Movement artists—whether dancers, martial artists, yogis, or somatic practitioners—can powerfully contribute to democracy by embodying resistance, resilience, and reconnection. Movement speaks when words fail, offering a way to process collective trauma, express solidarity, and reclaim public space. A choreographed protest, a healing yoga circle, or a martial arts demo for community defense can each communicate deep civic values: presence, discipline, cooperation, and care. You don’t need to lead a mass performance—even small offerings, like hosting a community class, creating a movement-based ritual for reflection, or performing in a civic space, can awaken awareness and inspire grounded, embodied action.
Check out the work of some inspirational people innovating for democracy!
These folks and projects have no affiliation with Votecraft – we’re just posting them because they’re awesome!
Latasha Barnes
Lindy Hop champion, dance historian, and activist. Her project The Jazz Continuum centers Black social dance and its cultural importance.
Jen Shyu
American experimental jazz vocalist, composer, multi-instrumentalist, dancer, and producer.
Website
Brotherhood dance
Led by Orlando Zane Hunter-Valentine and Ricarrdo Hunter-Valentine.
A Brooklyn-based group that uses dance as a form of political protest.
Dance Artists’ National Collective (DANC)
A national organization of professional dancers advocating for equitable, safe, and sustainable labor practices. They organize campaigns, share resources, and engage in collective action around systemic issues in the dance field.
Danza Orgánica & Allied Dance Collectives
Inspired by Marsha Parrilla’s Danza Orgánica, groups like Brother(hood) Dance! and Moving Spirits choreograph protests around civil rights and racial justice. Their site-specific performances have appeared in cities like Boston, Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, and Tallahassee.
Website
Urban Bush Women
A Brooklyn-based ensemble that merges modern dance with social justice. Projects like their Community Action initiative work with survivors of domestic violence and marginalized communities, using dance for empowerment and political healing.
Website
AXIS Dance Company
Based in California, AXIS is one of the premiere physically integrated dance companies. Their work centers on disability rights and inclusion, featuring dancers with and without disabilities and advocating for broader cultural equity through performance.
Website
Contra-Tiempo (Activist Dance Theater)
A Los Angeles collective blending Afro-Latinx dance and social justice. These choreographers use movement to address issues like migration, labor, gender, and race—often in site-based work and community settings.
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We’ve inherited a world shaped by complex, imperfect systems—from global supply chains to entrenched policies. Ethical choices are important, and awareness is the first step. Still, no one creates in a vacuum of perfection. What matters is showing up—sharing, expressing, participating. That’s how we shape better policies, deepen understanding, and affirm our shared humanity.
We urge you to get involved somehow in whatever little way is possible for you! Use what you have. Speak your truth. Create boldly.
What they offer: Occasionally hosts virtual classes, webinars, and discussions on dance and activism.
Focus: Black feminist leadership, community-centered movement, and social transformation.
Website: urbanbushwomen.org
What they offer: Free or low-cost Zoom-based classes and artist talks.
Focus: Experimental and political performance, race, disability, and gender justice in movement.
Website: movementresearch.org
What they offer: Online content including socially engaged artist residencies and dance performances with political themes.
Focus: Equity, community, identity.
Website: danceplace.org
What they offer: A curated list of virtual dance classes and creative prompts from around the globe.
Focus: Includes anti-racist dance practices, somatic resistance work, and movement as healing.
Website: dancingalonetogether.org
What they offer: On-demand videos, artist talks, and socially conscious creative content.
Focus: Intersection of art, gender-based violence prevention, and civic action.
Website: gibneydance.org
Focus: Dance as social commentary and historical record.
Website: jacobspillow.org