Movement Arts Collective
Performance. Outreach. Education.
Enhancing SLO's Cultural Landscape
Founded in 2017, the Movement Arts Collective is the nonprofit performing arts arm of Movement Arts Center and home to our audition-based Dance Company.
The Collective was created as an incubator for local dance talent—a place where dedicated young dancers can grow as artists through interaction with professionals, the creation of high-quality artistic productions, and collaboration with other arts organizations.
Working alongside the training provided by SLO Movement Arts Center (SLOMAC), the Collective gives dancers opportunities to take what they learn in the studio and bring it to the stage and the broader community.
Powered Community
Your Support Keeps Us Moving
As a nonprofit organization, Movement Arts Collective depends on donations, fundraising and community support to make its work possible.
Contributions help fund professional instruction and guest artists, original choreography, costumes, theater expenses, educational opportunities, community outreach and the many other costs involved in bringing high-quality dance to the Central Coast.
Our annual Ranch Round Up is the Collective's signature fundraising event, bringing our community together in support of the dancers and our mission.
Throughout the year, dancers and families also help raise funds through performance concessions, show merchandise and other special events.
There are many ways to be part of what we're building.
Our Board of Directors
Movement Arts Collective is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors committed to supporting the organization's mission and its continued growth.
Jerilyn Morneau, President
Valerie Neuschwander, Secretary
Michelle Auran, Treasurer
Leah Nielsen, Parent Guild Liaison to the Board
Performance
The Movement Arts Collective is dedicated to presenting new creations by a diverse group of choreographers, led by our Artistic Directors, Ryan Lawrence and Maartje Hermans-Lawrence.
Audiences can experience timely contemporary works and updated classics on stages throughout San Luis Obispo, including our annual reimagined production of The Nutcracker. The Collective also collaborates throughout the year on performances in art galleries, outdoor settings, festivals and other traditional and nontraditional venues.
Outreach
We believe the gift of movement is meant to be shared.
Movement Arts Collective dancers bring modified, participatory performances into the community, including programs designed to reach underserved populations. These experiences create meaningful connections between dancers and audiences and reflect our belief that the arts should be accessible beyond the traditional theater.
Education
Drawing on their own professional backgrounds, Ryan and Maartje invite guest artists to work with Collective dancers through workshops, master classes and choreography.
These opportunities expose young dancers to different artistic perspectives and professional experiences while helping broaden our community's understanding and appreciation of dance.
Meet the
Dance Company
The Movement Arts Collective Dance Company is a select group of young dancers who audition annually for the opportunity to participate in an expanded program of performance and artistic development.
Company members build upon their SLOMAC training through professional choreography, workshops, master classes, main-stage productions, community performances and special events.
Where Dance Can Take You
Over the years, dozens of dancers who have trained with Movement Arts have gone on to pursue continued dance education and professional opportunities at prestigious colleges, conservatories, training programs and dance companies across the country.
From college dance programs and advanced conservatory training to professional careers, we’re proud to see Movement Arts dancers take the discipline, artistry and confidence developed here into whatever comes next.
Where alumni have continued their journeys...
Colleges, Universities & Dance Organizations
Ad Deum Dance Company
Belmont University — Tennessee
Belhaven University — Mississippi
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)
California State University, Long Beach
Chapman University — California
Lipscomb University — Tennessee
Master Ballet Academy — Arizona
Nashville Ballet — Tennessee
Point Park University — Pennsylvania
Southern Methodist University — Texas
SUNY Purchase College — New York
University of California, Santa Cruz
Westmont College — California
Professional & Career Paths
Freelance choreographer and dancer in Germany
Professional cruise ship dance contract, performing internationally
United States Marine Corps — two alumni
Dance instructors at multiple studios
Help Us Keep Dance Moving
Every performance, workshop, costume, collaboration and community program begins with people who believe the arts matter.
Your support helps us create meaningful opportunities for young dancers while bringing ambitious, accessible dance experiences to audiences throughout the Central Coast.