Historical Note: The DanceMotion USA℠ pilot program launched in 2010, with international residencies by US companies Urban Bush Women, ODC/Dance, and Evidence, A Dance Company. That initial launch has served as a model for cultural exchange initiatives and was the first major international dance program supported by the US Department of State in more than 20 years. It reached global audiences of more than 15,000 people during residencies to 16 cities in nine countries within three world regions - Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa.

Since its launch, 17 American dance companies have traveled to Sub-Saharan and Northern Africa, South America, the Middle East, the Iberian Peninsula, Eastern Europe, Eurasia, and Central, South, and Southeast Asia. Beginning in 2012, DanceMotion USA℠ also brings foreign artists back to the US to collaborate with American artists, expanding the cross-cultural exchange. To date, the program has engaged more than 100,000 people in 47 countries (and an additional 20 million people through digital platforms and social media) and offered more than 500 workshops.