2015 Top-Rated Nonprofit

World Arts Focus

1,076 Pageviews Read Stories

Claim This Nonprofit

Nonprofit Info

 

 

Add to Favorites

Share this Nonprofit

Donate

Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Arts & Culture, Arts, Culture & Humanities, Dance, Performing Arts Centers

Mission: Open 350 days a year for classes, rehearsals, performances, and arts education programs, Joe's Movement Emporium is a hub of cultural and community activity. The largest independent performing arts center in Prince George’s County, Joe’s keeps at-risk kids learning, moving, and creating. A safe after-school haven for youth ages 5-13, Club Joe’s offers arts activities that nurture self-confidence and self-esteem. Performing Arts Summer Camp for children 3-13 (the day runs from 7am to 6pm) focuses on in-depth study of cultures and their art forms. For teens, the Theater Tech Program teaches the basics of working backstage along with academic and employment skills training, and a year of follow-up support. Joe’s also matches school teachers with local artists who enliven classroom lessons by infusing arts into the curriculum. And year-round, anyone can swing by Joe’s for classes in yoga, hip hop, ballet, jazz, and tap, or a dance concert in the intimate 150-seat theatre. There's great synergy between artists and residents at Joe's: together they build community and arts and kids – for everyone's greater good.

Community Stories

28 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

1 EdTerry

EdTerry Donor

Rating: 5

10/22/2015

I firmly believe in the value of Joe's mission and can see the results of its efforts each time I attend a performance or event. This is why I encourage others to support Joe's. You can see how your donation is put to work and know that the dividends of your support are multiplied beyond your expectation. Talk about bang for your buck. Come to Joe's, talk to staff, see the students and their art and feel the impact this vital organization has in the community. It will put a smile on your face.

Rachel156 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/19/2015

Joe's is beyond any thing you can ever imagine. The staff are amazing. The energy they bring is infectious!! Are children and our community are rewarded with such a unique place to experience the arts. I only wish there was a Joe's in every town!

Writer Client Served

Rating: 5

10/16/2015

It's possible that Joe's is my single favorite thing about living in Mount Rainier. Since I had a baby, I basically don't get any exercise except for the affordable, fun, accessible fitness classes that I take at Joe's. It's a lifeline for me. I'm also a Joe's donor because of what a rock they are for our community with their diverse programming, work with youth, and emphasis on arts and wellness. Joe's the the glue that holds the world together, and makes it beautiful to be in.

Writer Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/13/2015

Joe's/World Arts Focus has been the bedrock of building our community through the arts. Their halls are always teeming with children and adults who are there for classes in everything from yoga, to aerial dancing, to visual arts. Joe's was among the primary catalysts for forming the entire Gateway Arts District in which they now reside. Our community wouldn't be the same, or a good, without them.

Camille F. Client Served

Rating: 5

10/13/2015

My 2 sons attended Joe's after school program during their elementary school years. Joe's laid the foundation for them in the ARTS. Both my sons continued to purse the arts after leaving Joe's program as they entered into middle and high school. Currently one is now a junior in college and the other a sophomore in high school. Our family has nothing but fond memories of Joe's and how their programs have positively impacted our children. Also, not to mention, I have also benefited from Joe's programs by participating in the adult classes offered there. Joe's Movement Emporium -- a jewel in the community!!!

Writer Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/12/2015

Joe's is a pillar organization in the community and a model arts organization. The leadership is strong, visionary and full of integrity. Joe's has terrific programming and opportunities for people of all ages. We are thrilled to be partnering with Joe's on an incubator series for local and regional artists. It's one of the most exciting partnerships we've ever launched and we look forward to many years of working together!

Writer Client Served

Rating: 5

10/12/2015

Joes Movement is the most wonderful after school program I've been to in my ENTIRE LIFE. And I've been to three. I'm only ten years old and I love the classes they have. Such as salsa, Hip hop, Theater, and probably many more that I haven't discovered yet. So yes, I would reccomend Joes Movement Emporium to as many people as possible.

Writer Client Served

Rating: 5

10/12/2015

Everyone at Joe's is so nice and helpful! I've been going to yoga there for over two years plus going to a number of events each year. Everything they do is fun and for the benefit of the community. They care so much about their clients, their neighborhood, the arts, and making people happy. Truly a wonderful organization.

Writer Client Served

Rating: 5

10/12/2015

Amazing after school program! Students are active and engaged start to finish with fantastic staff. Our son was hesitant about a "movement" program but he loves every minute. Incredible programming. I can't say enough good things about Joe's.

Writer Client Served

Rating: 5

10/11/2015

We love Joe's! My daughter wasn't sure of going to aftercare (and taking the bus there, no less!), but now she can't wait to be there every day. It's a great creative outlet after a busy school day.

Writer Client Served

Rating: 5

10/11/2015

Joes Movement is an amazing resource in my community! My daughter is in the aftercare program and gets a diverse range of activity and experience. The staff are personally invested and get to know the children and their parents equally! My daughter can't stop Talking about their upcoming salsa Street dance performance .. With what schools are missing in the importance of the arts Joe's makes up for !

Jessica187 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/11/2015

Joe's Movement Emporium offers a diversity of experiences for all ages and body types to get everyone moving and thinking.

Previous Stories

Client Served

Rating: 5

10/05/2014

My children have been going to Joe's every afternoon for four years and I continue to be impressed with their programming. The staff are skilled, creative and caring. The classes are active and engaging. My kids are nurtured and challenged. I also go to yoga and aerial arts classes at Joe's, and we have seen many high quality performances there. I am most impressed by the diversity of movement and creative experiences offered at Joe's every night/ week. It is an exceptionally well run and mission driven place. So happy to have Joe's in my life!

