Motion Pacific

What Motion Pacific does

Motion Pacific is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dance studio and presenting organization founded in 1998 and headquartered in Santa Cruz, California (EIN 46-5251353). The organization delivers more than 1,500 dance classes annually for students aged three and up, spanning youth/teen seasonal programs, adult drop-in and membership classes, the Rhythm & Motion dance workout, and a free Dance for Parkinson's program built on the Mark Morris Dance Group's Dance for PD methodology. Its programming portfolio also includes flagship annual events — Stockings: A Holiday Cabaret, the Motion Pacific Recital, Santa Cruz Dance Week (hosted since 2008), and max10 — plus a dedicated LGBTQIA+ track consisting of Majesty: Queer Dance Party & Variety Show, BBQueer Festival, and Drag Story Time.

The business model is a hybrid of subscription-like recurring revenue (monthly adult memberships at four tiers from $90 Bronze to $235 Platinum, annual youth/teen season tuition of $710-$2,370, and an annual Producer Circle donation ladder from $50 Artist to $2,500+ A-Team), one-time transactional revenue (drop-in classes, class passes, Eventbrite-sold event tickets), and philanthropic support (donations, grants, work-trade in-kind labor). Pricing is differentiated by segment, with scholarships, 10-15% BIPOC/AAPI discounts, sibling discounts, sliding-scale tickets, and a NOTAFLOF policy on select events. Distribution is direct-to-consumer and entirely in-person across four partner venues (London Nelson Community Center, The 418 Project, Desert Dream Dance, Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center), with online booking via MindBody and ticketing via Eventbrite.

Motion Pacific does not rely on proprietary technology and operates with a small staff (11-50 employees) under Executive Director Colette Tabone, who has led the organization since 2019. In 2025 the organization relocated from its 131 Front Street studio and is currently venue-hopping while seeking capital for a permanent home, after determining a candidate property would require approximately $500,000 in buildout. The organization is governed by a Board of Trustees and holds no parent company or subsidiaries.

Name

Motion Pacific

Legal name

Motion Pacific Dance Studio

Website

https://motionpacific.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Motion Pacific is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dance studio in Santa Cruz, California, founded in 1998, offering 1,500+ classes annually for youth, teens, adults, and people with Parkinson's, alongside LGBTQIA+ programming and performance events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Dance Education & Performing Arts

NAICS

Dance Companies (711120), Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries (711), Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Dance Education (Ballet, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Cultural Dance) (EDAMAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Contemporary & Modern Dance (MPAGADAB), Youth/Student & Community Dance Recitals (MPAGADAI), Dance Fitness Classes (e.g., Zumba) (HSADABAD)

Keywords

• Dance education
• Performing arts
• Dance classes
• Community arts programs
• Youth dance training

Headquarters

HQ city

Santa Cruz

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Class Tuition and Memberships: Motion Pacific generates primary revenue through dance class fees. Youth and teen classes are priced per season (34-week season), while adults can purchase drop-in classes, class passes (6, 10, or 14 classes), or monthly memberships at four tiers (Bronze through Platinum). Memberships provide recurring monthly revenue with tiered class access.
2. Event Tickets and Fundraisers: Motion Pacific's major annual fundraiser Stockings: A Holiday Cabaret generates significant ticket revenue. Additional events like Majesty: Queer Dance Party, max10 performances, and other performances contribute to event-based revenue.
3. Donations and Grants: As a 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable arts organization (EIN 46-5251353), Motion Pacific relies on community donations through their Producer Circle program with tiered giving levels from $50 Artist to $2,500+ A-Team. Donations fund scholarships, Dance for Parkinson's classes, and operational costs.
4. Work-Trade Program: Members earn dance classes in exchange for work shifts at the front desk or specialized services, reducing operational costs while providing access to dance education.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Motion Pacific is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dance studio and community arts organization in Santa Cruz, California, delivering over 1,500 dance classes annually for students aged 3 and up. Its core offerings include youth and teen seasonal dance training, adult classes and monthly memberships spanning ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, tap, and burlesque, plus the free Dance for Parkinson's program. The organization also produces performance events — including the annual Stockings holiday cabaret fundraiser, Motion Pacific Recital, Santa Cruz Dance Week, and max10 — and dedicated LGBTQIA+ programming such as Majesty, BBQueer Festival, and Drag Story Time.

