An in-person and online event celebrating aging with dance, creativity, and connection
Friday, May 19 - Saturday, May 20, 2023
Join us to gather, move, and make with older adults, artists, caregivers, and leaders in creative aging.
2023 Festival Programming
In-Person Performance (Friday, May 19)
The In-Person Festival Kick Off Performance features intergenerational performances by Quicksilver, KanKouran West African Dance Company, Verbal Gymnastics, and Dance Exchange.
In-Person Festival Track
(Saturday, May 20)
Hosted by Dance Exchange Executive Artistic Director Cassie Meador and guest co-host, the In-Person Festival Track takes place at Dance Exchange’s Community and Creative Hub in Takoma Park, Maryland.
Online Festival Track (Saturday, May 20)
Hosted by Dance Exchange Associate Director of Programs Amanda Newman and Partnering Artist Chisao Hata, the Online Festival Track takes via Zoom.
Dance On Festival Sponsors
Become a Corporate or Individual Sponsor of the Dance On Festival. Email mail@danceexchange.org for more information.
Festival Sessions
Performances (In-Person Only)
Celebrate dancemaking and performance that centers older adults with performances from Dance Exchange and our partners.
GATHER Session
Join diverse voices in creative aging for a panel discussion. Connect with the stories and wisdom of older adults, artists, and creative aging leaders—and bring your own curiosities, too!
MOVE Sessions
Move with all ages and all bodies through a range of dance styles. Whether you’re seated or standing, at home or in a studio, all are welcome in these movement classes!
MAKE Sessions
Explore creative tools and practices for dancemaking and artmaking at home, in the studio, in hospitals and care centers, and more. Spark new possibilities for your own dancing, work, or community!
FAQs
Who should attend the festival?
If you’re interested in dance, aging, or creative aging, you’ll find a workshop, panel, or performance that moves your body and sparks your interest. Among your fellow Festival attendees you might find...
An older adult who has just started to bring dance into their life—or one just interested in the idea.
An older performer who began dancing at age 7 and another who began at 70!
A caregiver hoping to move and connect with their aging family member.
An artist working to create connection among older adults—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A local leader or city official cultivating creative health aging initiatives in their community.
A healthcare professional interested in the latest research and best practices in creative aging
Do I need to be a dancer to participate?
No! The Festival creates connections between older adults, artists, leaders in creative aging, and more—no matter if you call yourself a dancer or not. People of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and experience with dance are welcome.
How will I join Festival events?
You can choose between the In-Person and Online Festival Tracks. In-Person programming will take place at our Community and Creative Hub in Takoma Park, Maryland. Online programming will take place via Zoom.
Who is leading the sessions at the Festival?
Dance On Festival sessions will be led by older adults who are dancing on, along with other artists, authors, and leaders in creative aging.
Should I sign up if I can’t attend all sessions or Festival dates?
Yes! We understand your schedule may be full. As we often say, you are 100% in charge of your own experience and we encourage you to make choices that work best for you. In-Person Festival sessions will not be recorded. Online sessions will be recorded and available to all who register.
Is the Festival accessible?
We're striving to make the Dance On Festival as accessible as possible. Please indicate in your registration if you need American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, and please share any accessibility needs you’d like our team to be aware of so we can do our best to support a meaningful experience for you. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at mail@danceexchange.org.
May 19 - May 20, 2023
We look forward to Gathering, Moving, and Making with you at this year’s Dance On Festival.
Land Acknowledgement
Dance Exchange respectfully acknowledges that our building and much of our local programming is located on the occupied ancestral lands of the Nacotchtank (Anacostan) People and the Piscataway People whose presence, leadership, and care has stewarded this land throughout the generations.
