How CMI dancers forged connections ahead of 2023 final show
Capitol Movement’s 2023 CMP (CMI Project) — Connections — this May wrapped up a season of hard work and creativity from the studio’s many dancers. 13 to 15 performances from CMI Kidz, Apprentices, and Professionals in styles like Contemporary, Jazz, and Hip-Hop showcased triumphant movement and style after months of learning new routines.
For mom of six CJ Hitchcock, the season was a full circle experience. She enrolled her two daughters, Chloey and Cylie, at CMI for their latest season. Previously, two of her older children danced at the studio. Chloey said the company was very welcoming to her, and her classes allowed her to learn while blending into the CMI community.
“For them going into CMI, I already knew that they were going to have great classes. I already knew that CMI was going to pull the best out of them, and I already had confidence in CMI from my past experiences,” CJ said. “What I liked was how fast they became family, and to see how fast everyone just came together as a group."
Chloey said her favorite moment — along with the CMP (Capitol Movement Project) in May — was dancing in the National Cherry Blossom Festival in downtown Washington, D.C. in April.
“They walked the parade and then also provided entertainment on the Cherry Blossom stage later on during the day,” CJ said. “It was just fun for them to have just different opportunities, and experience different aspects of dance and the community."
Chloe said she and her sister were able to forge close connections with the other dancers in their classes, and that each performance brought “such joy” to them.
"There's moments where I get frustrated, if there's a certain move I can't get or it's just too fast or the dance is just not my style,” Chloey said. “The people around me just encouraged me and helped me stay confident."
CMI Executive Director Stephanie Jojokian said the CMP performances never cease to amaze her, with each dance bringing choreography to life and allowing the dancers to come together as a team.
“Each dance in the show presents its own style, personality and challenges to overcome and the dancers all succeed in making that work so well,” Stephanie said.
As a parent of young children who dance for CMI, CJ said she is impressed by the studio’s ability to give dancers from all walks of life a chance to have their own experiences and bring something different to the table.
“What CMI offers is like the spice or the seasoning that just enhances the flavor of the recipe,” CJ said. “They get to connect with other kids that are outside of their comfort zone, outside of their studio, outside of their program, from different areas in the city, and they all come together.”
A major goal for the next CMI season, according to Stephanie, is to retain all of last season’s dancers while bringing on new talent and fostering even more diversity at the company.
“It makes me so happy to watch dancers grow as artists, individuals, and friends,” Stephanie said. “I want that opportunity for so many others to experience it too.”
