Michael Uthoff Retires from Dance St. Louis
The dance presenting organization Dance St. Louis announced on February 27, 2016, that Executive and Artistic Director Michael Uthoff has retired. Uthoff retired immediately as Executive Director but will continue as Artistic Director through the rest of the 2015-2016 season. After that, he will continue in an advisory role.
Below is a portion of the press release from Dance St. Louis:
After leading Dance St. Louis through 10 successful seasons, Executive and Artistic Director Michael Uthoff has retired. He will remain as artistic director through the end of the 2015-2016 season and continue on in an advisory capacity.
“Michael’s innovation brought great creative energy to Dance St. Louis during the past 10 years, and helped generate a new awareness and passion for high quality dance with both local companies and audiences who have enjoyed Dance St. Louis presentations from around the world,” said Jennifer Davis, Dance St. Louis board president.
Uthoff is an internationally renowned choreographer, teacher and dancer. Highlights of his tenure with Dance St. Louis include the creation of the region’s acclaimed Spring to Dance Festival, a showcase of 30 professional dance companies from across the country for three unique nights, as well as New Dance Horizons, an annual pairing of local dance companies with nationally recognized choreographers commissioned to create new works. He created the Dance Education Residency Program to encourage participation by under-served urban youth. Uthoff designed the in-school program to exclusively fit the needs of youth in the St. Louis region.
The board of directors has appointed Janet Brown as interim executive director. Brown has served as operations & education director of Dance St. Louis since 2006 and has been instrumental in the development and management of the Dance Education Residency Program as well as the Dance Career Awards Program, a mentoring program for urban high school students pursuing a career in dance.
“We look forward to a seamless transition working with Janet Brown as we continue to celebrate our 50th season, and prepare for the next 50 years of Dance St. Louis,” Davis continued.
As the search for a permanent replacement is conducted, Dance St. Louis will continue to focus on presenting world-class dance performances to St. Louis audiences, including educational outreach to thousands of school children to experience the magic of dance.
