The Movement Project: Cleveland's Hub for Dance Innovation in Fairview Park, Ohio

The Movement Project Introduce

Welcome to The Movement Project, a pioneering dance organization that has been challenging perspectives, evoking social change, and bridging communities through the power of movement since its founding in 2009 by Megan Gargano and Rebecca Leuszler. Located right here in Fairview Park, Ohio, The Movement Project (TMP) is more than just a dance studio; it's a dynamic hub for artistic creation, education, and community engagement. Our mission is to redefine the status quo of dance, questioning predetermined notions and offering thought-provoking work, alongside affordable and accessible dance education and performance opportunities for all communities.

At The Movement Project, we are deeply committed to nurturing the local arts ecosystem. We make dedicated space available for dance, providing programming and resources that actively support the needs of today's artists in Northeast Ohio. This includes professional dance classes, summer intensives, company rehearsals, and opportunities for festivals and performances. Our relocation to Cleveland's westside community of Fairview Park in January 2022 further solidified our commitment to accessible dance, offering year-round weekly classes and various artistic initiatives to local residents.

Since launching its first full season of performances in 2013, TMP has produced over 35 evening-length concerts, created more than 60 new works, and produced 6 original dance films. We have graced stages at renowned venues both locally and nationally, collaborating with esteemed companies and artists. Our dedication to fostering a vibrant dance community extends to youth, with The Movement Project School of Dance serving ages 2.5-18, ensuring that the next generation of dancers in Cleveland and Akron receive quality training and opportunities. We invite you to explore the impactful work of The Movement Project and become a part of our thriving dance community here in Ohio.

The Movement Project is strategically located at 21547 Lorain Rd, Fairview Park, OH 44126, USA. This accessible address places our versatile studio facilities along a well-known and convenient thoroughfare in Fairview Park, making it exceptionally easy to reach for residents throughout the city and surrounding communities in Ohio. Lorain Road is a major artery, ensuring straightforward navigation and a simple commute for individuals traveling from various parts of Cuyahoga County, including Cleveland's west side and nearby suburbs like Rocky River, Westlake, and North Olmsted.

The accessibility of our location is a significant advantage for local artists, students, and organizations. Ample parking is typically available in the vicinity, which is practical for individuals utilizing our space bookings for rehearsals or attending professional classes. The area surrounding Lorain Road is well-established, contributing to a secure and familiar environment for all our visitors. This central and easily reachable position reflects our commitment to making high-quality dance resources and education readily available to the Ohio community, fostering consistent engagement and participation in our diverse programs.

The Movement Project offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to support both professional artists and aspiring dancers, deeply impacting the dance landscape of Cleveland and Akron. Our diverse offerings include:

Professional Dance Space Bookings: We provide well-equipped studio spaces for rehearsals, creative exploration, and collaborative meetings. Our large dance studio (32x20 ft) features a sprung Marley dance floor, ballet barres, mirrors, a speaker with Bluetooth/aux connections, wellness equipment, natural light, a lobby, and a private bathroom. Rates are available hourly or as part of packages, including options for Cleveland Artists.
Affordable & Accessible Dance Education: We are committed to providing dance education to all communities. This includes classes for youth (ages 2.5-18) through The Movement Project School of Dance.
Year-Round Weekly Professional Classes: Open to professional, college, and adult movers, these classes offer ongoing training in various styles.
Summer Intensives: Annual intensive programs, like our 11th Annual Summer Intensive, geared towards pre-professional dancers (ages 12-18) focusing on rigorous daily schedules in modern dance technique, contemporary, ballet, improvisation, composition, House, musical theater, injury prevention, and somatic practices. Programs also include career-focused courses like resume building and dance on film.
Performance & Production: Since 2013, TMP has produced over 35 evening-length concerts, created 60+ new works, and 6 original dance films, offering numerous performance opportunities.
Cleveland Dance Fest: An annual dance festival featuring Cleveland choreographers, hosted each year in Cleveland, providing a platform for local artists.
Cleveland Artist Initiative: A program designed to support and fund the creation of new work by Cleveland artists, with over 60% of TMP's operating budget dedicated to paying artists.
Outreach Programs: We provide resources to artists, families, and youth throughout Akron, with partnerships with institutions like The Akron Art Museum and The University of Akron.
Open Company Classes: Opportunities to take classes with TMP's company members.

