Our Mission
Mo’ Motion Dance Academy empowers youth through the transformative power of dance, uniting artistic excellence with holistic mentorship.
Our rigorous, high-quality training builds a strong technical foundation for those with aspirations of pursuing professional careers, while fostering confidence, discipline, and life skills that support personal and professional growth.
Centered on a deep commitment to diversity, Mo’Motion champions equitable access to dance education and performance, ensuring every young artist has the opportunity to thrive.
Founder & Artistic Director
DéShawn Morton
DéShawn discovered his passion for dance at the age of 15 while attending Tacoma School of the Arts. He began formal training at Tacoma City Ballet, laying the foundation for a versatile career rooted in technical excellence. He continued his education at the University of Arizona, where he earned his BFA in dance with a triple emphasis in ballet, modern, and jazz. DéShawn further honed his craft through summer study at the Dance Theatre of Harlem School and received acceptance into prestigious programs including Point Park University,
The Ailey School, and Alonzo King LINES Ballet Summer Intensive. Throughout his career, DéShawn has performed across the globe, from South Korea and
Germany to stages throughout the United States. He has danced with the acclaimed Khambatta Dance Company, toured nationally, and graced the stage of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. His commercial credits include a feature for Hughes Federal Credit Union. He has worked with an array of esteemed choreographers such as Kabby Mitchell, Donald Byrd, Tammy Dyke-Compton, Robert Garland, Rodni Williams, and Amy Earnst.
Beyond performance, DéShawn is a passionate educator and mentor. With over 15 years of teaching experience, he has inspired young dancers through roles including Ballet Program Director at Starmakers Academy, Dance Camp Director with the Dance Institute of Washington, and Dance Educator at Thomas Pullen K–8 Performing Arts School in Prince George’s County. He has also held leadership positions as School Director at Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center, Dance Manager with Seattle Theatre Group, and AileyCamp Director for two years.
DéShawn remains dedicated to cultivating the next generation of artists through discipline, creativity, and community engagement.
DéShawn currently serves as the Artistic Director of Mo' Motion Dance Project, a professional dance company based in Tacoma, Washington, and Mo' Motion Dance Academy, a youth- centered training program committed to developing technical skill, confidence, and artistic excellence in young dancers.
Facility
Mo’ Motion will be housed at
Tacoma Movement Center Located at
1102 A St, Tacoma, WA 98402.
About Tacoma Movement Center:
Tacoma Movement Center at Courthouse Square is a multi-generational, community focused facility offering GYROTONIC®, Pilates, somatics, dance training, and education.
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