FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2020
CONTACT: Johanna Tschebull
202.833.1717 x106
Washington, DC – Dance/USA, the national service organization for professional dance, announced today that Executive Director Amy Fitterer will transition out of her role in December 2020.
Fitterer has led Dance/USA since January 2011, having joined the organization as Director of Government Affairs in 2008. Under her leadership, Dance/USA launched the Institute for Leadership Training, a national mentorship program; Dance Business Bootcamp, an annual workshop for dance artists and administrators working within budgets below $200,000; Dance/USA Fellowships to Artists, a national program funding individual artists addressing social change; and the new core service of archiving and preservation, following the integration of Dance Heritage Coalition into Dance/USA.
During Fitterer’s tenure, Dance/USA has enjoyed strong member retention and has seen a growth of in-person member meetings and the doubling of member networking groups. Dance/USA also expanded the Dance Forum at APAP to include additional regional Dance Forum events around the country. Fitterer oversaw the revision of Dance/USA’s mission, vision, and core values, and the organization released a new strategic plan in 2018 that reflects Dance/USA’s ongoing commitment to equity and justice. Fitterer leaves the organization in good financial health.
”After more than a decade at Dance/USA, it is my privilege to pass the baton to a new leader,” said Fitterer. “Leading Dance/USA has been one of the most rewarding and meaningful experiences in my life. I am deeply grateful to my colleagues and Board members for their commitment, insight, and creativity in our work. The organization has been on a journey to become a more equitable and welcoming organization to the breadth of the entire field, and I am proud of the progress we have made. I look forward to seeing the organization continue its journey into the future under new leadership.”
“Over the past several years, Dance/USA has engaged in deep, thoughtful, self-assessment that has set the organization on an exciting path of transformation,” commented Dance/USA Board Chair and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Executive Director Malik Robinson. “It’s an inspiring trajectory that unapologetically embeds social equity at its core. The complexity of this work is astounding, and Amy has boldly led every step of the way with a level of clarity, authenticity, and innovation that is absolutely extraordinary. Dance/USA’s next leader will be able to build on a solid foundation thanks to Amy’s hard work and we are excited about the organization’s future.”
The Dance/USA Board of Trustees has approved the appointment of a search committee that will be co-chaired by past Board Chair Michelle Ramos and current Board Chair Robinson. The committee has started the work towards identifying the future leader(s) of the organization and will open an application process in early 2020.
About Dance/USA
Propelled by our belief that dance can inspire a more just and humane world, Dance/USA will amplify the power of dance to inform and inspire a nation where creativity and the field thrive.
Dance/USA is the national service organization for the professional dance field. Established in 1982, Dance/USA champions an inclusive and equitable dance field by leading, convening, advocating, and supporting individuals and organizations. Dance/USA’s core programs are focused in the areas of engagement, advocacy, research, and preservation. Learn more about Dance/USA at danceusa.org.
