Movement Exchange

Movement Exchange is an international nonprofit providing accessible and sustainable dance education to students in the US and Panama through international exchange and a network of committed volunteers and dancers. After 14 years of impactful work, Movement Exchange is facing its most critical challenge yet. In nonprofit terms, 14 years is a monumental achievement—especially for an arts organization. Many nonprofits, particularly in the arts, don't survive their early years, and the pandemic has further devastated the sector.

We are immensely proud of the difference we've made since 2010 and our ability to support teachers and students through the pandemic. However, despite our efforts to recover, we are still struggling. Rising costs, reduced travel, and shifts in university environments have exacerbated our financial strain. Although our recent exchanges in Panama were promising, they haven't been enough to overcome the financial setbacks from the past few years.

Thanks to your support in August, we raised over $11,000 between the US and Panama! This incredible amount has helped us sustain our operations, resume classes in Panama, and prepare for our upcoming exchange with Montclair State University in January. While we’ve made significant progress, our initial goal was $20,000. This Giving Tuesday, we’re aiming to bridge the gap and reach our target by the end of the year. Your donations are crucial for covering operational costs, particularly for compensating our dedicated staff and teachers—because we can’t create meaningful change without the amazing individuals who make it happen!

A heartfelt thank you to our alumni, board members, and community supporters who rallied behind our summer fundraiser. Your contributions were instrumental in ensuring the survival of our organization, allowing us to continue providing free dance education and cultural exchange. We hope we can encourage you to give one more time this year to ensure our success in 2025!

Here’s how your support can involve you in our community:

Donate $25: You’ll receive a heartfelt thank-you card and a special video from our talented students in Panama.

Donate $50: Get ready to groove! Join our “Move-Ex Survived” Virtual Dance Party this January.

Donate $100: Enjoy a complimentary dance class led by one of our professional teaching artists from Panama.

How does your donation make an impact?

$25 Pays for one free dance class in Panama

$50 Covers the cost of a professional development workshop in Panama

$125 Covers the chapter dues for one university in our chapter network

$500 Pays for the flight of a scholarship dance diplomat to travel to Panama

$750 Covers monthly costs for one month for our foundation in Panama

$1,600 Pays for the program fee of one university chapter member to travel to Panama on an exchange

Thank you for your help continuing to provide free dance education and opportunities for international travel and service through dance. MOVE TO CHANGE!