Product overview

Motion Pacific is a dance studio and community organization offering a comprehensive suite of dance education and performance programs. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing over 1,500 dance classes annually. Core offerings include Youth & Teen Classes (non-competitive dance training for ages 3+), Adult Classes & Memberships (16+ weekly classes across multiple styles with flexible pass and membership options), Dance for Parkinson's (free therapeutic dance program), and Rhythm & Motion (high-energy dance workout). The performance portfolio includes Stockings: A Holiday Cabaret (annual fundraiser), Motion Pacific Recital, Santa Cruz Dance Week (annual festival since 2008), and max10 (uncurated short-form performance series). LGBTQIA+ programming features Majesty: Queer Dance Party & Variety Show (bi-monthly event), BBQueer Festival, and Drag Story Time. The organization also operates accessibility initiatives including work-trade programs and tiered donation/membership levels (Producer Circle).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Youth & Teen Classes Seasonal dance education program for youth and teens aged 3 and up, offering high-quality training in a non-competitive environment across multiple dance forms including ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop. Enrollment is structured as a 34-week season with annual recital.
• Adult Classes & Memberships Adult dance programming offering 16+ classes per week in styles including contemporary jazz, tap, burlesque, hip hop, modern, and ballet. Available through drop-in classes ($25/class), class passes (6/10/14 class packs), or monthly membership tiers (Bronze through Platinum, $90–$235/month).
• Dance for Parkinson's Free dance class for people with Parkinson's Disease and their caretakers, based on the internationally recognized Dance for PD program designed by the Mark Morris Dance Group. Taught by trained instructors using prompts and multiple dance styles to inspire movement, creative expression, and community.
• Rhythm & Motion High-energy dance workout class founded in 1979 by Consuelo Faust, featuring a follow-along choreographed format combining multiple dance styles with eclectic music. Includes strengthening exercises and stretching. Open to all levels.
• Stockings: A Holiday Cabaret Annual holiday cabaret featuring comic performances, held each December at The 418 Project. Proceeds fund scholarships, Dance for Parkinson's program, and operational expenses.
• Motion Pacific Recital Annual spring performance bringing together youth and adult dancers at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, featuring performances across tap, jazz, contemporary, modern, ballet, and Dance for Parkinson's program.
• Santa Cruz Dance Week Annual dance festival hosted by Motion Pacific since 2008 during the last week of April. Includes pop-up performance series (Dance in Unlikely Places), public dance spectacle (Dancing in the Streets), and free class offerings (Open Classes).
• max10 Uncurated performance series featuring up to ten works-in-progress of any genre, each limited to ten minutes. Artists present work and solicit feedback from audience. Includes post-show mingling with free beer/wine and dialogue. Runs three times per year. Tickets priced at $10.
• Majesty: Queer Dance Party & Variety Show Bi-monthly queer dance party and variety show featuring drag performers, burlesquers, and queer artists. Includes DJ dancing between performances. Offers sliding scale tickets and NOTAFLOF policy for accessibility. Also includes Majesty Marketplace featuring queer makers and artists.
• BBQueer (Black, Brown, and Queer) Festival Festival of workshops, performances, dance classes, and seminars for and by the Queer, Trans, and BIPOC communities. Produced in collaboration with the Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center, free and open to the public. Expanding to BBQueer All Year series of events.
• Drag Story Time Monthly drag reading event for children ages 3-8 featuring diverse stories and activities like Bingo, crafts, and games. Part of Drag Story Time Santa Cruz collective including Motion Pacific, Childish Toy Shop, and Pajaro Valley Pride. Held at rotating venues including libraries and museums.
• Work-Trade Program Accessibility program allowing adults and approved teens to earn dance classes in exchange for work shifts. Includes front desk positions, specialized services (photography, lighting, production), and Queers in Motion Committee membership.
• Donate / Producer Circle Donation program with tiered giving levels (Artist $50–$150, Advocate $300, Ambassador $500, Ally $750, Aficionado $1,000, A-Team $2,500+) supporting scholarships, Dance for Parkinson's, and organizational operations. Motion Pacific is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with tax-deductible donations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 100 youth/teen students supported per semester plus vibrant adult dancer population
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• The 418 ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe 418 Project is a primary venue partner hosting adult dance classes including Contemporary Jazz, Beginning Jazz Fusion, Dance for PD, and Intermediate Contemporary Jazz. Located at 155 River Street South, Santa Cruz.
