Our goal at DESERTRADE is to create healthier humans through visual, performative, culinary and healing arts with a focus on community. Workshops, lectures, gatherings, concerts, performances, dinners and spiritual and healing events are offered for both locals and hi-desert visitors.
DESERTRADE, founded in 2023 by Emmy award winning choreographer Ryan Heffington, sits on a 12-acre property just north of Joshua Tree National Park in 29 Palms, California. We’re a 501(c)3 (non-profit) organization that is hosted and supported by AHA projects.
"A creative watering hole for artists and trailblazers located in the Hi Desert. A nest. A think tank. A time capsule. A container for healing. A design hub. ———A North Star."
- Charissa Kroeger, 2024 Artist in Residence
Contact info@desertrade.com with inquiries.
DESERTRADE sits on a 12-acre property just northeast of Indian Cove, 29 Palms, CA. The property we believe was erected as early as the late 1920’s, was owned for decades by Verle and Gene Ludwig. Verle, a sergeant in the Marines and Gene, enamored with Chinese food and culture. Gene taught cooking classes in her humble outdoor kitchen and at nearby Copper Mountain College, and Verle wrote fiction in his private bungalow “The Dirty Shame.” The pool, remnants of a badminton court, and wine cellar proved its inhabitants enjoyed life. DESERTRADE will continue this legacy of exercising enjoyment, education, celebration with our local and worldwide community.
Ryan Heffington is a community builder, educator and artist.
In 2020, when the world stood still, Heffington and his free online dance class SWEATFEST became a beacon for hundreds of thousands, moving together in living rooms across the globe, which raised over $300k for charities serving marginalized communities. His 2022 TED Talk similarly reminded us that dance is everywhere, free and a pure source of happiness.
With gestural movements inspired by humanity itself, Heffington reshaped contemporary / commercial dance with choreography for Sia’s “Chandelier” (MTV’s Best Choreography Award), which launched him into global recognition. Works like HBO’s Euphoria (Emmy Winner), Spike Jonze’s Kenzo World (Cannes Grand Prix), and Netflix’s The OA and working with such artists Harry Styles, Chappell Roan, Bad Bunny and Florence and the Machine has solidified Ryan’s influence on culture as we know it.
From 2010–2020, his successful Silver Lake (CA) studio The Sweat Spot thrived with classes, recitals, workshops, and benefit shows that drew both seasoned dancers and curious first-timers into one orbit, blurring the line between art, exercise and community hub.
DESERTRADE (est. 2023), is the next iteration of community for Heffington. A space to commune, create and educate for locals and visitors alike. Hope to see you soon.
Please consider supporting DESERTRADE with a donation.
Your support turns intention into action, our programs accessible, staff supported, and physical infrastructure evolving to support our mission, artists and community.
DESERTRADE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
