our mission

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

TMP redefines the status quo and questions predetermined notions of what should be. We do so by creating thought provoking work, providing affordable and accessible dance education and performance to all communities, making space for dance and providing programming and resources that supports the needs of today’s local artists.

July 2015, TMP received their 501 c (3) status and looks forward to growing their efforts in unifying the communities of Cleveland and Akron, as well as supporting artists who call northeast Ohio their home.  

Artistic Statement

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 (she/her) and Rebecca Leuszler (she/her) with goals to support professional dance in Cleveland. Through the years, TMP has grown their efforts to support artists throughout NE Ohio, specifically the communities of Cleveland and Akron. In 2013 TMP launched its first full season of performances and has since then produced over 35 evening-length concerts, has created over 60 new works, produced 6 original dance films, and has performed at various venues such as Cleveland Public Theatre, The Breen Center, Dumbo Dance Fest in NYC, Baldwin Wallace University, Ohio University and Transformer Station. In 2019, TMP collaborated, performed and produced a sold-out concert with Pam Tanowitz and her NYC company Pam Tanowitz Dance.

In 2013 and 2016, TMP was awarded The Fedora Award, a grant for individuals and organizations that focus on positively helping communities of Northeast Ohio. And in 2017 TMP was awarded funds by Puffin West Foundation to further support TMP's annual summer intensive, a 1-week summer intensive focused on providing affordable and accessible dance education to youth dancers. In 2015, TMP launched the Cleveland Artist Initiative, a program designed to support and fund the creation of new work by Cleveland artists. Over 51% of TMP's operating budget was dedicated to paying artists and in 2022 TMP collaborated with over 150 artists and organizations throughout the year. In 2016, TMP launched Cleveland Dance Fest, an annual dance festival featuring Cleveland choreographers and is hosted each year in Cleveland. TMP Co-artistic director Rebecca Leuszler was awarded the 2016 Creative Workforce Fellowship funded by Community Partnership for Arts & Culture and Cuyahoga Arts & Culture (CAC) to produce the first festival. In 2019, 2021 & 2022, TMP was awarded funds by CAC to continue growing the festival, as well as in 2020 by Ohio Arts Council. Since its inaugural year, over $54,500 has gone towards paying artists.

In addition to our programming in Cleveland, TMP has worked to provide resources to artists, families, and youth throughout the communities of Akron. TMP is committed to fostering the next generation of Akron artists through the development of sustainable and equitable practices for dance professionals. TMP's outreach programs have included The Akron Art Museum, Miller South School for Visual & Performing Arts, The University of Akron, and our annual year long residency at Firestone CLC. In 2023, TMP officially became a proud Pathway Partner with the College & Career Academies of Akron through Akron Public Schools. 2024 marked TMP’s first annual CDF | Akron Concert Series.

Fall of 2017 TMP launched The Movement Project School of Dance for youth 2.5-18 years old, serving the neighborhoods of Cleveland. In 2022, company member Elyse Morckel was promoted to Associate Director, expanding upon her already strong commitment to community building throughout the Akron and Cleveland communities. January 2022, TMP moved its operations to Cleveland’s westside community of Fairview Park where they offer year-round weekly professional classes, summer intensives, company rehearsals, festivals and performances.

The Movement Project - Fairview Park

What's the BUZZ?         

Weekly Classes

Open Company Classes!

book your class today!

The Movement Project holds weekly classes open to professional/college/adult movers at our space in Fairview Park! Classes can be purchased as class card packs or a single class.

Easy 2-step sign up!

NOV 22-24, 2024

Cleveland Dance Fest

TMP’s Cleveland Dance Fest is set to return for its 9th season Nov. 22nd - 24th, 2024 at the historic Ariel LaSalle Theater! The 3-day festival will feature master classes by CDF artists and performances featuring Cleveland dance artists, visiting artists and pre-professional artists.

Artist line-up/ticket sales go live Sept 1st!

Space bookings

Easy & Affordable!

Book today!

The Movement Project offers space bookings for rehearsals, creative exploration, and collaborative meetings at an affordable rate! We offer a variety of packages to meet your needs!

For more information visit our page below!