute teaches in the Dance Department at Towson University. In addition, he has led partnering workshops in Washington DC, Prague, Bogota, Toronto, and Kyoto. He has practiced contact improvisation for 35 years, and studied tai chi and aikido, which influenced the form.
Ashley Soto (dancer) is a senior at William Allen High School. She has taken dance classes with Mrs. Blanco all four years of high school, studying Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, and Hip-hop. Ashley performed in the 2024 William Allen Dance Concert, DRIVEN alongside her Dance Concepts class. Last year, Ashley took part in the William Allen Dance Concert, HEADLINES, and is looking forward to this year's dance concert, MOVING WITH SCIENCE. Ashley is grateful for this opportunity to learn more about dance every day and perform in front of many experienced dancers at the Spring Up Festival. She's found so much joy in dance and the community, and is glad she took her first-ever dance class her freshman year because something that was merely just a hobby turned into one of the most important things in her life. Ashley plans on going to college to study Accounting and to continue studying the art of dance. Ashley would like to thank Mrs. Blanco for being an amazing teacher and making her high school years enjoyable.
Arielle Ridley (dancer) fell in love with dance at the age of thirteen in Quakertown, Pennsylvania. By the age of seventeen, Arielle found a passion for performing, teaching, and choreographing. She earned her BFA with honors in Dance Theatre from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy, attending both the NY and LA campuses. She has trained under choreographers and instructors such as Genevieve Carson, Monika Felice Smith, Donyelle Jones, and Laura Berg. Currently, she lives and works in the Philadelphia area, dancing professionally with JCWK Dance Lab, Y.u.S Artistry, Burgundy Blue Dance Company, VAULTA, and freelancing. She is currently Dance Faculty at Pennsylvania Youth Theatre, Moravian University, and Philadelphia Ballet. In addition, she teaches at multiple dance studios.
Trinacy Thompson (dancer) is a junior in high school, who dances competitively at Born Into The Arts dance company. Though she began dancing as a teenager, it became a way for her to express herself through movement and an important part of her life. She is the Class of 2027 President at William Allen, and involved in National Honor Society, Future Female Leaders, and Math Honor Society. Trinacy plans to major in Biology and minor in Dance to continue furthering her training.
Jessica C. Warchal-King, (choreographer & dancer) MFA, described as a “post mod(ern) ballerina” by the Philadelphia Inquirer, is founder and director of JCWK Dance Lab, a Reading- based contemporary dance company. The organization supports her artistic & creative research utilizing physical dance practice, performance and education to create joy, connection and wellness through kinesthetic stories. She is Artist in Residence in Dance at Alvernia, and has been on faculty at Albright College, Drexel and Widener Universities. She was a senior dance artist with Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers (KYL/D) & Nora Gibson Contemporary Ballet. Jessica earned her MFA in performance and choreography from Temple University. She holds a BA in Dance and Anthropology from Muhlenberg College.
JCWK Dance Lab's mission is to Create Joy, Connection, and Wellness through Kinesthetic stories. Founded and directed by Jessica C. Warchal-King, the company builds community through performance and education in Reading, PA. JCWK Dance Lab also develops Creative Placemaking projects and is available for touring and teaching. jcwkdancelab.org
Dr. Lyndsey Vader (she/her) holds an MFA in Dance from SUNY Brockport and a PhD in Dance Studies from The Ohio State University (OSU). Before joining Muhlenberg College as an Assistant Professor of Dance, she served on the faculty at Utah Valley University and as a Postdoctoral Scholar at OSU, where she collaborated to create curricula centered on social justice education through the arts. Her research examines community-engaged art making and immersive performances that imagine new ways of being together during politically divisive times. Vader has presented her research at national and regional conferences, and her writing has appeared in Dance Chronicle and was commissioned by Jacob’s Pillow Dance Interactive essay series. Vader served as General Manager and Director of Education and Public Programming for Andrea Miller’s Gallim Dance (NY) and has also choreographed, performed, and taught nationally and internationally as Artistic Co-Director of Treeline Dance Works.
