ABOUT US

Move with Purpose was created in 2024 in response to the shifting landscape in our culture and community.   We believe that dance  EMPOWERS individuals to lead a life full of JOY, SUCCESS, and PURPOSE. 

 According to the New York Times,  “Depression, self harm, and suicide are rising among American adolescents.” Young people are in a mental health crisis and need tangible spaces and communities to find connection, safety, and self- expression.  Our PILLARS and PROGRAMS help make this possible. 

In an increasingly digital world, people crave in person community and the chance to authentically feel seen and worthy.  We provide access to non-judgmental ways to move and love their body and use the arts as a way to teach life skills that are relevant to our changing world.  At the core of our values is philanthropy and giving back to others. We create opportunities for young people as young as 6 years old to advocate and raise funds for local non profits.   

It is proven that parents and guardians  are in need of these supports as much as the children they raise.  By providing access to opportunities and resources to fulfill these needs we will steward the next generation of influential but also healthy and fulfilled citizens.  

By linking with corporate partners we are able to maximize our reach and increase our access to young artists in programs that align with our mission.

FOUNDER

Founder, Alana Tillim has a 26 year history leading in the arts as the owner of Santa Barbara Dance Arts, and the vision behind the mother daughter empowerment workshop: I am Her. She is Me.  She founded the Arts Mentorship Program with Steven Lovelace in 2004. For 18 years, she was instrumental in building and leading  their core programs, while  SB Dance Arts served as their Affiliated Partner until 2023.   Alana is a keynote speaker and  business coach in the national dance space and is launching her new Retention Roadmap resource in 2024.  She served on the boards of the SB Neighborhood Clinics, and UCSB Take Back The Night and was the President of Santa Barbara Dance Alliance for 5 years.  She has led  thousands of dancers who have continued on to lead in their chosen field, continuing with a career in the arts, with many returning to bring their own children back to her programs.  

ADVISORY COMMITTEE: 

  • Steven Lovelace (Co-Founder Arts Mentorship Program, Stage Left, and Santa Barbara Dance Arts) 

  • Jenny Shatzle (Bond Fitness, Speaker and Author) 

  • Yaneli Martinez (constituent) 

  • Belle Hahn (philanthropist and collaborator)

STEERING COMMITTEE:

  • Christina Sanchez (UCSB Dance, Alvin Ailey II, mentor) 

  • John Ebadi (Studio E former owner) 

  • Sarah Brinson (NYC Dance Alliance, Westside Dance Project, Artist, Choreographer)