Our history and mission 

Guided by the belief in dance as a powerful means for cultural and social transformation, MOVEIUS Contemporary Ballet (dba Dance Loft on 14)’s mission is to expand access to dance and the performing arts in Washington, DC. We provide vital rehearsal and performance facilities and programs that catalyze artistic work and connect DC residents with the arts. We envision a city where local performing artists thrive, homegrown performances are regularly presented, and dance is accessible to a full range of audiences.

In 2010, MOVEIUS was founded by Diana Movius as a performance ensemble, with successful runs at the Kennedy Center, Atlas Performing Arts Center, Dance Place, and Capital Fringe. The professional MOVEIUS Contemporary Ballet ensemble continues to create productions and to be in residence at Dance Loft on 14. 

In 2015, in response to the shortage of accessible rehearsal and performance space in DC, we envisioned and opened our Dance Loft on 14 facility. Located in a former 1920’s art-deco movie theater, Dance Loft on 14 catalyzes art and vibrancy in Washington, DC's Central 14th Street area while expanding access to the arts. Serving the city-wide dance and theater communities and our local neighborhood, Dance Loft on 14 provides rehearsal space for dance and theater artists, dance and movement classes for adults and youth, shared office space for small non-profits, a 120-seat black-box theater, and an array of high-quality performance programming in our spacious studios.

what we OFFER

  • Arts Space Rental Program: we rent rehearsal, class, and performance space to local artists, companies, and arts entrepreneurs.

  • Professional Company: we offer approximately 12 shows per year of new repertory and (paid) high-caliber dancers.

  • On-site adult and youth classes: we offer classes in diverse styles, including our pioneering "World Dance" curriculum.

  • Community outreach: In partnership with DC Public Schools, we offer a Bilingual Dance Program and free performance field trips.

  • Performance season: Dance loft supports, presents, or co-presents local dance and theater productions.