Following a nationwide search, the José Limón Dance Foundation has appointed Michelle Preston as incoming Executive Director.
“I am thrilled to be chosen to lead the José Limón Dance Foundation alongside Artistic Director Dante Puleio and steward the legacy of one of the most influential dancers and choreographers in the history of American modern dance,” Preston remarked. “There is no denying that there are intense field-wide challenges in this moment, but there are also boundless opportunities to address inequity, better care for artists, and build more resilient organizations that serve a broader spectrum of audiences and communities. I am eager to work alongside the dedicated staff, board, and artists of the Limón Foundation to envision an expansive future for both the Company and the Institute, which builds upon the organization’s strengths and successes over the past 75 years.”
Since 2014, Preston has served because the Executive Director of SITI Company, an ensemble theater firm primarily based in New York City. While at SITI, Preston led a multi-year planning course of to have fun and protect the legacy of the ensemble. Her prior expertise in New York City additionally consists of work with dance organizations Urban Bush Women, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company and the School of American Ballet.
Preston begins her function this November 1. Interim government management might be offered by the DeVos Institute of Arts Management on the University of Maryland, a nationwide consultancy.
“While SITI Company and its ensemble members will always have a special place in my heart, I am delighted that my career path has led me back to dance,” mirrored Preston.
Dante Puleio, creative director of the José Limón Dance Company, remarked “I am thrilled to welcome Michelle as my strategic partner and collaborator at the Limón Foundation and look forward to working with her to advance Limón’s legacy and achieve our artistic aspirations for the work. Her clarity, sense of purpose, drive, experience, and unique approach will be valuable assets to our vision and growth trajectory. She is uniquely positioned to take us to the next level as a Company and organization, and we are excited to welcome her on board.”
Founded by José Limón — thought to be one of the crucial influential figures in American trendy dance — the José Limón Dance Foundation honors and advances his cultural legacy with its globally famend skilled firm, in depth coaching applications, and stewardship of a rising catalogue of unique Limón works and new commissions.
The Limón Company not too long ago offered an prolonged 75th anniversary season on the Joyce Theater in New York City, which included two world premieres, the revival of a big early Limón work, and a particular celebration on the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts the place an exhibit honoring the life and work of José Limón was on show.
“As we enter our 76th year, I am full of optimism for the health of our organization, and the integrity and quality of our work, with Dante Puleio at the artistic leadership, and Michelle Preston at the executive leadership, of the Limón Foundation,” commented Ivan Sacks, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “I am personally delighted to welcome Michelle to this key leadership role at Limón starting this coming fall. All of us on the Search Committee and Board believe she has the extraordinary combination of personal qualities, skills, and experience to be a profound force for good in the Limón Foundation’s continuing success and development.”
This summer time, the Limón Company seems at three main U.S. festivals: Jacob’s Pillow, The Vail Dance Festival and the American Dance Festival, earlier than persevering with to Europe in early 2023. It has additionally elevated the capability of its pre-professional coaching applications and solid new creative growth partnerships in anticipation of expanded exercise within the years forward.
For extra details about the José Limón Dance Foundation, go to limon.nyc.
