Blog Archives

Register to Perform in WORKINONIT: December

9/29/2025

Register to perform in WORKINONIT December! UMA instructors choreograph on casts of student performers. You can sign up for one piece or multiple!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS 10/10

Sign up for the choreographer's piece that you would like to participate in below. We will contact you to complete payment after 10/10

REHEARSAL DATES:
Oct 12- Dec 13
Show Date: Dec 14 @ First Unitarian Church

PRICING:
MEMBERS
$110 Member registration
$15 add on

NON MEMBERS
$140 Non-member registration
$25 add on

*If you are a member of UMAMI Collective or UMA Groove Collective, you receive 40% off your registration
*If you are a member of BOTH UMAMI Collective or UMA Groove Collective, you receive 50% off your registration

REHEARSALS

Emily Culbreath
October 12-December 7
Sundays 10:30am-12pm @ 812 Chestnut

THESE DATES ARE CANCELLED (see reschedule dates below)
10/19, 11/2, and 11/9

RESCHEDULE DATES:
10/24, 11/14, 11/21 (all at 7:45-9:15pm @ 812 Chestnut)

Emily's Rehearsal Dates for clarity (all @ 812)
Sun 10/12 10:30-12pm
Fri 10/24 7:45-9:15pm
Sun 10/26 10:30-12pm
Fri 11/14 7:45-9:15pm
Sun 11/16 10:30-12pm
Fri 11/21 7:45-9:15pm
Sun 11/23 10:30-12pm
Sun 11/30 10:30-12pm
Sun 12/7 10:30-12pm

Aaminah AR
October 12-December 7
Sundays 1:30-3 @ 812 Chestnut

Dru 'Riot'
October 18-December 13
Saturdays 4:00-5:30pm @ 812 Chestnut

Robert Burden
October 18-December 13
Saturdays 5:30-7pm @ 2100 Chestnut

Dylan Smythe
October 17- December 12th
Fridays 6:15-7:45pm @ 812 Chestnut*
*NOVEMBER 28th CANCELLED (Black Friday)
RESCHEDULED TO SUNDAY NOVEMBER 23rd 2:00-4:00 @ 2100 Chestnut

We Are Hiring: Offsite Programs Youth General Art or STEM Enrichment Educator

9/10/2025

Offsite Programs: Youth General Art or STEM Enrichment Educator
Apply by 9/17
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 9/19

MoveMakers Philly
Reports to: MoveMakers Philly

Start date/End Date: October 1, 2025 - June 19th, 2025

Position Status: Part-Time

Compensation: Starting at $20 per hour

Weekly Commitment: 6 hrs standard, but can increase with meetings, events and PSD half days.

About Urban Movement Arts / MoveMakers Philly
Established in 2015, MoveMakers presents dance education in an innovative way, prioritizing development of character and community at its core. MoveMakers is invested in growing capable and resourceful individuals via a practice that focuses on discipline, respect, compassion, good listening, creativity, team spirit, leadership and personal accountability. For certain, our students hold it down on the dance floor, demonstrating virtuosic command of the dance form. More importantly, they are leaders in their community. Along with dance, MoveMakers via its network affiliates offers music, visual arts, martial arts,parkour, STEM and other enrichment activities.

Position Summary:
MoveMakers is searching for eligible teachers that can develop and lead programs other than dance. We invite visual artists, musicians, STEM educators, literary educators and others to apply. We are looking for candidates that can offer a skill set that matches the excellence of MoveMakers Street Dance programs. Our goal is to provide youth attending PSD schools with a well rounded after school enrichment experience that supports their overall confidence and growth.

We are looking for exuberant, inspirational, motivated and friendly people to join the MoveMakers team as general enrichment activity instructors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Instruct and manage programs for PSD students, ages K-8.
Demonstrate high level skill in teaching arts and/or STEM subjects. Arts may range from visual, literary and/or performing.
Collaborate with MoveMakers team to bring high quality programs to PSD schools
Participate in trainings
Support administrative and bureaucratic procedures

Connect with students and recruit for program activities

Be on-site at the school during all program hours, which include PSD half days. Demonstrate availability to meet in person with MMP staff and other collaborators. A portion of administrative duties are expected to be completed remotely.

