The MVMT Cleveland is Here: A New Chapter for Dance in the Midwest

In 2009, Jasper C. Reed took on the role of Dance Coordinator for Proviso West High School’s Diamond Dancers, an auxiliary dance team for the school’s marching band. Over time, the team adopted a style that honored the rich traditions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), paying tribute to their distinct and powerful form of dance. But Reed saw a need to bridge the worlds of HBCU-style dance and industry professionalism, and in 2017, The Diamond MVMT dance company was born. His vision was simple yet ambitious: create a platform that elevated dance artists of color and showcased their unique artistry on a national stage.

Through Reed’s dedication and tenacity, The Diamond MVMT quickly made a name for itself. But even as he grew a creative empire in Chicago, one truth became undeniable—there was a serious lack of visibility and resources for Black and Brown dancers. Recognizing this gap, Reed founded the MVMT Foundation in 2022 to make high-quality dance training and industry exposure more accessible to dancers of color in Chicago and beyond.

Meanwhile, in Cleveland, LaChanee Davis was on a similar mission. After starting Buck Out Cleveland in 2019 as a nonprofit dedicated to providing technical dance training and college audition prep, she focused on ensuring that dancers of all ages, particularly those eyeing HBCU dance teams, had the tools and resources to succeed. Under her leadership, Buck Out became a powerful force in the Cleveland dance scene, offering performance opportunities and fostering the development of professional dance artists from underserved communities.

Now, in 2024, these two visions have come together in an exciting merger that blends the best of both worlds. The Diamond MVMT and Buck Out Cleveland have united to form The MVMT Dance Co., a new force in the dance community with a bold vision: to position the Midwest as a premier hub for Black and Brown dancers in training, instruction, and performance. This merger is about more than just bringing two organizations together—it’s about making sure that dancers in the Midwest have the same opportunities for exposure and success as their counterparts in cities like Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles.

With this merger, Buck Out Cleveland has transformed into MVMT Dance Studio Cleveland, now the official headquarters of The MVMT Dance Co. This new identity brings an expanded mission, a larger team, and a renewed focus on fostering community, connection, and equity for Black and Brown artists across the Midwest. Our goal is to see more Black and Brown dancers land careers in dance, while offering them the exposure and opportunities they deserve.

We are beyond excited to open the doors to MVMT Dance Studio Cleveland and we’re inviting the entire community to join us in celebrating this new chapter at our Grand Opening. From exclusive dance classes to community events, there’s something for everyone. Come experience the energy, passion, and culture that The MVMT Dance Co. is bringing to Cleveland and beyond.

Click below to learn more about our grand opening events and be part of the celebration.

Oriana Walton: From diamond to doll

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Oriana Walton, a shining star of The Diamond MVMT for over a decade, has achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a member of the Fabulous Dancing Dolls at Southern University A&M! This is a momentous occasion for Oriana, her family, and everyone who has watched her journey from the very beginning.

What a Journey

Oriana’s journey with The Diamond MVMT began in Chicago, IL, where she first joined Our Precious Diamonds, the entry-level division of our movement. As the years passed, her talent, dedication, and passion for dance propelled her forward, eventually leading her to The Diamond Dancers, where she served as captain in 2021. From the moment she set foot in high school, Oriana had her sights set on one goal: becoming a Fabulous Dancing Doll.

Achieving this dream was no small feat. Oriana trained relentlessly at company rehearsals at MVMT Dance Studio, consistently demonstrating the kind of work ethic and commitment that set her apart. She didn’t just rely on her natural talent—she put in the hours, refining her technique, building her stamina, and honing the precision that is the hallmark of the Dancing Dolls.

Hard Work Pays Off

We at The Diamond MVMT are committed to providing our members with every opportunity to succeed, and Oriana’s journey is a testament to that. In the end, it was Oriana’s unwavering determination and consistent hard work that made her dream a reality.

We are beyond proud to share this exciting news with our MVMT family and beyond. Oriana’s success is a powerful reminder that with passion, dedication, and the right support system, dreams do come true. Her journey is an inspiration to all of us, and we couldn’t be happier for her.

To celebrate this incredible achievement, check out Oriana’s awe-inspiring reveal video where she shares the moment she was officially welcomed into the Fabulous Dancing Dolls. Oriana, your Diamond MVMT family is cheering you on every step of the way. Congratulations on this well-deserved success—we can’t wait to see you shine on the field!

Members of DCO Shine at the DNC

We couldn't be more proud to share some incredible news from our Diamond family! Three of our very own, Denajah Johnson, Summer Burcy, and Lanijah Queen, members of The Diamond Co. (our adult division), recently took the stage at one of the most prestigious events of the year: the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, IL, on Thursday, August 22nd.

Star Studded Experience

These powerhouse dancers had the honor of performing as background dancers for none other than the legendary John Legend and the iconic Sheila E. To say this was a monumental moment would be an understatement! Not only did they share the stage with world-renowned artists, but they also got to work under the brilliant direction of choreographer Jamel McWilliams, whose work has been seen across the globe.

What makes this moment even more special is the bond shared by Denajah, Summer, and their recruiter, Latoya Siplin. Latoya, a distinguished dancer herself, shares a rich history with Denajah and Summer as fellow members of the Sensational Stingettes, a celebrated collegiate-level HBCU dance line. This shared history and connection only deepened the significance of this unforgettable experience.

A Shared Sisterhood

Denajah perfectly captured the magic of the night in her heartfelt Instagram post: "This moment will go down in history & the fact that I got to experience this with the most beautiful souls including my 💎 sisters, Summer and Lanijah, makes this night so much more special. Everything was literally PERFECT!"

At The Diamond MVMT, we always strive to empower and uplift our members, and seeing our Diamonds sparkle on such a grand stage fills us with immense pride. These talented women continue to break barriers, setting the standard for excellence and proving that when passion meets opportunity, history is made.

Let's continue to celebrate and support our Diamond MVMT family as they shine bright, representing not only their talent but also the heart and soul of our movement. Here's to more milestones, more moments, and more memories that will last a lifetime. Congratulations, Denajah, Summer, and Lanijah — you are truly diamonds in every sense of the word!

Watch the full performance below!