What The Movement Project does

The Movement Project (TMP) is a nonprofit professional dance company founded in 2009 by Megan L. Gargano and Rebecca Leuszler, headquartered at 4700 Lakeside Ave E in Cleveland, Ohio. TMP serves professional dancers, pre-professional youth (ages 12–18), K–12 schools, community institutions, and general audiences across Northeast Ohio through an integrated stack of performance, education, and outreach programs. Core offerings include The Dance Hub (a 2,200-square-foot studio in the Twist Drill Building opened January 2026), Cleveland Dance Fest (annual festival entering its 11th season), Summer Intensive pre-professional training, and Education & Outreach programs delivered in schools, libraries, hospitals, community centers, and museums; sub-brands include SummerWorks, LINK Choreographer Residency, and Seen: CLE studio showings. Since 2013, TMP has produced more than 40 evening-length concerts, 60+ new works, and 6 original dance films, and serves approximately 600 patrons, 150+ professional artists, and 100+ pre-professional artists annually.

TMP's core work is choreography, performance, and educational programming; the organization does not disclose proprietary technology platforms, algorithms, or APIs. The notable technical surface is the Knight Foundation–funded CodeMoves project, which investigates AI integration in choreographic practice in partnership with Spatial Pixel and creative technologists, plus a standard TicketSpice-powered ticketing stack. There are no patents or trademarks disclosed.

TMP operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with diversified revenue mechanics: transaction-based revenue from performance tickets ($11–$30), studio rentals ($15–$37/hour), Cleveland Dance Fest fees ($14–$30 tickets; $15–$35 application fees; $150–$600 commissions), and Summer Intensive tuition ($375–$425). Recurring revenue includes dance class passes (5-class $50, 10-class $80, valid 1 year) and tiered donations (Grassroots Giver $150–$499, Cultivator $500–$999, Canopy Builder $1,000+). Grant funding flows from John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, Ohio Arts Council, Cleveland Foundation, Akron Community Foundation, Puffin West Foundation, and ArtsNow. Over 60% of TMP's operating budget is directed to artist compensation, and Cleveland Dance Fest has cumulatively paid more than $77,600 directly to artists since 2016.

Name

The Movement Project

Legal name

The Movement Project

Website

https://themovementproject.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Movement Project is a Cleveland-based nonprofit professional dance company founded in 2009, serving Northeast Ohio's dance community through performance, education, and outreach programs including Cleveland Dance Fest, The Dance Hub studio, and pre-professional youth training.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Dance Performance & Education Services

NAICS

Dance Companies (711120), Performing Arts Companies (7111), Fine Arts Schools (61161)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Contemporary & Modern Dance (MPAGADAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Dance Competitions & Showcases (Non-Esports) (MPAGADAH), Dance Theatre (Narrative/Experimental) (MPAGADAC), Community Music & Dance Festivals (Non-Commercial/Local) (MPAGAEAH), Dance Education (Ballet, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Cultural Dance) (EDAMAAAH)

Keywords

• Professional dance company
• Dance education programs
• Dance festival organization
• Studio space rental
• Dance performance services

