Moving in the Spirit is a nonprofit youth development program that uses dance as a vehicle to positively transform the lives of young people living in Atlanta’s underserved urban neighborhoods. Nationally recognized for its innovative offerings and community impact, Moving in the Spirit cultivates young leaders through programs that inspire, educate and enliven. Moving in the Spirit’s classes serve 3-18 year olds at our home theater, The Beam and within community outreach sites across Atlanta.

Moving in the Spirit offers high quality dance instruction as part of a comprehensive curriculum designed to help young people learn commitment, respect and accountability. Classes are focused upon nurturing self-discovery within each child, while using dance as a healthy way to learn teamwork, discipline and problem-solving skills. In addition to encouraging each child’s academic success and emotional wellbeing, Moving in the Spirit promotes diversity and tolerance within all program activities. We strive to foster a sense of compassion and responsibility within the young people we serve.

“We believe in the transformative power of arts education, and believe in nurturing the inherently positive spirit of young people. We teach to liberate, communicate, and promote reconciliation. We teach because someone taught us that we can make a difference. We teach to restore a legacy of leadership in which young people hold each other up, to lift the burdens of the world.” – Dana Lupton, Executive & Artistic Director

History

Moving in the Spirit began in 1986 as the hopeful vision of Dana Lupton and Leah Mann, who believed that they could unite their love for dance with their commitment to social justice in order to transform the lives of Atlanta’s urban youth. What began as a dance class for a small group of girls at Stewart Avenue Shelter, has blossomed into a large and diverse organization reaching nearly 200 children every week across Atlanta.

Moving in the Spirit was initially founded as an agency of FCS URBAN MINISTRIES, and became a separate nonprofit in 1996, under the name INDEPENDANCE, INC. In that same year, Moving in the Spirit moved into its home theater, The Beam, with the generous help of Bob Lupton and GlenCastle constructors. In its 20 year history, Moving in the Spirit has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including the ABBY Award for outstanding arts and education (2002) and the national Coming Up Taller Award, presented by the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities (2005).

Moving in the Spirit was the first Georgia organization, and only the second in the Southeast to receive the Coming Up Taller Award. Our dancers were invited to perform at the White House awards ceremony, where they dazzled an audience that included First Lady Laura Bush and renowned choreographer Debbie Allen. The Atlanta community helped celebrate this special honor by welcoming us home with a reception hosted by AGL Resources and the Atlanta City Council. The excitement continued to unfold when White House officials invited Moving in the Spirit to perform in the nation’s capital once again, for the newly elected President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. In recognition of these extraordinary achievements, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners proclaimed a Moving in the Spirit Appreciation Day!