With more than 40 years of history in DC, and more than 100,000 visits to its studios in just the last 12 months, Joy of Motion is in the business of bringing people together – to learn, create, and dance. From hip hop to ballet to flamenco, and from brand-new dancers to seasoned performers, Joy of Motion is home to an eclectic array of styles and students. The Community Dance School welcomes thousands of dancers, ages 2 to 92, through drop-in and weekly classes, while the Dance Institute provides conservatory programs to those pursuing intensive training. A robust youth financial aid program ensures that no one is turned away. Through partnerships with DC schools, DC Youth Rehabilitation Services, and the Summer Youth Employment Program, Motion Exchange strengthens education and bolsters youth development through the power of the arts. You can step up – and keep our neighborhoods in motion!

Headquarters: DC-Ward 6

Where They Operate: DC-Ward 2; DC-Ward 3; DC-Ward 5; DC-Ward 6; DC-Ward 7; DC-Ward 8; MD-Montgomery County; Near Northeast; H Street Corridor; Friendship Heights; Bethesda

Age Groups Served: Pre-K (3-4); Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24); Adult (25-49); Seniors (50+); All

Population(s) Served: All

Schools They Work In: Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School; J.O. Wilson Elementary School ; Wheatley Education Campus ; Washington Middle School-Girls ; Maury Elementary School ; Payne Elementary School ; Franklin Montessori School ; Beacon House Community Ministry ; City Arts + Prep PCS ; Friendship Public Charter School - Tech Prep Academy ; Dunbar High School ; Anacostia High School


  • Number of volunteers who work with your organization annually:   80
  • Number of need-based youth scholarships provided annually:   63
  • Number of original dance pieces in annual youth recital:   121
  • Number of students in Motion Express (free after-school program):   351
  • Number of free tickets provided for outreach concerts annually:   1065
  • Number of youth in Step Ahead (summer dance and job skills program):   50
  • Number of youth dance students served annually:   1383
  • Average number of drop-in adult dancers served monthly:   2763

Awards & Recognition

2010, 2012, 2015, 2016 - Washington CityPaper's Best of DC (top three)

2014 - Maryland Theatre Guide: Best Dance Education Program for Young Artists, 2nd Place

2013 - Metro DC Dance Award: Outstanding Youth Performance, Youth Dance Ensemble Company

2012 - Metro DC Dance Award: Outstanding Youth Performance, Alexandra Ballance

2009 - Metro DC Dance Award: Outstanding Achievement in Dance Education, YDE Director Helen L. Hayes

2009 - Mayor's Arts Award: Outstanding Contribution to Arts Education

2008 - Alan M. Kriegsman Award for service to the dance community: Executive Director Douglas Yeuell

2007 - Bethesda Magazine: Best Dance Studio for Kids

2006 - Metro DC Dance Award: Outstanding Youth Performance

2002 - Mayor's Arts Award: Excellence in Service to the Arts

Press

Budget (FY2016)

  • The current budget for Joy of Motion Dance Center is: $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About the Catalogue for Philanthropy

Each year 120 expert reviewers evaluate applicants for distinction, merit, and impact. Each featured charity has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. The Catalogue for Philanthropy charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $40 million for charities across the Greater Washington region.

The Catalogue for Philanthropy looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to the Catalogue to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

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