On the Move: Dance Stories is a cross country oral-history research adventure gathering the full, glorious spectrum of how people in the United States experience dance. From seasoned professionals to joyful amateurs, from folks who dance daily to those who dance only after a drink or two, Tik Tok stars, and dance connecting culture - these stories matter, and they help illuminate what dance really means in our lives. This project seeks to capture these stories, honour them, and create a more inclusive understanding of dance in the USA today.

About Me: My name is Debbie Williams and I am a dance researcher/anthropologist/oral historian. What does this mean? I am interested in studying why people dance, and how dance is a part of life and culture. I do this by talking to people about dance and going to see where people are dancing. My point of view is that dance is a part of the human experience and is something that all people have in some way as a part of their lives.

In my research, I speak with active dancers – both professional and amateurs, and those connected to dance in other ways—photographers, choreographers, dancewear store owners, social media dance sensations, dance venue operators, dance supporters — anyone with memorable stories about dance. I even enjoy talking to people who say they “don’t dance”!

I currently work for the University of Malta, Department of Dance Studies, and have taken off this academic year to travel around the United States to talk to people, and from January to June 2026, you will find me on the road in search of dance stories.

This is a dream that I have had for 26 years and now is the time to make it happen! But I need your help as this is a self-funded dream. We are in changing and challenging times, and I decided that the moment was NOW to do this work. I believe that dance is something that works to bring communities together and we need this! I hope you will join me in making it happen.

Why This Matters: Dance isn’t only about performance. It’s also about identity, memory, belonging, and culture. By collecting first-person narratives, this project hopes to preserve some of the living, breathing history of dance in the USA — the personal side, the human side, the hilarious side, and the deeply meaningful side. Let’s face it: everyone has a dance story!

By foregrounding stories from dancers of varied backgrounds, genders, generations, and traditions, this project builds a richer, more representative picture of the American dance experience. These narratives will help preserve cultural knowledge, expand understanding, and elevate voices that are often overlooked.

Project Aims: To create an accessible archive such as short films, exhibitions, and books. I said long ago that I want to be the "Studs Terkel of Dance"! This means creating oral history based work that will be available to all.

Your support will power:

• My travel across the U.S. from January to June 2026 to meet dancers in all sorts of places and spaces.

• Allow for safe archival storage for the stories and collected data.

• Provide opportunities for community outreach and participant engagement.

• Reach communities where dance stories and memories are waiting to be heard.

Levels of Support:

The Two Left Feet Champion - Because even two left feet can take a right step of support. - $25.00

Toe Tapper - Keeping the project in sync! - $25.00 –$50.00

Partner in Motion – Moving with me in the gathering of dance stories. - $50.00–$100.00

The Plié-se Support Us Funder - A gentle bend of generosity. - $100 - $250

Choreographer of Chaos - Providing support for a project that is part planning, part improvisation. - $250 - $500

Cultural Choreographer - Your help will work to weave together the diverse movement stories. - $500–$1,000

Movement Catalyst - Momentum creator, one story at a time. $1,000–$2,500

On the Move Visionary - A founding supporter ensuring these stories continue to dance into the future. - $2,500+

Thank you in advance for your support and please make sure to follow the journey online!

Instagram and Facebook - @onthemovedancestories

Substack - https://substack.com/@onthemovedancestories2025?