2026 Creative Aging Winter Institute

Take a deep dive into intersection of the arts and aging during Dance Exchange’s 2026 Creative Aging Winter Institute.

January 16-18, 2026

Join movers, makers, artists, and leaders from communities near and far to explore tools and practices for working with older adults. This Institute explores intergenerational collaboration through Dance Exchange’s creative tools and practices and celebrates the role that dance can play in supporting movers of all ages in cultivating lifelong connection, creativity, and meaning.

As part of our Organizing with Artists for Change Initiative (OAC), Dance Exchange Institutes embrace process and performance, dialogue and dancemaking, and the role of artists as changemakers.

The 2026 Creative Aging Winter Institute will include:

• Sessions and workshops that explore Dance Exchange’s legacy in creative aging

• Intergenerational collaboration

• Reflection sessions that support you in integrating your explorations and discoveries into your own life, work, and community

Schedule

Online Track

Please note that there not be an online track this year. Please register below to join us in-person!

Tuition & Sliding Scale

Dance Exchange is committed to making the OAC Winter Institute accessible while honoring the true costs of this work. We offer a sliding scale to support equity and community care. Please choose the rate that feels most appropriate for your circumstances.

Please note: Tuition does not cover travel, housing, or meals during the Institute.

• $400 – Pay-it-Forward Rate
  This rate helps cover your participation and supports scholarships for others. If you are able to contribute at this level, you help make the Winter Institute more accessible for all.

• $350 – Standard Rate (True Cost)
  This reflects the actual cost of running the Winter Institute. Choosing this rate helps us sustain the full scope of the program.

• $300 – Supported Rate
  This reduced rate is available for those who need it. We invite you to select this option if the standard rate presents a barrier to participation.

If cost remains a barrier even at the supported rate, we encourage you to reach out—we’re actively working to increase access and may have additional scholarships available. We also welcome inquiries about work-study opportunities, which can offer a reduced tuition rate in exchange for helping support aspects of the Institute. For questions about scholarship or work-study opportunities, please email registration@danceexchange.org.

Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are available. Please indicate in your application that you would like to be considered for a scholarship. Registration deadline for scholarship applications is December 1, 2025.

Work Exchange: Dance Exchange is excited to offer two Work Exchange opportunities during this year's Winter Institute. Registration deadline for Work Exchange applications is December 1, 2025.

Returning Participant Discount: If you have participated in an Institute in the past, you are eligible for a 10% discount.

Refund Policy: If you are unable to attend after paying in full, your payment can be credited to a future Organizing with Artists for Change Institute within one calendar year. Please email registration@danceexchange.org.

Shula Strassfeld Memorial Scholarship

Each year, we award a scholarship to a Winter Institute participant in honor of Shula, a longtime DX company member, loving mother, devoted friend, and always an advocate that everyone dance as much as possible. This full-tuition scholarship is awarded to a participant who mirrors Shula's dedication to creative aging and/or who shares a connection to her Jewish identity, which played a significant role in her creative practice. Register for Winter Institute by December 1 to be considered for the scholarship.

Questions?

With questions, please email stephenc@danceexchange.org or call (301) 270-6700. 

We look forward to gathering, moving and making with you in January.