Hip Hop Companies
Jazz Dance Companies
Middle Eastern Dance Company
Tap Company

Joy of Motion is funded in part by the
D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities,
an agency supported in part by the National
Endowment for the Arts.

Joy of Motion Dance Center (JOMDC) delights in providing dance companies for budding youth performers. JOMDC’s youth companies have performed at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Imagination Bethesda, Magical Montgomery, other local festivals, in their own concerts, and the annual Youth Spring Concert. Admission in all youth dance companies is by audition only.

Hip Hop Companies

Urban Impact

Director: Nikki Gambhir
(Grades 9-12)
For additional information, contact urbanimpact@joyofmotion.org.

Urban Impact is a teen hip hop company of Joy of Motion Dance Center. Directed by Nikki Gambhir, Urban Impact's repertory presents works of explosive energy as well as thoughtful contemplation that connect to audiences of all ages. By taking dance styles of the street and fusing them with elements of modern, jazz and African, Urban Impact explores Hip Hop dance in a fun and creative way. Urban Impact also participates in outreach programming, recognizing dance as a universal means of communication and expression. Performances include the NYC Hip Hop Theatre Festival, the John F Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, the Metro DC Dance Awards Ceremony, Green Apple Festival’s celebration of Earth Day on the National Mall, and performing live with the Flaming Lips. Members also performed in "A Broadway Celebration" at the White House for President Obama and the First Lady. Urban Impact truly makes dance a celebration for everyone!

Groove Elements

Director: Alana Hill
(Grades 6-9)
For additional information, contact grooveelements@joyofmotion.org.

Groove Elements is the youth hip hop performance company of Joy of Motion Dance Center (JOMDC). Known for their awesome stage presence and high energy, Groove Elements offer dancers diverse hip hop training cultivated through exposure, education, and performance. Groove Elements dancers learn both old and new school movement, while developing an appreciation for hip hop as a rich and growing art form. Groove Elements has the opportunity to work with other talented choreographers and perform at an array of noteworthy events. Without question, Groove Elements is a fun and encouraging place for dancers to continue their study of hip hop.

Jazz Dance Companies

DanceFusion Jazz Project

Director: Vanessa Carmichael-Elder
(Grades 9-12)
For additional information, contact dancefusionjazzproject@joyofmotion.org.

DanceFusion Jazz Project is the teen jazz performance company of Joy of Motion Dance Center (JOMDC). Led by director and faculty member Vanessa Carmichael-Elder, DanceFusion Jazz Project strives to exceed the limits of jazz. By utilizing cross cultural influences in African, Caribbean and Latin dance styles, DanceFusion Jazz Project builds upon a world dance perspective through jazz. Dancers perfect a variety a skills preparing them for a lifetime of successful professional and recreational jazz dancing.

Jazz Factor

Director: Kelly Kunst
(Grades 6-9)
For additional information, contact jazzfactor@joyofmotion.org.

Jazz Factor is the youth jazz performance company of Joy of Motion Dance Center (JOMDC). Led by director and faculty member Kelly Kunst, young dancers begin their jazz technique training with Jazz Factor. Company members will develop their technique and performance presentation skills. This high energy company encapsulates the excitement of jazz hands!

Middle Eastern Dance Company

Raqs Jameel

Director: Adriane Whalen
(Grades 9-12)
For additional information, contact raqsjameel@joyofmotion.org.

Raqs Jameel is the teen world dance performance company of Joy of Motion Dance Center. Led by director Adriane Whalen, the company presents Middle Eastern, Turkish, Iranian and Indian dances. Through its traditional folkloric dances and authentic costumes, Raqs Jameel seeks to promote understanding and appreciation of different cultures.

Tap Company

Soles of Steel

Director: Vikki Weinberger
(Grades 6-12)
For additional information, contact solesofsteel@joyofmotion.org.

Soles of Steel is the teen tap performance company of Joy of Motion Dance Center (JOMDC). Led by director and faculty member Vikki Weinberger, Soles of Steel pushes the limits of tap! This explosive company continues to build upon tap skills in a range of styles and techniques by infusing traditional tap with contemporary choreography.