Morgan Teel of Dance Waterloo On 5 Things You Need To Know To Successfully Lead A Nonprofit Organization
To me, leadership is like dance improvisation. It’s about finding a balance between structure and play. Even in the freedom of improvisation, there’s a shared set of values that guides the movement — whether it’s trust, respect, or a collective goal. Leadership works the same way.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Morgan Teel.
Morgan Teel is a choreographer, dancer, and the founder and artistic director of Dance Waterloo, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides performances and dance education programs to adults and children, and to other artists at affordable rates. By integrating her passion for dance and expertise in community engagement she aims to bridge the gap between institutions and their communities, enabling mutual growth.
Thank you so much for doing this with us. Before we begin our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”?
I grew up in a small, rural town in North Florida called Crestview, where my curiosity and passion for movement flourished. My dance journey began with competition styles — jazz, tap, ballet — but my true love for choreography came alive in the quiet hours I spent in my bedroom, experimenting with new ideas. I’d turn these private moments of exploration into full-fledged performances, transforming my grandmother’s barn or garage into impromptu theaters for her church choir friends. Even then, I sought to bring my ideas to life with intention — I managed to secure a small budget to pay my dancers, a gesture that made my creations feel professional even at a young age.
Leadership has always been a natural part of who I am. As the oldest sibling, I naturally stepped into that role at a young age, organizing and guiding others. In high school, I was the captain of my dance team, where I expanded and refined those leadership skills. Even as a kid, I loved creating experiences that brought people together. One of my favorite traditions was organizing a New Year’s ritual for my family, where my mom, dad, and brother would light candles, sit in a circle, and share their goals for the year. I’ve always felt driven to create spaces where people can connect, learn from one another, and grow.
That same spirit carried into college at the University of Southern Mississippi, where I immersed myself in choreography. When a tornado destroyed the performing arts center, I found myself performing in unconventional spaces — abandoned buildings, escalators, outdoor venues. These environments became a playground for my creativity, encouraging me to see dance through a lens of adaptability and possibility. That experience solidified my fascination not only with creating work in non-traditional spaces but also with finding ways to engage audiences — sometimes passively, sometimes actively — through unique and unexpected moments of connection.
Can you tell us the story behind why you decided to start or join your non nonprofit?
When I moved to Austin, Texas, in 2014, I quickly realized there was a gap in how dance was being shared with the community. For a city known for its cultural vibrancy, I was struck by how few people had ever experienced modern or contemporary dance. When I talked to strangers, many said they didn’t watch modern dance because they didn’t feel like they “got it” or thought it wasn’t something for them.
This opened my eyes to an opportunity: how could I offer dance in a way that felt accessible and inviting to everyone? I wanted to break the barriers around modern dance by meeting people where they already were — in parks, libraries, coffee shops, and other public spaces. I also wanted to create work that felt reciprocal: not just presenting dance, but integrating it with ideas, environments, and stories that resonated with the community.
That’s why I started Dance Waterloo. For me, it’s not just about performing — it’s about creating an exchange. Dance becomes the bridge: a way for people to come together, see their city in a new way, and connect with one another through movement. At its heart, Dance Waterloo is about generosity: offering dance as a gift to the community while receiving the beauty of their engagement in return.
Can you describe how you or your organization aims to make a significant social impact?
First and foremost, I believe real social impact begins from within. At Dance Waterloo, that means building a culture where artists are supported with livable and equitable wages, where collaboration thrives, and where diverse voices are not only amplified but celebrated. Social impact isn’t something we have to do — it’s something we want to do. It’s how we embody our values and move together as a community.
To me, social impact is like walking — it should feel natural, an extension of who you are. But, like walking, it requires care and awareness. You have to pay attention to imbalances, overcompensation, or moments of forgetting what truly matters. At Dance Waterloo, we continually strive to walk this path intentionally, empowering the community to find, understand, and share their voices in ways that feel authentic and meaningful.
One way we do this is through storytelling and movement. In programs like Storytelling Through Dance Making with seniors and families, participants are invited to explore their memories and experiences through dance, discovering their embodied voice. We also engage our audiences in active interpretation, encouraging them to connect with dance on their own terms, and mentor emerging artists, especially those from diverse or historically marginalized communities, to ensure their perspectives and artistic opportunities are empowered and amplified.
For us, social impact is about connection. It’s about helping people feel seen, heard, and valued, creating space for joy, self-expression, and belonging. It’s not about checking a box or fulfilling an obligation — it’s simply who we are and how we move forward, together.
Without saying any names, can you share a story about an individual who was helped by your idea so far?