Key Skills and Experience:

Minimum 3 years of experience teaching and/or leading youth programs

Active practice and background in arts and/or stem

Leadership and Teamwork
Adaptability and Learning

Encouraged Skills and Experience :

Capacities for speaking and writing languages other than English
Competency with Canva, Adobe Suite, DaVinci Resolve and other similar tools.
Experience as an administrator
Customer service experience
Proficiency in Microsoft Office or iWork Suite

Qualifications:

Must be available to be onsite for programs Monday- Friday 1-6:30pm
Must be available for PSD Half Days. See 2025/2026 Calendar
Must be available to schedule in person appearances at meetings, events, field trips etc as the season progresses.
Not recommended for individuals prone to making frequent call outs due to conflicting gigs like performances, rehearsals etc.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should apply with:

Cover letter
Resume
2 references
Candidates who become finalists in selection will be asked to provide lesson plan samples, lead sample classes and participate in other in person evaluations.

Submit application materials to [email protected]
The deadline to apply is Wednesday, September 17th, 2025.

We are Hiring: Offsite Programs Youth Street Dance Instructor

9/10/2025

Offsite Programs Youth Street Dance InstructoR
Apply by 9/17
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 9/19

MoveMakers Philly
Reports to: MoveMakers Philly

Start date/End Date: October 1, 2025 - June 19th, 2025

Position Status: Part-Time

Compensation: Starting at $20 per hour

Weekly Commitment: 6 hrs standard, but can increase with meetings, events and PSD half days.

About Urban Movement Arts / MoveMakers Philly
Established in 2015, MoveMakers presents dance education in an innovative way, prioritizing development of character and community at its core. MoveMakers is invested in growing capable and resourceful individuals via a practice that focuses on discipline, respect, compassion, good listening, creativity, team spirit, leadership and personal accountability. For certain, our students hold it down on the dance floor, demonstrating virtuosic command of the dance form. More importantly, they are leaders in their community. Along with dance, MoveMakers via its network affiliates offers music, visual arts, martial arts,parkour and other enrichment activities.

Position Summary:
MoveMakers is searching for eligible street dance instructors to join the team to offer weekly classes and support with operations in MoveMakers Philly’s role as an OST in the Extended Day/Extended Year Specialized Activity category.

MoveMakers Philly street dance instructors should demonstrate strong skills for instructing and leading youth. Teachers should also have a strong command of street dance styles and an understanding of history and culture. Instructors should demonstrate willingness and interest to learn MoveMakers pedagogy. MoveMakers instructors are strong contributors to general OST programming, supporting other staff to provide youth with experiences and enrichment everyday.

We are looking for exuberant, inspirational, motivated and friendly people to join the MoveMakers team as dance instructors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Instruct and manage programs for PSD students, ages K-8.
Demonstrate high level skill in teaching street dance, including foundations and contemporary vernacular.
Collaborate with MoveMakers team to bring high quality programs to PSD schools
Participate in trainings
Support administrative and bureaucratic procedures

Connect with students and recruit for program activities

Be on-site at the school during all program hours, which include PSD half days. Demonstrate availability to meet in person with MMP staff and other collaborators. A portion of administrative duties are expected to be completed remotely.

Key Skills and Experience:

Minimum 3 years of experience teaching and/or leading youth programs
Active practice and background in street dance
Leadership and Teamwork
Adaptability and Learning

Encouraged Skills and Experience :

Capacities for speaking and writing languages other than English
Competency with Canva, Adobe Suite, DaVinci Resolve and other similar tools.
Experience as an administrator
Customer service experience
Proficiency in Microsoft Office or iWork Suite

Qualifications:

Must be available to be onsite for programs Monday- Friday 1-6:30pm
Must be available for PSD Half Days. See 2025/2026 Calendar
Must be available to schedule in person appearances at meetings, events, field trips etc as the season progresses.
Not recommended for individuals prone to making frequent call outs due to conflicting gigs like performances, rehearsals etc.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should apply with:

Cover letter
Resume
2 references
Candidates who become finalists in selection will be asked to provide lesson plan samples, lead sample classes and participate in other in person evaluations.

Submit application materials to [email protected]
The deadline to apply is Wednesday, September 17th, 2025.

We are hiring: Offsite Programs Site Director

9/10/2025

Offsite Programs Site Director
Apply by 9/17
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 9/19

MoveMakers Philly
Reports to: MoveMakers Philly

Start date/End Date: October 1, 2025 - June 19th, 2025
Position Status: Part-Time
Compensation: $44,000 annualized adjusted to and paid within the start and end date of the period described above.
Weekly Commitment: 29 hours

About Urban Movement Arts / MoveMakers Philly
Established in 2015, MoveMakers presents dance education in an innovative way, prioritizing development of character and community at its core. MoveMakers is invested in growing capable and resourceful individuals via a practice that focuses on discipline, respect, compassion, good listening, creativity, team spirit, leadership and personal accountability. For certain, our students hold it down on the dance floor, demonstrating virtuosic command of the dance form. More importantly, they are leaders in their community. Along with dance, MoveMakers via its network affiliates offers music, visual arts, martial arts,parkour and other enrichment activities.

