An in-person event at Dance Exchange celebrating aging with dance, creativity, and connection
This year’s Dance On Gathering is on Saturday, May 18th!
Click below to register for our MOVE and MAKE workshops.
What can you expect?
The Dance On Gathering will give attendees the opportunity to…
GATHER with other older adults, artists, and leaders in creative aging
MOVE in a dance and movement class designed to welcome everyone.
MAKE with artists who are exploring intergenerational collaboration in their creative work.
Don’t miss out!
We can’t wait to Gather, Move, and Make with you during this year’s Dance On Gathering on Saturday, May 18.
Can’t make it to the Gathering?
Celebrate from afar by making a donation to support our Dance On programming.
Gathering Schedule | Saturday, May 18, 2024
Note: ASL interpretation is available upon request 5 days prior to the Gathering.
11:15am - 12:30pm ET | MOVE
Class fee: FREE
Join us for an exhilarating movement class for all ages and abilities led by Dance On Lead Artist Judith Bauer and Maggie Waller. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just starting out, this session is for you! With years of experience and infectious energy, Judith and Maggie will guide you through a grounding warm-up and improvisational exercises infused with social dances and a playlist from across the decades. Join us for this joyful celebration of dancing together and dancing on!
12:30pm - 2:00pm ET | BREAK
2:00 - 3:30pm ET | MAKE
Workshop fee: $20
Immerse yourself in nature during a workshop led by Dance Exchange’s Executive Artistic Director Cassie Meador and Ana Leilani Ka'ahanui, co-founder of Capital Nature and certified forest therapy guide. This unique session combines the restorative practice of Forest Bathing with creative engagement from Cassie Meador’s Moving Field Guides, an outdoor creative experience connecting communities and nature. Through gentle movement, storytelling, and reflective exercises, participants will engage in creative practices designed to deepen their connection to the environment and each other. Join us for this transformative experience where movement, nature, and community nourish the body, mind, and soul.
Space is limited.
*End of Public Sessions*
4:00 - 5:30pm ET | GATHER | DANCE ON OAC COHORT CLOSING
A creative reflection that will invite past and present Dance On OAC Cohort members to take stock of their resources, connections, and goals as a community of creative aging practitioners. (Current and former Dance On OAC Cohort members only).
FAQs
Who should attend the Dance On Gathering?
If you’re interested in dance, aging, or creative aging, you’ll find a workshop that moves your body and sparks your interest. At this year’s Gathering 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.
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?
Not at all! The Gathering creates connections between older adults, artists, leaders in creative aging, and more—whether you call yourself a dancer or not. People of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and experience with dance are welcome.
Is the Dance On Gathering accessible?
We're striving to make the Dance On Gathering as accessible as possible. ASL interpretation will be available by request no later than 5 days prior to the event. If ASL interpretation would support your participation or if you have other accessibility needs, please email Creative Producer Stephen Clapp at stephenc@danceexchange.org.
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 have stewarded this land throughout the generations.
Gathering co-creative direction by Judith Bauer, Cassie Meador, and Stephen Clapp