Dance Place Names Andre Mazelin Executive Director and Announces Internal Reorganization

The Dance Place Board of Directors named Andre Mazelin as executive director effective Aug. 1, 2022, to lead and strengthen the nonprofit organization. Additionally, an internal reorganization was announced to enhance operational efficiencies, strengthen service delivery and advance its mission.

“The board could not be more thrilled with Andre’s vision and his appreciation of community and partnership as he leads Dance Place through the next era,” said Rhea Norwood, Dance Place Board co-chair. “His strategic vision and operational expertise will heighten our ability to advance the mission, impacting artists locally and internationally.”

As its new executive director, Mazelin will oversee Dance Place’s development and growth including strategic direction, operational oversight, talent acquisition and retention, and legal. Mazelin most recently served as senior manager for Prince George’s Community College Center for Performing Arts and was a member of its launch team in 2019.

Previously, Mazelin held several arts leadership roles in Baltimore, Maryland, as managing director of Motor House, an operations director of Creative Alliance at the Patterson and a grant panelist for the Maryland State Arts Council. Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Mazelin immigrated to the U.S. with his family as a child. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Baltimore and an Associate degree in Music and Video Business from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.

“For over forty years, Dance Place has shown that the arts are more than performance, they are how diverse communities can meet under one tent to share in creative expression,” said Andre Mazelin. “I am eager to join an organization that is so deeply rooted in its mission and look forward to helping Dance Place and our committed team amplify the experiences of new voices, from youth discovering dance through our classes, to brilliant performances from our community of artists.” 

As Dance Place prepares for continued growth and increased community engagement, an internal reorganization was announced to enhance operational efficiencies, strengthen service delivery and advance its mission to build a community of artists, audiences and students through high quality performances, commissions, training and educational programs.

“This organizational realignment not only ensures Dance Place’s readiness for growth, but also highlights our desire to ensure that artistic and educational programming aligns with our mission,” said Janice Marks, Dance Place Board co-chair.

Under the reorganization, the leadership team includes the following seasoned, highly talented and passionate staff members along with the hiring of a new team member. 

Emily Crews – who joined Dance Place in 1991 and served in several financial roles including chief operating officer—will now serve as the finance and operations director. Crews is responsible for internal operations, contract management and facility partnerships.

Shannon Quinn will continue in her role as education director. She joined Dance Place in 2005 and has taught throughout the DC Metropolitan and in Pretoria, South Africa. Quinn also serves on the faculty at the Catholic University of America, as dance coordinator, where she teaches both beginner and intermediate Modern Dance and Dance Composition.

Dani Tirrell—who serves as artistic director—is an award-winning choreographer, dancer, and movement guide. Tirrell has taught at Northwest Tap Connection and the University of Washington Seattle and Bothell campuses. Dani is the founder and director of The Congregation, a movement/art ensemble.

An executive search will be conducted to hire a development and communications director who will oversee donor, subscriber and media communications, and grant management.

Founded in 1980, Dance Place builds a community of artists, audiences and students through high quality performances, commissions, training and educational programs. They are committed to enriching the field of dance locally, nationally and internationally. For more information, visit danceplace.org.