Position Summary:
MoveMakers is searching for eligible teaching artists and administrators to fulfil the role of Site Director for the organization’s work as an OST in the Extended Day/Extended Year Specialized Activity category.

MoveMakers Philly Site Directors are assigned to a Philadelphia School District (PSD) school. The Site Director supports the operation of MoveMakers Philly After School Enrichment on school premises. The Site Director is expected to be a high level teaching artist and coordinator between MoveMakers Staff, PSD Staff and PSD Families.

We are looking for exuberant, visionary, inspirational, motivated and friendly people to join the MoveMakers team as a Site Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Develop, instruct and manage programs for PSD students, ages K-8.
Expertise in teaching arts and/or STEM subjects. Arts may range from visual, literary and/or performing.
Collaborate with MoveMakers team to bring high quality programs to PSD schools
Participate in trainings
Lead trainings and meetings
Manage administrative and bureaucratic procedures
Meet with the PSD school coordinator, school principal, other school staff,

and directors of other programs

Connect with students and recruit for program activities
Undertake planning activities; follow-up on issues that need resolution;

complete reporting and documentation requests

Engage/Meet with parents at school drop off and/or pick-up times
Additionally, Site Directors (and other provider agency staff) should be

prepared to engage with the school community (parents, students, staff) at some
evening events such as back-to-school nights.

Be on-site at the school during all program hours, which include PSD half days. Attend meetings and events at the program’s PSD school. Demonstrate availability to meet in person with MMP staff and other collaborators. A portion of administrative duties are expected to be completed remotely.

Key Skills and Experience:

Minimum 3 years of experience teaching and/or leading youth programs
Active practice and background in arts and/or stem
Experience as an administrator
Customer service experience
Proficiency in Microsoft Office or iWork Suite
Leadership and Teamwork
Adaptability and Learning

Encouraged Skills and Experience :

Capacities for speaking and writing languages other than English
Competency with Canva, Adobe Suite, DaVinci Resolve and other similar tools.

Qualifications:

Must be available to be onsite for programs Monday- Friday 1-6:30pm
Must be available for PSD Half Days. See 2025/2026 Calendar
Must be available to schedule in person appearances at meetings, events, field trips etc as the season progresses.
Not recommended for individuals prone to making frequent call outs due to conflicting gigs like performances, rehearsals etc.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should apply with:

Cover letter
Resume
2 references
Candidates who become finalists in selection will be asked to provide lesson plan samples, lead sample classes and participate in other in person evaluations.

Submit application materials to [email protected].
The deadline to apply is Wednesday, September 17th, 2025.

Hustle Series- October 2025

9/8/2025

Led by Daniel McGee

Hustle, a partner dance originating in the Latino community of The Bronx, New York City, emerged in the early 1970’s. With its roots in Mambo and Salsa, it ignited the Disco scene of the 70’s and 80’s. Hustle has emerged today as a genre that speaks to a wide array of dancers. Hustle can be danced to music across the spectrum of classic disco, hip-hop, house, R&B, Afro, Cuban and more.

Daniel is a master teacher, bringing his vast knowledge to dancers all over the US and abroad. A two-time World Hustle Champion, with over 25 years of Hustle experience, he is known for his extensive knowledge of the subject and for communicating that knowledge in a fun and relatable manner.

In this 4-week workshop series, you will learn the timing, footwork, and basic figures of Hustle, coupled with the ability to dance comfortably at your next club night, party, or jam session. There will be no traditional gender-specific lead-and-follow roles. Anyone may lead and anyone may follow. We only ask that you maintain one role for the duration of the 4-week session.

DATES:
October 1-29*
*No class 10/8

WEDNESDAYS
7-8pm Intro to Hustle
8-9pm Beyond Basics/ Level 1
@ 812 Chestnut

PRICING/ REGISTRATION
$80 for 1 class/week for 4 weeks
$140 for both classes/week for 4 weeks (take both Intro and Level 1!)
$22 for single drop in (we recommend taking the full series, especially if you are new to Hustle!)

Levels:
Intro to Hustle: New to hustle? This class is perfect for newbies and beginners alike. No experience necessary.

