Dance Exchange

For residents of Maryland, particularly those in the vibrant and community-oriented city of Takoma Park, Dance Exchange stands as a remarkable "point of interest" that transcends the typical definition of a dance studio. Founded in 1976 by renowned choreographer Liz Lerman and currently under the artistic direction of Cassie Meador, Dance Exchange is a professional company of dance artists dedicated to creating, performing, teaching, and engaging people in making art that is deeply grounded in meaning and care. It's a place where creativity flourishes, community bonds are strengthened, and movement becomes a powerful tool for dialogue and understanding.

Dance Exchange is much more than just a place to learn steps; it is an integral part of the local community, fostering an environment where "unique and beautiful voices" are celebrated. This non-profit organization is driven by a mission to expand who gets to dance, where dance happens, what dance is about, and why dance matters. Their work often explores socially relevant themes, collaborating across generations, disciplines, and diverse communities. Whether you're a seasoned dancer, a curious beginner, or simply someone looking for a deeper connection through art, Dance Exchange offers a welcoming and enriching experience right here in your Maryland neighborhood.

Dance Exchange is conveniently located at 7117 Maple Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912, USA. This address places it firmly within the heart of Takoma Park, a city known for its eclectic charm, strong community spirit, and commitment to the arts. For locals, its central positioning makes it easily accessible by various means.

The venue is well-served by public transportation options in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, including Metrobus routes and proximity to the Takoma Metro Station (Red Line). This makes it a feasible destination for those relying on public transit from across Montgomery County and even parts of Washington D.C. For those driving, Maple Avenue offers relatively straightforward access, and while parking can sometimes be a consideration in residential areas, visitors typically find options nearby. The charm of Takoma Park means that a visit to Dance Exchange can be easily combined with exploring the neighborhood's unique shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it an enjoyable outing for individuals and families alike. This accessibility ensures that Dance Exchange remains a vibrant and convenient hub for the diverse communities it serves.

Dance Exchange offers a comprehensive range of services and programs that reflect its commitment to artmaking, education, and community engagement:

• Dance Classes for All Ages and Levels: From introductory sessions for beginners to advanced workshops for experienced dancers, they offer a diverse array of classes. This includes styles such as African Dance, which one reviewer praised, noting it was "fast paced but I enjoyed the portion I could keep up with."
• Intergenerational Programs: A core tenet of Dance Exchange since its founding, these programs bring together dancers of all ages, from young children to seniors, to create and perform together, fostering unique connections and shared experiences.
• Community Workshops and Residencies: They engage with various communities through workshops that use dance as a tool for dialogue, reflection, and social change. These often explore diverse themes such as ecology, aging, and racial equity.
• Performance Projects: Dance Exchange is a professional company that creates and performs groundbreaking dance works. These performances often tackle complex societal issues, using movement to provoke thought and encourage engagement. They have created over 250 performance projects exploring themes from nuclear physics to immigration.
• Creative Tools and Practices: They develop and share methodologies for dancemaking and creative inquiry, making their artistic processes accessible to a wider audience.
• Online Classes and Virtual Engagement: In response to evolving needs, they offer virtual class options, allowing participants to join from the comfort of their homes, as one reviewer mentioned, planning to do "the virtual class with them for a while until I get caught up on the dance moves."
• Work|Exchange Program: This program allows artists and entrepreneurs to receive discounted studio space in exchange for contributing work to maintain the facility, fostering a reciprocal relationship within the creative community.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Various opportunities for individuals to get involved and support the organization's mission, from assisting at events to office tasks.

Dance Exchange is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore its unique approach to dance and community:

• Deep Community Roots: Described by a customer as "an integral part of the deep rooted community," Dance Exchange actively embeds itself in local life, fostering genuine connections and responding to community needs.
• Meaningful and Inclusive Programming: Every program is "grounded in meaning and care for both myself and the unique and beautiful voices of others," reflecting a commitment to thoughtful, inclusive, and impactful artistic experiences. They actively work to "expand who gets to dance, where dance happens, what dance is about, and why dance matters."
• Intergenerational and Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: A hallmark of their work, Dance Exchange regularly brings together people of diverse ages, backgrounds, and disciplines, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives in their artistic endeavors. This commitment dates back to their founding by Liz Lerman in 1976, who sought to integrate older and younger dancers.
• Focus on Social Relevance: Their dancemaking is often at the intersection of art and social relevance, exploring challenging and important topics through movement and dialogue. They have partnered with organizations like NASA and the National Park Service on projects.
• Welcoming "Family Affair" Atmosphere: As one reviewer noted about the African Dance classes, it's a "family affair," where participants are "ready to join the family as they invite you to other dance class locations" and "like to hang out after class sometimes too." This indicates a warm, inviting, and highly social environment.
• Commitment to Accessibility: Beyond physical location, Dance Exchange strives to make dance accessible to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, whether through varied class levels or online options.
• Legacy of Innovation: Founded by a MacArthur "Genius" Liz Lerman, Dance Exchange has a long history of pushing boundaries in contemporary dance, creating over 250 groundbreaking performance projects.
• Creative Hub: Their facility in Takoma Park serves as a "Community & Creative Hub," a space for artistic creation, learning, and gathering.

For inquiries, class schedules, or to learn more about their programs and events, you can reach Dance Exchange through the following contact information:

Address: 7117 Maple Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912, USA

Phone: (301) 270-6700

Mobile Phone: +1 301-270-6700

For Maryland residents, Dance Exchange is more than just a dance organization; it's a "gem" and a vital part of the local cultural landscape in Takoma Park. Whether you're looking to explore the physical joys of African Dance, as one local did with their son, or engage with dance as a powerful medium for understanding and connection, this venue offers something truly unique. Its commitment to fostering community, embracing diverse voices, and creating art that matters resonates deeply with the values often found in Maryland neighborhoods.

If you're an individual or family seeking a welcoming and enriching environment to learn, create, and connect through movement, Dance Exchange is an excellent choice. Their focus on intergenerational programs means that members of all ages can find their place and contribute to a shared artistic experience. The positive feedback consistently highlights the care and meaningfulness embedded in every program, making it an ideal destination for those who value art with purpose. By engaging with Dance Exchange, locals aren't just taking a class or attending a performance; they are becoming part of a thriving, inclusive community that uses the power of dance to reflect, connect, and envision a more embodied, resilient, and just world, right here in Maryland.

Dance Exchange

7117 Maple Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912, USA