The Movement Project is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore its significant role in the Ohio dance and arts community:

Mission-Driven Approach: At its core, TMP's mission is to "challenge perspectives, evoke social change and bridge communities through the power of movement." This commitment goes beyond traditional dance, fostering thought-provoking work and impacting the broader artistic ecosystem.
Founding Leadership and Longevity: Founded in 2009 by Megan Gargano and Rebecca Leuszler, TMP has a long-standing history of supporting professional dance in Cleveland, evidenced by over 15 years of consistent programming and growth.
Commitment to Artist Support: A significant highlight is TMP's dedication to paying artists, with over 60% of its operating budget allocated to this purpose. The Cleveland Artist Initiative further exemplifies its commitment to funding and promoting new local work.
Awards and Recognition: TMP has been awarded prestigious grants like The Fedora Award (2013, 2016) and funds from Puffin West Foundation and Ohio Arts Council, recognizing its positive impact on Northeast Ohio communities and its contributions to dance education.
Accessible and Equipped Facilities: The studio in Fairview Park boasts a large 32x20 ft sprung Marley dance floor, ballet barres, mirrors, and wellness equipment, providing a professional and well-equipped space for rehearsals, classes, and creative work.
Extensive Performance and Production History: With over 35 evening-length concerts, 60+ new works, and 6 original dance films, TMP has a robust portfolio of artistic output, offering consistent performance avenues.
Key Community Initiatives: The launch of Cleveland Dance Fest (an annual festival) and the youth-focused School of Dance (serving ages 2.5-18) demonstrate TMP's commitment to fostering dance at all levels within the community.
Collaborative Spirit: TMP actively collaborates with various artists and organizations, including a sold-out concert with Pam Tanowitz Dance, highlighting its role as a unifier within the dance world.
Commitment to Equity: The studio actively works to create an "equitable space booking package" for individual artists and offers "free Space Connect Residencies" for underrepresented groups, demonstrating a dedication to accessibility and inclusivity.

For inquiries regarding space bookings, class schedules, upcoming events, or general information, please feel free to contact The Movement Project. We are here to support your creative and dance journey.

Address: 21547 Lorain Rd, Fairview Park, OH 44126, USA

Phone: (216) 694-8241

For locals in the Ohio region, particularly those in Fairview Park and the broader Cleveland and Akron areas, The Movement Project is an exceptionally suitable and invaluable resource for anyone passionate about dance and the performing arts. Its profound mission to bridge communities through movement and its commitment to social change provide a meaningful dimension beyond mere instruction. For artists, the dedicated space booking options, professional classes, and explicit financial support through initiatives like the Cleveland Artist Initiative make it an unparalleled local hub for creative development and sustainability. This direct support for local artists is a significant advantage that sets TMP apart.

For aspiring dancers of all ages, The Movement Project School of Dance offers accessible and high-quality education right in their community. The rigorous summer intensives provide pre-professional training for serious-minded youth, ensuring that Ohio's next generation of dancers has top-tier local opportunities. Furthermore, the extensive performance and production history, including the annual Cleveland Dance Fest, means that local artists and audiences have consistent access to thought-provoking and high-caliber dance work without needing to travel far.

The Movement Project's recognized awards and partnerships with organizations like the Ohio Arts Council and Cuyahoga Arts & Culture further solidify its reputation as a trusted and impactful local institution. In essence, TMP is not just a dance studio; it's a vital cultural engine that empowers artists, educates the community, and enriches the arts landscape of Northeast Ohio, making it an ideal choice for any local looking to engage deeply with dance.

This video provides an overview of The Movement Project's 11th Annual Summer Intensive, offering insight into their training programs for serious dancers. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vkg7Pf8lvw)