• London Nelson Community CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary venue host for Youth + Teen Program and adult classes including Rhythm & Motion, Hip Hop, Tap, Contemporary, and Burlesque. Located at 301 Center Street, Santa Cruz.
• Desert Dream DancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue partner hosting adult classes including Mixed Level Ballet and Burlesque & Sensual Dance. Located at 1515 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz.
• Tannery World Dance and Cultural CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host of BBQueer Fest and venue for Int/Adv Contemporary Jazz, TRANSVERGENCE Queer/Trans Improv Jam, and specialty classes. Located at 1060 River Street, Santa Cruz.
• Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center (BBQueer)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerProduced in collaboration with Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center, BBQueer (Black, Brown, and Queer) Festival is a free event of workshops, performances, dance classes, and seminars for and by the Queer, Trans, and BIPOC communities. Working toward BBQueer All Year series.
• Drag Story Time Santa Cruz CollectivecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMotion Pacific is a member of Drag Story Time Santa Cruz collective with Childish Toy Shop and Pajaro Valley Pride. Collective provides diverse, welcoming Drag Story Time events at rotating venues including libraries and museums.
• Diversity Center of Santa Cruz CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in community events. Majesty began as a benefit for the Diversity Center. Current collaboration on events like Chop It Like It's Hot with Lionel Cantú Queer Resource Center and Nine Lives Salon.
• Mark Morris Dance Group / Dance for PDcoreTechnology or IntegrationDance for Parkinson's classes based on the innovative and internationally renowned Dance for PD program designed by the Mark Morris Dance Group and Brooklyn Parkinson Group. Teachers are trained in this specific methodology.
• Neighbor's PubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner venue for Queer Cuntry Line Dancing events. Sliding scale tickets sold through Eventbrite or at the door.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves14 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• The 418 Project: Santa Cruz arts venue that hosts Motion Pacific's adult classes and Dance for Parkinson's programming. Comparable as a local Santa Cruz performance and class venue with overlapping programming and shared audience base.
• Berkeley Ballet Theater: Bay Area nonprofit ballet school and company offering youth and adult programs with a community focus. Comparable as a regional nonprofit dance school serving similar recreational-to-pre-professional student segments.
• AXIS Dance Company: Oakland-based nonprofit dance company creating physically integrated performances and education programs for dancers with and without disabilities. Comparable as a California nonprofit integrating inclusive programming with performance, aligning with Motion Pacific's 'all bodies' positioning.
• Peridance Capezio Center: New York City dance school offering drop-in classes, class packages, and memberships across many styles. Comparable as a multi-style urban dance school with membership and pass pricing similar to Motion Pacific's adult structure.
• ODC Dance Commons: San Francisco-based nonprofit dance company operating a school, performance series, and community programs. Comparable as a West Coast nonprofit combining dance education, performance, and community programming across multiple styles.
• Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center: Santa Cruz dance venue and community organization that is a direct Motion Pacific partner (co-host of BBQueer Fest) and operates overlapping adult classes. Comparable as a regional dance nonprofit serving similar Santa Cruz audiences.

Broad incumbents

• Broadway Dance Center: NYC dance school offering drop-in classes, class packages, and intensive programming across many styles. Comparable through similar drop-in and class-pass pricing mechanics, though at national-scale volume.
• LINES Ballet BATS Training Program: Bay Area dance company with an associated training program offering ballet, contemporary, and adult classes. Comparable as a larger, more established Bay Area dance institution with overlapping class-style offerings.
• San Francisco Ballet School: One of the largest ballet training institutions in the U.S., serving youth through adult students. Comparable as a California nonprofit dance school though operating at significantly larger scale and with more competitive positioning.
• Mark Morris Dance Group: Brooklyn-based dance company that developed the Dance for PD methodology Motion Pacific uses. Comparable through the formal Dance for PD partnership and as a much larger nonprofit dance institution with education programs.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/motionpacificdance

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Motion Pacific