Founded on the pillars of service and multiculturalism, Defining Movement was created out of a need seen on Duke's campus for a diverse organization that transcends the lines of race, gender, background, beliefs, and more. Defining Movement uniquely promotes acceptance, unity, and diversity through art. With a common passion for dance, students of completely different backgrounds come together to try new dance styles, explore other cultures, and learn more about one another, all while bringing their own experiences to the group.

Unlike other cultural groups on campus, rather than taking a political approach, our founders endeavored to form a group that would manifest these ideals by its very existence. By incorporating a wide variety of dance styles and cultural roots, Defining Movement aims to challenge the preconceived notions attached to specific types of dance and to encourage dialogue about stereotypes in today's society.