Quick Take
Motion Pacific will occupy a new space on Frederick Street in Santa Cruz after two years of bouncing around rented spaces for its dance classes and community programming.
After over two years without a permanent studio, Motion Pacific has signed a 10-year lease on a new space on Frederick Street.
The Santa Cruz nonprofit left its Front Street studio in 2024 and has offered dance classes and programs through partnerships and rented spaces over the past two years. The new location at 718 Frederick St. will bring these programs under one roof while providing shared space for local artists and community organizations.
“We’ve always believed that the arts are stronger when we work together,” said executive director Collette Tabone in a media release. “If another organization needs a place to rehearse or teach a class, we want them to reach out. We’re interested in sharing resources and figuring out what we can build together.”
The new space will allow Motion Pacific to expand dedicated programming for the LGBTQIA+ community, including queer-centered classes, performances, events, and gatherings. The nonprofit hopes to create a “lasting space of belonging.”
Mo Katzman, Motion Pacific’s director of queer programming, said the space comes at a time when dedicated queer spaces are increasingly limited.
“There is inherently a lack of resources for queer folks, and we want to help meet that need,” Katzman said.
Founded in 1998 as a dance studio, Motion Pacific has strengthened its focus on community engagement, including queer-centered programming, Dance for Parkinson’s classes and Dancing in the Streets.
Before the new studio can open, it will need accessibility upgrades and other improvements totaling $150,000. Community members can support the campaign by purchasing $200 “Digital Dance Floor” tiles online. A $50,000 donation can name one of the two studios.
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