The Step Ahead Dance Ensemble is our new training and performing ensemble that focuses on the dance traditions of the African Diaspora. The Ensemble is open to 14 to 18-year old DC teens. In rehearsals three days a week at JOMDC Atlas, company members are learning a variety of African and African-derived movement forms, such as Afro Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, and West African dance and drumming. The Ensemble will have several opportunities to perform in JOMDC concerts and other local events throughout the year. Their first gig is the high-profile Catalogue for Philanthropy launch on November 8th at the Sidney Harman Center!

Support from the DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation and the Atlas Performing Arts Center made it possible for us to launch the Step Ahead Dance Ensemble as a program of Project Motion Community Outreach this year. Based on feedback from our summer Step Ahead participants, we wanted to continue a similar program on a year-round basis. Our vision is for the Ensemble to grow into a model similar to the Youth Dance Ensemble, eventually expanding to include young dancers from 1st through 12th grades.

Please contact outreach@joyofmotion.org for more information, or e-mail development@joyofmotion.org to support this worthy program.