MISSION
Movement Exchange unites dance and service through its network of university chapters, international dance exchanges, and year-round programs in underserved communities.
VISION
Movement Exchange envisions a world in which:
- Dance education is accessible to all
- Dance is synonymous to service
- Dance enables all to achieve their optimal mental, social, and physical well-being
VALUES
- Cross-cultural understanding
- Civic engagement
- Social equality and inclusion
- Creative expression
- Sustainable dance education
ABOUT US
Anna Pasternak, founder of Movement Exchange, was 25-years-old and working in international development when she dreamed of a way for dancers to make a difference in the world. She asked, “How can dance education reach underserved populations, and how can trained dancers use their skills to give back to the world?” Intent on the idea of creating a global community of like-minded dancers passionate about service and social justice, Anna founded Movement Exchange in 2010.
IMPACT
Since 2010, Movement Exchange has:
- Engaged over 1,165 dance diplomats in 27,071 hours of local and international dance service.
- Expanded the chapter model of Move-Ex to 20 universities in the United States. Chapters commit to domestic and international service work year-round while uniting their campus’s community through dance.
- Provided over 1,685 dance classes taught by local instructors throughout Panama. Movement Exchange supports year-round, locally staffed dance programs in the communities we serve.
- Organized 8 annual shows in Panama starring hundreds of youth involved in Movement Exchange’s year-round dance programs.
- Nurtured over 17,450 young minds to think creatively and critically, become agents of change, and dream for a better future.
We are changing lives through dance. Will you join us?
BECOME A DANCE DIPLOMAT
SUSTAINABLE IMPACT
Movement Exchange creates a sustainable impact in the areas in which we work by supporting year-round, locally staffed dance programs. We currently have dance programs at two orphanages and a neighborhood in Panama and our Move-Ex university chapters provide free dance classes at domestic violence shelters, youth programs and refugee centers throughout the United States.
DANCE DIPLOMAT noun
1: a person who uses their talent and passion for dance to influence positive social change
2: one who encourages others to dance to allow for cognitive, creative, and social growth
WHERE WE SERVE
UNITED STATES
Movement Exchange’s growing network of university chapter members and alumni provide free, accessible dance education in their own communities throughout the United States and abroad.
PANAMA
Movement Exchange organizes international dance exchanges and runs year-round, locally staffed dance education programs at various orphanages and foundations throughout Panama.
BRAZIL
As of 2017, Movement Exchange has begun offering international dance exchanges to Rio de Janeiro during which participants will discover the cultural intricacies of Brazil through dance.
PARTNERS & SPONSORS
U.S. Embassy of Panama
The U.S. Embassy has been a supporter of Movement Exchange from its conception. With the support of the U.S. Embassy, Move-Ex has held various performances starring over 100 at-risk youth at the National Theater of Panama.
Escuelita del Ritmo
Escuelita del Ritmo in Portobelo, Colon, Panama is an after school music program created to preserve the Afro-Panamanian traditions of the Colon region. Movement Exchange teaches dance classes at the foundation and takes fun Passa Passa classes from their pupils.
Aldea SOS
The Aldea SOS Orphanage in Colon and Panama City receives weekly classes from Movement Exchange’s Panamanian team in addition to classes from our international volunteers during dance exchange weeks. Over 60 youth live in their houses.
Fundación San Felipe
Movement Exchange works with the youth of Fundación San Felipe, a foundation that teaches over 60 at-youth children in the neighborhood of Chorrillo.
National Dance School
The National Dance School offers affordable dance education to children and teenagers in Panama City. They offer classes in an array of dance styles including Panamanian folkloric, flamenco, ballet, modern, and more.
The Ministry of Arts and Culture
Movement Exchange volunteers teach classes at the National Dance School of Panama supported by INAC.
View our U.S. university partners in the university chapters section.
IN THE NEWS
MEET THE TEAM
Corps du Movement Exchange
Advisors
- Alex Maasry
- Kimberly Lucht
- Hannah Crane
- Rasiel Rodriguez
- Adriana Pineiro
- Maria Jose Sucre
Board Members
- Lider Sucre
- Zachary Jones
- Alan Sussna
Thank you to our board members, advisors, supporters, and donors for helping make Movement Exchange’s programs possible. Movement Exchange is an equal opportunity employer. To learn more about our non-discriminatory policy, contact us at info@movementexchanges.org.
If you would like to support Movement Exchange’s programs, please see more on our Donate Page.