STEPHANIE JOJOKIAN AMBER YANCEY BOARD OF DIRECTORS STAFF TESTIMONIALS
The Largest and Most Diverse Dance Company in Washington, DC
Capitol Movement, Inc. (CMI) established 501(c)(3) status in October 2006, but the company actually began in February 2005. Co-Founders Amber Yancey and Stephanie Jojokian decided that it was time to help elevate the quality and integrity of dance training and opportunities in the District of Columbia by producing an annual dance concert titled “The Capitol Movement Project” (CMP). It was their dream to create an outlet for the DC dance community to train with and perform at the elite level.
To bring this dream to fruition, Amber and Stephanie began hosting master classes, workshops and auditions with choreographers from New York and Los Angeles like Darrin Henson, Liz Imperio, Lee Martino, and locals like Adrain Bolton and Joseph Nontanovan. They commissioned the choreographers to create original works for the show and to give local dancers an opportunity to train with these professional artists and perform their works in a concert at a prominent venue.
The inaugural concert took place on June 10, 2006 at the historic Lincoln Theatre, with an original cast of 45 dancers. The Lincoln Theatre quickly became a home for the project as the Executive Director, Janis Hill, requested that CMI establish itself as “The Resident Dance Company” for the Theatre.
In addition to our main concert, CMI is fulfilling part of its mission by providing local dancers the opportunity to showcase their talents at major media events. On August 17, 2006, CMI had the honor of performing for the 25th anniversary gala for Radio One. The company was commissioned by Cathy Hughes, founder and owner of Radio One, to choreograph and perform with award winning gospel harpist Jeff Majors. Other professional credits include:
- Invited to perform with Jazz musician Gerri Allen at the 2007 Congressional Black Caucus, as well as commissioned to perform the opening number for their annual gala
- Directed the 2006-2007 Washington Wizards Junior Dance Team and has been invited to direct them again for the 2007-2008 season
- Participated in the filming of a reality show Pilot for BET titled, "Coming up Christie"
- Performed in the 2007 DC Hip-Hop Theatre Festival at Dance Place
- 2007 Grantees from the NFL Retired Players Association
Now in our third season, CMI has become a multi-faceted organization. Our outreach includes: dance scholarships, camps, classes and workshops for disadvantaged schools and children, and arranging for DC residents of all ages to patronize our annual dance concert free of charge. Our training program is unique in that we encourage dancers from all techniques to experience all forms of dance. Our performance company reflects this vision with a cast of more than 72 dancers making us the largest and most diverse dance company and outlet for dancers in Washington, DC. Ages range between 8 and 43.
In addition to community outreach, CMI holds workshops and auditions each year for intense training and to select dancers for our annual CMP concert. Our company provides constant opportunities whether it be company dance classes, workshops, camps or conventions.
CMI continuously searches for opportunities to partner with community organizations, schools and programs to further our mission of “Dance for All”. In addition, we endlessly search for space to rehearse for our appearances, shows and kids programs as well as to house company classes, workshops and auditions.