Last fall, we created a dance performance called Spelling Bee, where our choreographers crafted dances inspired by words they had struggled to spell — like decision, linguini, and environment. Between each dance, we held a live community spelling bee, bringing adults and children together to compete (with age-appropriate words, of course).
One of my favorite memories from that performance was a group of three college friends who attended just because they loved the nostalgia of a spelling bee. They didn’t realize they were about to experience modern dance as well — they thought they were simply there to compete.
What started as a fun outing turned into something much more. Not only did they fully engage with the performance, but they stayed for the Q&A, eagerly asking questions and sharing their interpretations of the dances. One of them even pointed out how a movement reminded them of a strand of linguini — showing how personal and vivid their connection to the work had become.
To top it off, one of them placed second in the spelling bee, just behind an elementary school girl who proudly claimed first place.
This moment was a beautiful reminder of what we strive for at Dance Waterloo. By blending community-driven activities with dance, we create opportunities for people to step into something new and discover the unexpected. The Spelling Bee performance allowed these friends to experience dance in a way that felt approachable, joyful, and memorable. For us, it was a celebration of the rich rewards that come from thoughtfully weaving art, play, and connection into a shared experience.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
For the community: Redefine what dance means to you.
We’re all making moves every day — at work, with family, with friends, through hobbies, and while traveling. Living is an art, and movement is an essential part of it. By shifting your perspective on what dance is, you’ll begin to see yourself as a creator with a unique story to share. Dance becomes a way to listen, connect, and exchange with others — a natural extension of how we navigate life.
For society: Celebrate and invest in the journey, not just the outcome.
Dance is far more than a polished performance. It’s a way for people to connect, share their stories, and discover themselves. Society can help bridge the gap by recognizing and supporting the everyday ways dance fosters connection — whether it’s seniors choreographing together, families moving in workshops, or community performances in unexpected spaces. Support these experiences by donating, spreading the word, or simply showing gratitude. The true value of dance lies not just in the final performance but in the human connections and joy it cultivates along the way.
For politicians: Make arts funding accessible to small and micro-sized arts organizations.
Policymakers have the opportunity to create real impact by increasing funding for public arts initiatives that step beyond traditional venues and into community spaces. Smaller and micro-sized organizations are often deeply embedded in their communities, capable of delivering innovative, meaningful social impact quickly and effectively. By creating more grant opportunities tailored to these organizations and making the application processes less burdensome, policymakers can empower them to take creative risks and meet people where they are.
Together, these efforts can spark a movement — one where dance becomes a vibrant, natural, and adventurous part of everyday life, inspiring people to connect with themselves, their communities, and the world around them.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
To me, leadership is like dance improvisation. It’s about finding a balance between structure and play. Even in the freedom of improvisation, there’s a shared set of values that guides the movement — whether it’s trust, respect, or a collective goal. Leadership works the same way.
I don’t think leadership is something bestowed upon you by others. In fact, I think the worst leaders are the ones who believe it’s tied to a title or role. Leadership isn’t a job — it’s something you are because you’re human. We are all leaders in different ways from the moment we are born: leading to protect our planet, care for our families, create opportunities for our community, or stand up for injustice when we see it — whether at the supermarket or on the sidewalk.
Leadership requires awareness of oneself in relation to others and the environment. It’s about adaptability and listening, responding to the needs of the group, and working as a collective to innovate and problem-solve.
Just like in dance, leadership means embracing the unexpected with intention and clarity, allowing the whole to move forward in harmony. It’s a fundamental part of being human — an improvisation we all have the opportunity to take part in every day.
Based on your experience, what are the “5 Things A Person Should Know Before They Decide To Start A Non Profit”. Please share a story or example for each.
1 . Your vision must be deeply rooted in service.
At its core, a nonprofit is about nurturing something bigger than yourself — a mission that serves others. When I started Dance Waterloo, I wasn’t just creating a dance company; I wanted to use dance as a way to build community, foster connection, and make art accessible in ways it hadn’t been before.
When times get tough (and they will), this sense of purpose will anchor you. Early on, I became so consumed by logistics — grants, budgets, and program planning — that I felt overwhelmed. I had to remind myself why I started: to bring joy and connection through dance. Reconnecting with my mission helped me refocus, allowing the work to evolve from a place of clarity and purpose.
2 . You’re planting a garden — it takes time, care, and patience.
A nonprofit requires consistent nurturing. You won’t see results overnight, and setbacks are inevitable. It’s about cultivating relationships, growing programs, and trusting that your efforts will eventually bear fruit.
