About Shake It So

Hi, I’m Jonathan, and I started Shake It So during the COVID-19 pandemic — not as an organization, but simply as a way to survive the isolation. I was lonely, depressed, and missing people. So I started dancing on Zoom and posting about it on Facebook. The sessions were 40 minutes long only because that’s how long the free version of Zoom allowed.

My friend Tyler began joining. One week he got into a terrible car accident. A few days later, he logged in from his hospital bed — barely able to move, but still lifting a hand in time with the music. In that moment I understood something profound: even the smallest act of movement, shared with another person, can be life-giving.

For me, dancing is both an antidote to isolation and a way to stay connected to the world, especially as I continue to manage depression. But it’s also more than that: dancing generates joy, presence, and a kind of human connection that is hard to describe. We don’t always achieve transcendence — but it’s always possible. All it takes is people showing up and being present together.

From a Zoom Dance to a Community

That simple idea — showing up, moving together, and feeling connected — grew quickly. Over time, people joined from across the U.S. and from Malawi, forming an unexpected global community. We began hosting small fundraisers, combining dancing with learning about each other’s lives and stories.

Our first international celebration raised $737 for Refugees International, with more than twenty people from two countries dancing together. It became clear: this could be a powerful way to raise awareness and funds for organizations doing meaningful work.

By 2025, Shake It So had grown enough that we formally registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We partnered with regional artists, strengthened our licensing practices, and committed to making sure all the music we use is legal, ethical, and fairly compensated.

What We Do

We host weekly morning dance parties — free, welcoming sessions where anyone can show up, move around, and start their day with joy. People join from Massachusetts, Malawi, and many places in between.

Several times a year, we create larger multimedia dance events to raise funds and awareness for partner nonprofits. These events blend music, visuals, stories, and global connection.

Shake It So works directly with regional musicians and licensing agencies to ensure all music is used responsibly and that artists are supported and compensated fairly.

Our philosophy is simple: joy builds connection, connection builds empathy, and empathy builds community.

Our Community

The Shake It So community includes dancers of all ages and backgrounds — from Central Massachusetts to Kasungu District in Malawi. Our events often include live connections between groups half a world apart.

You don’t need dance skills. You don’t need experience. You just need to show up as you are.

Why We Exist

At its core, Shake It So is about connection — across neighborhoods, across cultures, and across continents. Movement is the medium, but the purpose is human.

Since 2021, we’ve raised thousands of dollars for organizations working in healthcare, education, social justice, and community support. We partner with nonprofits that value dignity, partnership, and shared humanity.

We strive to:

create spaces for joy, presence, and belonging
uplift nonprofit partners through storytelling and meaningful collaboration
use music responsibly and ethically
celebrate our shared humanity across distance and culture

Connect With Us

Shake It So is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit. If you'd like to collaborate or explore a partnership, we'd love to talk.