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/08/2015

World Arts Focus / Joe's Movement Emporium is a great place to work out, see artists perform, drop off the kids for after school program, meet your neighbors and folks in the community. Using the arts as an economic redevelopment tool is brilliant. And Joe's is making it happen in this area of the county. Visit. Get involved.

gedance Donor

Rating: 5

10/08/2015

I first saw Joe's when it was a storefront on 34th St. Have taken classes, seen performance, and performed at Joe's. And, I am a donor. Watching Joe's 'grow-up' has been an amazing and heart-warming experience. Tomorrow I'll bring recyclables to the art teacher for her class. I love the embrace that Joe's, Brooke and her staff represent.

Previous Stories
1

Donor

Rating: 5

10/03/2014

I have loved World Arts Focus since it was a store-front! I have had classes there which indeed changed my life. The programs don't always fit me (an old lady) but they do fit the community around them. WAF works with the community, with the local government and has achieved such a great deal in a short time.
It has open arms for all.

Writer General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/08/2015

The busiest spot in Mount Rainier is Joe's Movement Emporium! Joe's provides a place for kids and adults to focus on arts, health and community connections. We have attended shows and our child participates in aftercare and amazing summer camps! The Theater Tech program is one of the many special opportunities for teenagers. We love Joe's and donate every year. If you love dance, movement, aerial arts, making art and attending theater and other shows, you have to come to Joe's!

eer1 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/22/2014

As a client who has practiced vinyasa yoga over the past 14 years at World Arts Focus/Joe's Movement Emporium, I have always been pleased with what I have learned; how welcoming the staff and teachers are; the diversity (age, race, gender, income, etc.) of clients in all of the classes; and of the commitment to serving the greater Mt. Rainier community surrounding Joe's facility. Moreover, their children's and young adult programming offers the community strong value for our younger folks, both in terms of their personal development as well as in their costs. Joe's provides a community focal point like no other in Mt. Rainier or in northern Prince George's County, MD! Thank you to all of the staff and volunteers at World Arts Focus!

May K. Client Served

Rating: 5

10/16/2014

Brooke Kidd has created a wonderful dance space with an amazing variety of styles of dance. Classes are for every kind of dancer from young to old and ballet to hip hop to aerial dance. The newer performance space is awesome too.
Bravo!

Dorothy13 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/16/2014

I moved to Mt. Rainier because of Joe's. It is an amazing art resource in the middle of a fantastic neighborhood.

Joanne42 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/16/2014

I love the performances, which are both high quality and affordable. Also the class offerings. it is also a great venue when I need to rent a room.

Rumi M. General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/16/2014

World Arts Focus (aka Joe's Movement Emporium) has been a really important part of my family's life as well as our local community for years. Great performances, great classes for kids and adults, an art-focused aftercare program -- Brooke Kidd and her staff are a huge part of what makes this area groovy, arty, and awesome.

Estelld4y General Member of the Public

Rating: 4

10/09/2014

Two years ago my daughter took her first ballet class at Joe's and absolutely loved it! Later she attended Club Joe's. The children were ALWAYS engaged. I really enjoyed knowing that my child was safe. The staff at Joe's are incredibly caring and thoughtful as well. My daughter frequently asks to visit Joe's and the friends she made there. My most memorable experience was at the Gala. I felt so welcome even though I hardly knew anyone there. As a resident of Mount Rainier I think of Joe's as a significant force in our small town. I am looking forward to watching Joe's grow. The reason I didn't give it all 5 stars is because I feel there could be more, in terms of their performing arts curriculum. They could introduce innovative ideas like "Bootcamp Ballet" or "So You think You Can Act" or be more traditional and offer conservatory style ballet and/or acting for stage, etc.

Normon G. Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/04/2014

At Joe's Movement Emporium I teach tai chi on Monday nights at 8. As I walk in for my class I am all excited to see the movers and shakers on the dance floor, people in the hall ways with kids, work out girls and boys...doing their thing...Many things going on as I watch happy faces, people learning enjoying and having fun. I look over to my classroom door and the Yoga class is coming to an end and the group leaves in conversation and looking relaxed ....I speak to most saying hello and smiling to others knowing my class will began now. My tai chi players return, asking questions, ready to study and welcoming the new student. Every night at Joes is a blessing. Thanks. normon

abernanke Donor

Rating: 5

10/03/2014

Joe's a place of vision, community support, and dedication to the arts. There are few places like it in the area. From community support to after-school care, movement and yoga classes, and multicultural arts at affordable prices, Joe's can't be beat!

gabarile Board Member

Rating: 5

10/02/2014

Amazing arts organization located in a diverse neighborhood, focused on THE PEOPLE of the community and beyond. The Theater Tech Program gives the kids involved in the program the ability to learn and enhance digital media skills along with obtaining tangible life/work skills. Overall the programs offered are unique, personal, and affordable for the individuals participating.

A truly unique place that inspires all that walks through the doors.

luisam Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/17/2012

Wonderful community-based organization that understands the needs of the community and makes concerted efforts to stay at relevant and innovate. Solid leadership in their ED - committed to social justice.

AmyK Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 4

12/29/2010

Rare. Gritty. Brilliant. Rooted in community. Authentically multi-racial, multicultural. An active, engaged community center for the arts.

Need help?