Press Release – Announcing the 2017-18 Program Year

September 7, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Announcing the 2017-18 Program Year at Joy of Motion Dance Center

Highlights include new partnerships with DC Youth Rehabilitation Services and KIPP DC and launch of the American Dance Conservatory

Washington, DC: Joy of Motion Dance Center’s 42nd program season will begin on Monday, September 11th, with more than 300 classes (both drop-in and series) for dancers of all “ages and stages” at three studio locations on H Street NE, in Friendship Heights, and in Bethesda, MD. Free and reduced-cost dance programs at DC public and charter schools will launch later in the month, marking the 16th year of Joy of Motion’s close collaboration with local schools.

Unique among dance organizations, Joy of Motion deliberately creates “entry points” to dance education and performance for those of all ages, abilities, and means, as well as intensive, conservatory training for students pursuing dance at the university or professional level. Our 2017-18 season includes ballet, creative movement, flamenco, freestyle, hip hop, jazz, modern, pointe, tap, and West African classes, with introductory courses and levels provided to all age groups (from toddlers to seniors).

New initiatives in the 2017-18 season include:

  • The launch of “Justice in Motion,” in collaboration with DC Youth Rehabilitation Services and Maya Angelou Academy at New Beginnings Youth Development Center. Joy of Motion will be one of five organizations nationwide to implement Keshet Dance Company’s “M3” model (Movement + Mentorship = Metamorphosis), an evidence-based dance program aimed at reducing youth recidivism.

  • The launch of the American Dance Conservatory (ADC), a curriculum-based training program in jazz and tap for young people pursuing collegiate dance programs and musical theatre. Longtime faculty member Kelly Kunst will lead ADC.

  • The “Jukebox Social” and “Travelers” Series, which immerse adult dancers in social and cultural dance forms from the United States and abroad, including Social Bachata, Lindy Hop, Cuban Salsa, and Brazilian Samba in Fall 2017.

  • Expansion of free and reduced-cost programs to new DC public and charter school sites, including Stanton Elementary School and the KIPP DC College Preparatory School.

  • Continued growth of Joy of Motion’s Youth Financial Aid program, which provided need-based aid to more than 150 youth in 2016-17, the majority of whom received full tuition awards.

“This promises to be a tremendous year at Joy of Motion. Our commitment to building strong minds and strong bodies will be put into action in our studios and in classrooms throughout the District,” says Joy of Motion Executive Director Steve Barberio.

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ABOUT JOY OF MOTION

A non-profit charitable organization founded in 1976, Joy of Motion Dance Center has since developed into the “the area’s most comprehensive dance institution” (Washington Post), engaging 60 faculty members and teaching artists, providing more than 300 weekly classes, and drawing nearly 9,000 unique students and artists annually to three studio locations (in two Wards of DC and in Bethesda, MD). With more than 40 years of history in the District, Joy of Motion has become the hub of a vast artistic community, committed to excellence both in high-level training and community-based arts experiences.

Our Mission: to unite dance professionals, students, and audiences by providing exceptional education and performances that stimulate a universal love of dance. Learn more: www.joyofmotion.org.