Elizabeth LaCause Named Executive Director Of Rioult

Hope Greenfield, Chair of the Board of RIOULT, has announced the appointment of Elizabeth LaCause as Executive Director, beginning immediately.

Pascal Rioult, Artistic Director of the Company, said, "Liz is a strong leader and skilled administrator with management experience in the nonprofit performing arts industry. She has a record of success in fundraising, audience development, and marketing. Not only does she bring a great deal of knowledge and success to this role, but as a former dancer, she truly understands the work that we do."

In speaking of the new position, Ms. LaCause said, ""I am proud and excited to be a part of RIOULT and working with such an extraordinarily talented group. It is an honor to join such a close and caring community that believes the arts are central to a fulfilling existence. During this new season, I invite everyone to embark on a journey with us and embrace the indomitable spirit that is the hallmark of RIOULT."

Ms. LaCause went on to announce the appointments of Kali Crandall as Operations and Development Associate and Penelope Gonzalez as E-Marketing Manager adding to her continued work as a dancer with the Company.

Elizabeth LaCause returns to her dance roots to lead the day-to-day operations of RIOULT. LaCause had an early career in classical ballet and holds a BA and a BS from Skidmore College in Dance and English Literature. Adding to her professional background in public relations, programming for the performing arts, and organizational management, she earned a Masters in Nonprofit Management (MNM) from Regis University in Denver in 2006. LaCause joined a public relations firm for clients such as Paul Taylor Dance Company, Merce Cunningham Dance Company and The Joyce Theater. From there, she took a position in the Education Department of New York City Ballet, managing its lecture-demonstration program. She became Acting Director of the Performing Arts Department at Snug Harbor Cultural Center in 2000 and Festivals Director in 2001. She also founded her own company, Festivals in Concert, specializing in the production of festivals, special events, and concerts. More recently, she spent five years with The Staten Island Chamber Music Players, first as Managing Director then as Executive Director.

RIOULT was founded in 1994 and fast became an established name in modern dance with a reputation for creating and presenting the sensual, articulate, and exquisitely musical works of Pascal Rioult. Born into the American modern dance tradition, RIOULT is creating its own legacy of contemporary dance that speaks to the mind as well as the heart of the global community. The company of ten dancers is based in New York City and presents an annual New York season, tours nationally and internationally.

RIOULT prides itself on its commitment to its dancers. Among the primary goals of the organization is to provide steady employment, health care, and foster the artistic development of its performers by offering training classes, teaching opportunities, challenging repertory and extended rehearsal and performance schedules.

Education and community outreach have been integral to RIOULT since its inception. The company's arts-in-education program DanceREACH offers an interactive approach to introducing students to the world of modern dance. It has impacted thousands of students and community members in New York City and around the world. Ongoing relationships with schools in New York City and the metropolitan area allow RIOULT to inspire new generations of dancers and audiences.

Rioult's New York season at The Joyce Theater will be January 19 - 24, 2010, with the annual Gala fundraiser taking place immediately following the performance on January 20.

For more information on the company, visit www.RIOULT.org