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
- West Wing Week 4/8/16 or, "Also Known as Lefkós OÃkos"
Fri Apr 8 2016, The White House - YouTube Channel
Resident Arts Partner, the Nomad Dancers, performed at the White House for the annual Norwuz Celebration. Mention begins at 2:07.
- Celebrating African American Women & Dance
Mon Feb 8 2016, The White House - YouTube Channel
In honor of Black History Month, ten H.Y.P.E. Program dancers and Program Director, Alana Hill, headed to the White House to perform!
- In honor of the DC Senior Games, here are three other ways for persons of a certain age to shape up
Tue May 5 2015, Washington Post
Featuring Body Tone at Joy of Motion Dance Center!
- Joy of Motion Dance Project at Jack Guidone Theater
Sun Nov 10 2013, Washington City Paper
The Joy of Motion Dance Project, meanwhile, will crown DC's favorite dance company ...
- Joy of Motion's annual Dance Project
Sun Nov 10 2013, WJLA/ABC7
Joy of Motion Dance Center is hosting its annual Dance Project, offering local artists a chance to show off their moves.
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
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