Dance Soup at Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts

The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts (Charter Arts) presents its annual concert of student-choreographed works, Dance Soup, November 22 & 23, 2024. 

Directed by Rebecca Moyer and Jennifer Weaver, Dance Soup promises a vibrant mix of senior solos and group performances across various genres, including modern, jazz, contemporary, and ballet. "The audience can expect a diverse array of music and themes that will keep them fully engaged," Weaver explains. "Students have dedicated considerable time to developing their concepts and exploring the creative process behind their dances."

Dance Soup offers students a chance to apply the skills they've gained in Improvisation and Dance Composition classes. Many start developing their ideas during the summer before the school year begins in September. This process involves submitting proposals for faculty approval, auditioning peers, and participating in rehearsals and mentoring sessions with faculty, all of which help students enhance their leadership and choreographic abilities. "Students also experience the critique process during this journey," notes Weaver. "We provide them with the freedom to explore the entire realm of dance, allowing them to express their unique voices and specialties.

When asked about the name "Dance Soup," Weaver explains, "Much like soup is crafted from a variety of ingredients, this concert brings together diverse elements that blend beautifully to create an engaging performance that is sure to warm the audience's hearts."

This year's Dance Soup concert takes place November 22 at 7 PM, November 23 at 2 PM and 7 PM. Tickets are $7-$12 and can be purchased in advance at CharterArts.org.

The Charter Arts Dance Department provides students with a comprehensive and quality dance education in an environment that nurtures the talent of each individual. Students engage in an array of technique classes, improvisation, composition and dance history classes.  Dance majors also have numerous performing opportunities throughout the year, both in school and in the community.

Charter Arts is an audition-based public charter school that provides a comprehensive curriculum for high school students, grades 9-12, who have a dedicated passion for the creative or performing arts.   Students major in one of seven artistic areas: dance, instrumental music, literary arts, production arts (film & technical theatre), theatre, visual arts, or vocal music.  Charter Arts' rigorous curriculum fosters both academic and artistic excellence for its students. The school’s impressive Future Ready PA Index ranking, Advanced Placement (AP) exam statistics, Keystone Exam statistics, SAT scores, prestigious artistic accolades, and graduation rate, are testaments to the outstanding education that Charter Arts provides.

Recently, Charter Arts was ranked as #1 Best Charter High School in PA & #1 Best Public High School Teachers in PA on Niche's 2025 Best Schools in America Rankings. Charter Arts was one of only four Lehigh Valley schools to make The Top 100 Public High Schools in PA on U.S. News & World Report's 2024 Best Schools. 

Prospective students and families interested in learning more about the dance department and the school are enouraged to attend an upcoming Open House or Information Session.  Information at CharterArts.org.