Headquarters

HQ city

Cleveland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Performance Ticket Sales: Revenue from ticket sales for performances including CodeMoves, SummerWorks, Moving Through, and Cleveland Dance Fest concerts. Ticket prices range from $11-$25 for pre-sale and $20-$25 for door sales depending on event type.
2. Dance Classes: Weekly dance classes including Modern/Contemporary, Functional Ballet, House, Yoga for Dancers, and Improv Jam. Offered as single classes ($12) or class passes (5-class $50, 10-class $80). Revenue from class attendance fees.
3. Studio Space Rentals: The Dance Hub offers affordable studio rentals for rehearsals, classes, and creative work. Hourly rates for rehearsals ($15-$24/hour) and client services ($20-$37/hour), plus Artist Package with discounted rates ($10/hour rehearsal, $16/hour client services) for committed bookings.
4. Summer Intensive Program: Annual pre-professional Summer Intensive for dancers ages 12-18 held at University of Akron. Tuition ranges from $375-$425 depending on student status and payment timeline, plus application fees.
5. Education & Outreach: High-quality, affordable dance education through outreach programs in schools, libraries, hospitals, community centers, and museums across Northeast Ohio. Programs serve early childhood through adolescence, with pricing and packages available through Operations Coordinator.
6. Cleveland Dance Fest Fees: Festival participation includes application fees ($15-$35 for professional series, $35 for commissioned artists, $10-$35 for youth showcase, $10 for dance on film), participation fees ($60/dancer for youth showcase), and commissions ranging $150-$600 based on group size.
7. Donations & Grants: The Movement Project relies on donations at various tiers (Grassroots Giver $150-$499, Cultivator $500-$999, Canopy Builder $1,000+, Groundbreaker), plus grants from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, Ohio Arts Council, Knight Foundation, and others to support operations and artist compensation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Movement Project is a nonprofit professional dance company that produces original dance performances, operates Cleveland Dance Fest (an annual multi-day dance festival), runs a pre-professional Summer Intensive for youth ages 12-18, delivers dance education and outreach programs in schools and community institutions, and operates The Dance Hub — a 2,200-square-foot studio space in Cleveland for classes, rehearsals, performances, and artist resources.

Product overview

The Movement Project is a professional dance company offering a portfolio of interconnected programs. Core offerings include The Dance Hub studio space (training, rehearsals, performances), Cleveland Dance Fest annual festival, Summer Intensive pre-professional training, Education & Outreach programs, LINK Choreographer Residency, and community programming including Seen: CLE studio showings and Artist Talk Series. The company also produces original performances like SummerWorks, Moving Through, and the technology-focused CodeMoves project.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Dance Hub: TMP's new home and gathering space for the dance community, offering training, rehearsals, studio performances, and artist resources in Cleveland's historic Twist Drill Building.
• Cleveland Dance Fest (CDF)
• SummerWorks
• LINK Choreographer Residency
• Seen: CLE
• TMP Summer Intensive

Products and services

• The Dance Hub Studio space in Cleveland's Twist Drill Building offering training, rehearsals, studio performances, and artist resources. Houses weekly classes, LINK residency, Seen: CLE showings, and studio rentals for the Northeast Ohio dance community.
• Cleveland Dance Fest Annual three-day dance festival celebrating dance, supporting artists, and inspiring audiences across Northeast Ohio. Features four professional concerts at Playhouse Square's Westfield Studio Theatre and Gund Dance Studio, youth showcase, master classes, and a virtual dance film gallery. Festival includes paid commissions ($150-$600) and participation fees for choreographers.
• TMP Summer Intensive

