Dance Loft On 14 Taps Stephen Clapp For Leadership Role

Dance Loft on 14, a three-year old dance studio and performance venue in the District of Columbia's ward four, has selected Stephen Clapp to serve as the organization's new Executive Director.

A cultural strategist and change agent, Clapp has been serving as Executive Director for Dance Metro DC since 2012. During his seven-year tenure with Dance Metro DC, Clapp brought the organization from a communications and networking platform to a dynamic regional dance service provider. He developed and implemented a membership benefits program, provided direct support to over 100 locally based dance artists, launched the DC Dance Journalism Project and created partnerships throughout the region to support a regional network of dance artists and organizations. Prior to his work with Dance Metro DC, Clapp served as a Grants Manager and development specialist for Dance Place from 2003-2012.

As the new Executive Director of Dance Loft on 14, Clapp is charged with expanding organizational capacity, strategic development and programmatic initiatives. Partnering with the Founding Artistic Director, Diana Movius, Clapp will also work towards board expansion and financial growth. In making this announcement, Movius said, "Stephen's skills, expertise, and his understanding of Dance Loft on 14 and the field makes him uniquely positioned to successfully bring Dance Loft through its next stage of growth."

"I am delighted to work with Dance Loft on 14 and build on the amazing institutional foundation that Diana and her staff has created. I look forward to expanding and developing this unique community resource and implementing a strategic vision inline with the organization's mission," said Clapp.

Clapp holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in dance choreography and performance from the George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in performing arts from Emerson College. He serves as a board member of Alternate ROOTS and has been a mentor with the Arts Administrators of Color DMV network. He maintains a professional creative practice as Co-Artistic Director for Dance Box Theater with Laura Schandelmeier. Dance Box Theater will be in residence at Dance Loft on 14, alongside Diana Movius' dance Production Company MOVEIUS Contemporary Ballet.

Dance Loft on 14 is a project of MOVEIUS Contemporary Ballet, Inc., and serves as an affordable, spacious and convenient venue for dance and theater rehearsals and performances. As a relatively new arts institution, Dance Loft on 14 catalyzes art and vibrancy in Washington, DC's upper 14th Street area. Serving the citywide dance community and its local neighborhood, Dance Loft on 14 offers rehearsal space and high-quality dance programming in a historic loft with beautiful studios. Founded by Diana Movius, Dance Loft on 14 aims to be home to arts groups around the region. For more information, please visit: http://danceloft14.org

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