Beyond Basics/Hustle 1: This class is designed to build on the foundation established in the level 1 class and to provide the dancer with the skills and confidence to take their dancing to the social floor.

Hustle Series Registration 1x/ Week

Hustle Series Registration 2x/ Week

Hustle Series Drop In

Help Us Get A New Floor @ UMA!

9/1/2025

Help Us Lay the Groundwork for the Next 10 Years!
Support the Installation of a New Dance Floor at Urban Movement Arts

For the past ten years, Urban Movement Arts (UMA) has been a vital space for movement, culture, and community in Philadelphia. We provide high-quality dance training and performance opportunities for adults and young people through a wide range of programming, including our youth initiative, MoveMakers Philly. Our classes celebrate and center on Black vernacular dance forms, including Hip Hop, House, Locking, Voguing, Waacking, and more, while connecting people of all backgrounds through movement and music.

Now, we are asking for your support as we raise funds to install a brand-new dance floor in our studio. This upgrade is essential to ensure the long-term health and success of our dancers, the continued vibrancy of our events, and the overall improvement of the space that so many have come to rely on. Together, we can build the foundation for the next decade of dance, growth, and creative expression.

Donate Here!

Why a New Floor Matters
A professional dance floor is not just a cosmetic improvement—it is a necessary investment in dancer safety and the quality of the studio experience. Our current flooring has seen ten years of use and hundreds of thousands of footsteps. It’s time to renew our foundation so we can continue to grow.

Dancer Health and Safety: Whether someone is learning their first steps or rehearsing for a performance, their body deserves a surface that supports longevity.
A Functional and Welcoming Event Space: UMA regularly hosts public events, artist residencies, performances, and community workshops. A new floor will enhance the professionalism and accessibility of our space, making it a stronger resource for the local arts scene.
Visual and Structural Revitalization: New flooring will dramatically improve the appearance and functionality of the studio. It’s a simple yet powerful way to uplift everyone who walks through our doors.

Our Broader Mission
Urban Movement Arts is more than a dance studio. It is a cultural space rooted in inclusivity, artistry, and social connection. We are proud to:

Run MoveMakers Philly, a youth dance and music program that helps young movers grow with confidence and discipline
Offer adult dance and movement classes that welcome beginners and advanced dancers alike
Provide community outreach programming in collaboration with schools and nonprofits
Support live music collaborations and interdisciplinary art-making
Uphold and share the legacy of Black vernacular dance, celebrating its innovation and history

How You Can Help
We are raising funds to cover the cost of installing a professional-grade dance floor. Every contribution helps us reach our goal and ensures that our space remains safe, vibrant, and welcoming for years to come.

Here’s how you can support:

Make a donation of any amount to our Floor Fund
Sponsor a square foot of flooring in honor of a dancer, teacher, or community member, suggested $100-150
Share our campaign with friends, family, and anyone who values art, movement, and community

uma blog

Register to Perform in WORKINONIT: December

We Are Hiring: Offsite Programs Youth General Art or STEM Enrichment Educator

Offsite Programs: Youth General Art or STEM Enrichment Educator
Apply by 9/17
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 9/19

We are Hiring: Offsite Programs Youth Street Dance Instructor

Offsite Programs Youth Street Dance InstructoR
Apply by 9/17
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 9/19

We are hiring: Offsite Programs Site Director

Offsite Programs Site Director
Apply by 9/17
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 9/19

Hustle Series- October 2025

Help Us Get A New Floor @ UMA!

Contributors

Archives

Categories

Locations

812 Chestnut St

2100 Chestnut St. 2nd Flr

Social

what the people say

uma blog

Register to Perform in WORKINONIT: December

We Are Hiring: Offsite Programs Youth General Art or STEM Enrichment Educator

Offsite Programs: Youth General Art or STEM Enrichment EducatorApply by 9/17DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 9/19

We are Hiring: Offsite Programs Youth Street Dance Instructor

Offsite Programs Youth Street Dance InstructoRApply by 9/17​DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 9/19

We are hiring: Offsite Programs Site Director

Offsite Programs Site Director Apply by 9/17​DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 9/19

Hustle Series- October 2025

Help Us Get A New Floor @ UMA!

Contributors

Archives

Categories

Locations

812 Chestnut St

2100 Chestnut St. 2nd Flr

Social

what the people say

Offsite Programs: Youth General Art or STEM Enrichment Educator
Apply by 9/17
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 9/19

Offsite Programs Youth Street Dance InstructoR
Apply by 9/17
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 9/19

Offsite Programs Site Director
Apply by 9/17
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 9/19