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.
"I cannot understand why things are so hard," says Executive Director and Co-Founder Stephanie Jojokian. "We're struggling to pay our mentors and instructors who teach free classes in D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) and work with our scholarship students. While we're blessed with a dedicated core staff who've been with us since our 2005 founding—and who are currently volunteering their time—this situation isn't sustainable."
The financial strain threatens CMI's core mission: breaking down socioeconomic barriers to elite dance training and providing mentorship that leads to college scholarships and successful careers. To address these challenges, Jojokian has joined several professional networks, including Learn24, Spur Local, and DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities cohorts, seeking solutions for funding, donor engagement, and marketing. However, these efforts haven't kept pace with rapidly rising costs.
A recent Washington Post article shared by Board Member Vetalle Fusilier revealed that CMI's struggles reflect a broader crisis affecting small, grassroots nonprofits across the region. While this context helps explain our challenges, it also underscores the urgency of finding solutions.
Looking ahead, CMI envisions creating a space that could serve as a hub for other dance companies, theaters, and artists. In the immediate term, our priority is maintaining our current programs—including our annual free matinee performance for 450 DCPS students—while securing sustainable, affordable space for our community.