Quantifiable outcome

• $77,600+ paid directly to artists through Cleveland Dance Fest
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• College & Career Academies of Akron through Akron Public SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023TMP became a Pathway Partner with the College & Career Academies of Akron through Akron Public Schools in 2023. This partnership supports career pathways for students in Akron interested in dance and arts professions, providing educational programming and professional development connections.
• The University of AkroncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Summer Intensive program held at University of Akron's Guzzetta Hall. TMP also performs at Sandefur Theatre and has partnerships with the University's Arts Academy. The University provides venue access and student engagement opportunities.
• Miller South School for Visual & Performing ArtsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTMP maintains a year-long residency at Miller South School for Visual & Performing Arts in Akron, providing dance education and artistic programming for students.
• Firestone CLCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTMP maintains a year-long residency at Firestone CLC in Akron, providing ongoing dance education programming.
• NCCAkroncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTMP partners with NCCAkron on the LINK Choreographer Residency, supporting choreographers in their creative work while connecting Akron and Cleveland artistic communities. NCCAkron co-brands the residency program.
• Pam Tanowitz DanceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn 2019, TMP collaborated with Pam Tanowitz Dance to produce a sold-out concert featuring Tanowitz and her NYC-based company at TMP's venue.
• ArtsNowcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTMP was selected as part of the 2025 cohort of ArtsForward grant recipients, a grant program facilitated by ArtsNow to support Akron/Summit Cultural Plan's key priorities. ArtsNow provides funding and programmatic support.
• Lauren Bedal (Los Angeles, CA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCore collaborator on CodeMoves project. Bedal is a human-computer interaction designer and choreographer working at the intersection of movement and AI. She serves as Technology Lead on the Knight New Work project.
• Miryam Gabrielle (Detroit, MI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCore collaborator on CodeMoves project. Gabrielle is a Detroit-based movement artist and Co-Founder of Collective Sweat Detroit. She serves as Detroit Creative Lead on the project.
• Spatial Pixel (Violet Whitney & William Martin)coreTechnology or IntegrationSpatial Pixel is a creative studio developing AI-powered tools for choreographers. Co-founders Violet Whitney and William Martin are collaborators on CodeMoves, bringing spatial computing and AI expertise.
• Black Valve MediacoreOthersBlack Valve Media has served as TMP's photographer and videographer since 2017, documenting performances, events, and creating promotional content.
• Lauren JordanminorOthersLighting designer working with TMP since 2009, providing professional lighting design for performances.
• Eugene RogersminorOthersSound operator working with TMP, providing audio services for performances and events.
• Lauren MathisminorOthersTMP Teaching Artist since 2024, providing dance instruction for education and outreach programs.
• Andy Arts Center (Detroit)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAndy Arts Center in Detroit serves as venue partner for CodeMoves Detroit performance, providing accessible venue space for the presentation.
• Jacob's Pillow Dance FestivalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as additional supporter for CodeMoves project, providing institutional support and connections.
• Rubber City TheatreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as additional supporter for CodeMoves project in Akron.
• The University of Akron Arts AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as additional supporter for CodeMoves project, providing institutional connection to University of Akron arts programs.
• EJ Thomas HallminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as additional supporter for CodeMoves project, venue partner at University of Akron.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• ArtsNow: A Summit County, Ohio arts-support organization that administers the ArtsForward grant program. Functions as an ecosystem partner and funding intermediary for TMP rather than a direct competitor.

Direct peers

• Gibney: A New York-based dance and social justice organization with multiple studio spaces, residency programs, performances, and community services. The closest model to TMP's emerging Dance Hub-plus-residency-plus-performance hub approach, though at meaningfully larger scale.
• Bates Dance Festival: A summer dance festival offering performances, intensive training, and residencies. Comparable to TMP's Summer Intensive + SummerWorks + festival model and to Dance Magazine-recognized emerging-artist programming.
• Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre (DCDC): A Cleveland-based contemporary dance company producing performances, education, and community programming. DCDC is the closest geographic and stylistic peer, competing for the same audiences, dancers, and Northeast Ohio foundation funding.
• DANCECleveland: A Cleveland-based dance presenting and education organization that books touring companies and supports local dance. Comparable in regional scope and audience-development role, though operating as a presenter rather than producing company.
• Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival: A nationally renowned dance festival, residency, and presenting organization. Comparable to Cleveland Dance Fest in its festival-plus-residency model and to LINK in its choreographer support programs, though operating at substantially larger national scale.
• Inlet Dance Theatre: A Cleveland-based contemporary dance company focused on performance, education, and community engagement. Comparable in size and mission to TMP, operating in the same local ecosystem with overlapping programs and donor pools.
• Groundworks Dance Theater: A Cleveland-based repertory contemporary dance company offering performances, training, and community programs. Directly comparable in scale, mission, and regional footprint, and competes for many of the same Northeast Ohio funders and audiences.

Broad incumbents

• Cleveland Public Theatre: A long-established Cleveland performing arts organization presenting theater, dance, and multidisciplinary work. Functions as a broader incumbent venue and presenting partner in the same Northeast Ohio ecosystem where TMP operates.
• Dance Theatre of Harlem: A nationally established dance company combining professional performances, education, and community programming. Comparable in mission (training, performance, community engagement) though operating at substantially larger scale and recognition.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/themovementproject
• Facebookfacebook.com/themovementproject.cleveland

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

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 The Movement Project