Shannon Van Dusen (dancer) is pursuing her B.A. in Dance at DeSales University and is currently in her second season with Artistic Edge Dance Company. Prior to joining the company, she spent four years studying dance at the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts. With over eighteen years of training and performance experience, Shannon has appeared in Dance Soup, Young Choreographers in Concert, Dance Quilt, the DeSales University Dance Ensemble, annual recitals at Miss Tanya’s Expression of Dance, and numerous competitions. She has collaborated with Passion Fruit Dance Company and participated in masterclasses with the New York Dance Project, Koresh Dance Company, Earl Mosey, Robert Kleindorst, and Kevin Tate. In addition to performing, Shannon has choreographed works for Dance Soup and Young Choreographers in Concert, and has taught both Hip Hop and Ballet classes.
Narissa Wescott (choreographer) is a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator with a BA in Dance from DeSales University in 2008 and began her professional education at The University of the Arts from 2004-2006. She trained at the Pennsylvania Governor’s School of the Arts in 2003, which was a pivotal point for her choosing a dance career! Narissa also earned a level I & II Teaching Certification in Dance (7-12) and a Masters in Education from Temple University. She is the dance director at Renaissance Charter Academy School in Phoenixville, PA and has been an instructor/choreographer at various studios, along with teaching master classes, workshops, and summer dance intensives throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Narissa has been a member of CoExist Dance Company, Fight Vixens Dance Team, and performed for five years with Philadelphia's jazz dance company, Project Moshen Dance Company, as well as a member of the Lehigh Valley Dance Exchange. Narissa has performed, taught, and continued her training in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Daytona, Florida with Surfscape Dance Theatre, along with attending the Dance Teacher Summit in NYC. Not only is Narissa continuing to teach and choreograph, but also she is an adjudicator/judge for various dance competitions such as East Coast Elite Dance Challenge, Elevate Dance Competition, True Dance Challenge, The Road to Broadway Dance Competition, and DreamMaker National Talent Competition, where she was on “Dance Moms” Season 8 Episode 7. Lastly, Narissa is the owner/founder/artistic director and choreographer of Artistic Edge Dance Company, a versatile, professional dance company and owner/founder/director of Dance the Edge Dance Competition. Narissa, most recently was nominated as Top Artist in Dance Education in the Marquis Who’s Who in America of 2025 and a member of Ch. 25 Dance Masters of America.
Jordan Yasenchak (dancer) graduated from DeSales University in 2016 with a B.A. in dance. While studying at DeSales she trained extensively in ballet, modern, and contemporary under the direction of Trinette Singleton, Tara Madsen-Robbins, Timothy Cowart, and Angela Sigley Grossman. Jordan continued her training in New York City through the JCHEN Project Mentorship Program and the Gibney Dance Summer Study Program. For ten years she has been sharing her artistic passion and knowledge through teaching young dancers in the Lehigh Valley/Greater Philadelphia area. Jordan has also obtained her personal training certification. Jordan is a former company member with Introspective Movement Project, and has done project based work with MOVE Fitness and Dance of Central Jersey, and other organizations throughout the tri-state area. Jordan has performed in various shows throughout New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia. She has also been a dance competition adjudicator for Starquest for 3 years. This will be her sixth season dancing with Artistic Edge Dance Company.
Anna Zach (dancer) is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Dance at DeSales University, where she specializes in ballet and modern technique. Originally
from Philadelphia, PA, Anna trained in jazz, acro, tap, hip hop, and contemporary at En Pointe Dance Studio and the Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush High
School. On the DeSales stage, Anna has performed in works by Angela Sigley Grossman, Stephanie McDermott, and Abby Pinkerton, as well as a restaging of Martha Graham’s Night Journey. Her performance credits also extend to events such as the America 250 PA Gala and the China Media
Group Prelude to the Spring Festival Gala. Anna is a passionate dance teacher and holds several leadership roles within the university.
Megan Zalek (dancer) is a veterinarian working in PA and a dance artist with JCWK Dance Lab. She attended Penn State University, earning her undergraduate degree in Animal Science, minor in Dance, and graduate degree in Pathobiology. She continued her studies at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, earning her veterinary degree in 2019. She then spent a year as an anatomic pathology resident at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. During her Dance minor, she collaborated with Diavolo Dance Theater in Los Angeles, earned a scholarship for a Tiffany Mills Company contact improv intensive in NYC, performed at the Capital Fringe Festival with ETCH Dance Co., and performed multiple times at the Northeast American College Dance Festival with the Penn State Dance Company.
