The Movement Project is a professional dance company based in Northeast Ohio, centered on connection, creativity, and community impact through movement. Guided by the belief of “A Movement through Movement”, TMP brings artists and audiences together through performance, education, and shared experiences. Our work includes original dance performances, Cleveland Dance Fest, education and outreach programs, and artist resources through The Dance Hub, our home for training, rehearsals, and studio performances. By supporting artists with meaningful, paid opportunities and accessible spaces to create, TMP is committed to building a thriving, sustainable dance ecosystem across Cleveland, Akron, and the greater Northeast Ohio region.

OUR MISSION

The Movement Project’s mission is to challenge perspectives, evoke social change and bridge communities through the power of movement.

OUR ARTISTIC FOUNDATION

In the 21st century, a “body of work” extends beyond traditional dance creations to include actions that nurture the broader artistic ecosystem. It encompasses not just choreography and performance, but also initiatives that foster equity, support fellow artists, and create spaces for new work. Today, our body of work reflects a commitment to cultivating communities where creativity thrives, both on and off stage. It’s not just about the final product, but the ongoing process of connecting, empowering, and transforming through art, shaping culture through advocacy, mentorship, and collaboration that impacts both artists and audiences alike.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

The Movement Project was founded in 2009 by Megan Gargano and Rebecca Leuszler with the goal of supporting professional dance in Cleveland. Over the years, TMP has expanded its reach across Northeast Ohio, deepening its investment in artists and communities in both Cleveland and Akron.

In 2013, TMP launched its first full season of performances and has since produced over 40 evening-length concerts, created more than 60 new works, and premiered six original dance films. The company has performed at venues including Cleveland Public Theatre, The Breen Center, Dumbo Dance Fest (NYC), Baldwin Wallace University, Ohio University, Transformer Station, Sandefur Theatre, and Playhouse Square.

In 2019, TMP collaborated with Pam Tanowitz Dance to produce a sold-out concert featuring Tanowitz and her NYC-based company. TMP has also been recognized with several grants and awards: The Fedora Award (2013, 2016) for community-focused work in Northeast Ohio, and support from the Puffin West Foundation (2017) to expand TMP’s annual Summer Intensive, providing accessible dance education for youth.

In 2015, TMP launched the Cleveland Artist Initiative, designed to fund and support the creation of new work by local artists. Today, over 60% of TMP’s operating budget is dedicated to paying artists.

In 2016, TMP founded Cleveland Dance Fest (CDF), an annual festival celebrating Cleveland choreographers. Co-artistic director Rebecca Leuszler received the 2016 Creative Workforce Fellowship (funded by CPAC and Cuyahoga Arts & Culture) to produce the first festival. Since then, CDF has continued with generous support from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, the Ohio Arts Council, and other partners. To date, over $77,600 has been paid directly to artists through the festival. 2025 marked CDF’s 10th anniversary and TMP’s Playhouse Square debut.

TMP’s work in Akron continues to grow through partnerships with Miller South School for Visual & Performing Arts, The University of Akron, and Firestone CLC, where TMP maintains a year-long residency. In 2023, TMP became a Pathway Partner with the College & Career Academies of Akron through Akron Public Schools, and in 2024, launched the first annual CDF | Akron Concert Series. In 2022, company member Elyse Morckel was promoted to Associate Director, expanding her leadership and community engagement across both Akron and Cleveland.

In 2024, TMP was honored as a Knight New Work grantee, an initiative of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation supporting artists who use technology to innovate how art is created and shared. And in January 2026, TMP moved into its new home at The Dance Hub in Cleveland’s historic Twist Drill Building, a dedicated space for Northeast Ohio’s dance community to train, rehearse, perform, and gather.