When Dance Waterloo launched, we didn’t immediately attract large audiences or community recognition. In fact, our very first fundraiser had zero attendees or donations. I was crushed. But my dream of creating opportunities for the community to encounter dance was stronger than my devastation. Instead of giving up, I focused on building relationships, one at a time. Slowly but surely, those connections began to grow, and so did our reach.
3 . Collaboration is key — learn to value the talents of others.
You can’t do it all alone. The best ideas and outcomes often come from surrounding yourself with people who bring diverse strengths, perspectives, and creativity.
At Dance Waterloo, we do something unique: we reevaluate everyone’s role every year. While the core of each person’s role is based on their strengths, we also incorporate areas they want to explore — skills they’re excited to develop or new challenges they want to tackle. This approach ensures that collaboration isn’t just about delegation; it’s about growth, curiosity, and shared investment in the mission.
4 . You can’t pour from an empty cup — prioritize your well-being.
Burnout is a common challenge in nonprofit work, where the needs can feel endless. This approach isn’t for everyone, but I’ve learned to let go of rigid boundaries — dare I say it — and instead tune into my personal rhythms, needs, and values each day. For me, this is what prioritizing well-being truly looks like.
Before the pandemic, I had strict boundaries about when I would work and when I wouldn’t. But I began to realize that inspiration doesn’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule. Restricting myself to specific work hours made me feel stifled rather than productive. I’ve since learned to allow myself the freedom to work when I feel inspired and take breaks when I don’t. Finding that balance has been essential to maintaining both my energy and my creative flow.
5 . Creativity is your greatest resource — embrace it.
Nonprofit work often comes with limited resources, and creativity becomes your most valuable tool for solving problems and making an impact.
In our first year of public dance programming, we had minimal funding to work with. For one event, we needed to create a dance education experience for 500 students but had almost no budget for materials. Instead of seeing it as a limitation, we got creative: we gathered 500 sticks from nature and purchased ribbons from a local reuse craft store for $10. The students used the sticks to create ribbon wands for dance-making, and they were a huge hit. It’s a reminder that with resourcefulness, imagination and mother nature, you can accomplish more than you think.
We are very blessed that very prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world who you would like to talk to, to share the idea behind your non profit? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
I would love to talk to Jacinda Ardern. I saw her speak at the Texas Conference for Women a couple of years ago, and one thing she said really stood out to me. People often ask her how she does it all, and her response was, “I don’t.” She emphasized that leadership isn’t about doing everything alone — it’s about relying on others, collaborating, and working together toward common goals.
This resonates deeply with dance and its inherent humanity. Dance requires us to embody empathy — being present with others, attuned to their needs, and creating something together that’s greater than the sum of its parts. I believe leadership could be deeply enriched by embracing these same principles. How we “move” as leaders — literally and metaphorically — shapes the spaces we create and the impact we have.
In dance, we honor individuality while striving for collective harmony. It teaches us to lead with vulnerability and empathy, to understand our shared humanity, and to navigate challenges with grace. I’d love the chance to explore with Jacinda how leadership can continue evolving to be more human-centered, collaborative, and reflective of these qualities, whether in politics, nonprofits, or any other field.
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson” Quote? How is that relevant to you in your life?
“Start before you’re ready.”
This quote has always resonated with me because it captures the spark of creativity and the courage to take action, even in the face of uncertainty. It reminds me that the most transformative ideas don’t wait for perfect conditions — they grow from the boldness to simply begin.
When I started Dance Waterloo at 22 years old, I was far from “ready.” I barely knew how to file my own taxes, let alone run a nonprofit. I didn’t have all the answers, and sometimes I wasn’t even sure where to look for them. But what I did have was a vision and the drive to create something meaningful — a way to make dance more accessible and relevant to the community. I leaned into that fire and figured things out step by step.
Starting before you’re ready doesn’t mean diving in recklessly — it means trusting your instincts, learning as you go, and allowing yourself to grow into the role. For me, every challenge I faced while building Dance Waterloo taught me something new, from grant writing to collaboration to leadership. The act of starting wasn’t just the first step; it was the most important one.
This quote continues to guide me today. It’s a reminder that no one is ever perfectly prepared, and the most exciting journeys are the ones where you let your passion lead, even when you’re still figuring out the rest.
How can our readers follow you online?
To learn more about performances and programming they can check out Dance Waterloo’s website: dancewaterloo.org, Facebook, and Instagram. They can also follow my work on Instagram and Linkedin.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your mission.
Morgan Teel of Dance Waterloo On 5 Things You Need To Know To Successfully Lead A Nonprofit… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.