CMI Blog: The Groove


Read about our organization updates, press releases, and interviews with key members of the CMI community of dancers. Take a deeper look into our shared passions for dance and how dance fuels our mission to change lives for the better. This page will be updated on a regular basis with new content, interviews, and articles.

Stephanie Jojokian Stephanie Jojokian

Why Everyone Should Consider a Digital Detox for Better Living

A digital detox is more than just a break from devices; it’s an intentional effort to step away from the constant noise of the online world. In an era defined by perpetual connectivity, taking time to disconnect offers a unique opportunity to refocus, recharge, and regain balance in life.

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Stephanie Jojokian Stephanie Jojokian

Sip & Shop Festive Holiday Shopping Event

Get into the holiday spirit while supporting dance education at our upcoming Sip and Shop fundraiser! Capitol Movement is thrilled to partner with Scout & Molly's North Bethesda for an evening of festive shopping, refreshments, and community connection.

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Stephanie Jojokian Stephanie Jojokian

The Rhythm of Giving: Help Keep Dance Accessible in DC

As Capitol Movement approaches its landmark 20th anniversary, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment. From November 26 to December 3, we're launching The Rhythm of Giving campaign to secure the future of inclusive dance education in our nation's capital.

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Stephanie Jojokian Stephanie Jojokian

Dancing Against the Odds: CMI's Fight for Affordable Space in DC

As CMI approaches its 20th anniversary of building better lives through dance, our organization faces unprecedented challenges. Over the past four years, we've grappled with rising costs for studio space, making it increasingly difficult to host classes, rehearsals, and our annual performances.

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Stephanie Jojokian Stephanie Jojokian

Capitol Movement: 20 Years of Dance & Empowerment

It was the moment that Co-Founder Stephanie Jojokian looked into a dance workshop led by the late choreographer Andre Fuentes in Los Angeles that sparked the creation of Capitol Movement. “This is the class I should have taken. This is what we need in DC,” she realized.

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Stephanie Jojokian Stephanie Jojokian

CMI Receives Grants from Events DC and Capitol Hill Community Foundation

“Dance isn’t just for girls, it’s kinda cool for boys too, but I like when we flip,” Jack 2nd grader at Payne Elementary School (Ward 6).

The entire 2nd grade class in CMI’s Dance Outreach Program at Payne Elementary School told their instructors Ebony Tuzon and Vihky Smith at the end of their last class: “Awww, we don't want it to be over, it’s so fun, we are going to miss you. When are you coming back?”

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Stephanie Jojokian Stephanie Jojokian

Interview with Margaux Lieser

Margaux Lieser is in her fifth season with Capitol Movement as a member of the technical company. She graduated from Vassar College in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and plans to start her Master of Public Policy degree this fall.

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Kyle Haffermann Kyle Haffermann

CMI Merch Now Available!

We are excited to offer custom, decorated merchandise to showcase our dance company.  The proceeds from the shop will go to our 501c3 nonprofit to continue our mission in the DMV of building better lives through dance and breaking down barriers to level the playing field for all to receive elite training and mentorship. Get yours while supplies last!

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Stephanie Jojokian Stephanie Jojokian

The Impact of Giving

Dismantling barriers to the field of dance and promoting wellbeing for women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ dancers is core to our mission. Our founding members brought top choreographers from New York and Los Angeles to Washington, DC, to work with the Capitol Movement Dance Company and co-create original pieces uplifting social and racial justice.

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Stephanie Jojokian Stephanie Jojokian

Interview with Hok Konishi

For Los Angeles-based choreographer Hok, dance is an expression of the human condition. The dance director and movement designer has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world, from Nike to Apple to Disney. Hok first learned to dance at 15, and joined a hip-hop troupe that toured globally. He won an Emmy for a dance he performed while competing on the third season of Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance.

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Stephanie Jojokian Stephanie Jojokian

Lucetta & Shontal Snider: A CMI Love Story

Thirteen years ago, Lucetta and Shontal Snider met at Capitol Movement, and nearly a decade ago got married. Today Lucetta is the Artistic Director of Capitol Movement and Shontal is the Director of the professional Hip Hop company.

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Stephanie Jojokian Stephanie Jojokian

Interview with Nia Lonette

Interview with CMI Alumn Nia Lonette and how dance played a large role in building confidence and self assurance.

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Stephanie Jojokian Stephanie Jojokian

Interview with Drew Scammell

Interview with CMI’s Drew Scammell and how dance played a large role in building confidence and self assurance.

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