Hi! We're MoveFest on Main—a dance and leadership festival founded in upstate NY/Catskill/Hudson Valley. We believe that movement is for every body, and our mission is to bring life-affirming movement to the people. MoveFest consists of two parts:

1) STUDIO SESSIONS - geared to youth 12+, young people spend 4-5 days with world class dance educators and inspiring artists. But we're sharing more than just a step—we're focusing on leadership, self-esteem, community care, and tools for success. Dance serves as a lens for us to understand how we move through life—and an opportunity to move, shed, reflect, and embody expansive futures.

2) THE DAY OF DANCE - open to the public, the Day of Dance brings together local movement practitioners to teach free open workshops to anyone/everyone. It's a block party filled with music, movement, and connection. Past movement samplings have included Qi Gong, Alexander Technique, Earth Sounding, Waacking/Punking, and more.

[GOAL]

We're raising a stretch goal of $7,000 to help cover festival costs & directly benefit the communities of Catskill, NY; this includes local programs such as the MHACG Youth Clubhouses and Dance Diversity (Valatie, NY).

$5,000 | Primary Expenses

- Artists stipend + per diem

- Food for participants (lunch is covered daily)

- Transportation

- Event Documentation

$2,000 | Additional Expenses

- Administrative, Social Media, Advertising Support for MoveFest & Day of Dance

We have a big vision and know that this work is transformative. Now in our third year, we've seen and experienced the healing power of movement, as well as investing in our youth and intergenerational bonds.

[OUR VALUES]

ACCESSIBILITY - Our offerings, which include food and transportation, are available to all for free. No matter your ability, everyone is welcomed.

DIVERSITY - As BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and neurodiverse staff we understand how important it is move in a way that makes space for all—that meets people where they are with care and sensitivity. Our practices adapt to differing abilities—allowing everyone to participate as they'd like.

UPLIFTING ARTISTS - We understand the critical work that artists bring to our communities and culture. In addition to cultivating young artists, we support working artists with solid pay, time/space to rest in nature, and a setting to develop their pedagogy.

[WE BELIEVE]

Movement is powerful.

It helps us express ourselves.

It grounds us in our bodies—and supports us as we navigate our internal and external worlds.

It gives us the space to explore, imagine and embody new ways of being—

New futures.

New modes of care and community.

If we consider our bodies as sites of change and possibility, how can movement be a tool for healing and collective liberation?

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Thank you for your consideration—if you believe in our project, please pass this along to a friend.