National Dance Institute (NDI) has selected Juan José Escalante as Executive Director, following an executive search process led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG). He began his tenure on January 3, 2022.
With an impressive nonprofit management background, Escalante joins National Dance Institute after most recently serving as Executive Director at the José Limón Dance Foundation. Escalante has also held roles as Associate Director of Finance at New York City Ballet, Human Resources Director at Miami City Ballet, Executive Director at Ballet Florida, and Executive Director at Orlando Ballet. He has chaired the national committee for small and medium companies for Dance/USA and the Cultural Executive’s Committee for the Palm Beach County Cultural Council. Currently, he serves on the board of Dance/NYC.
Escalante holds a bachelor of arts degree in business management from City University of New York, a master of business administration degree with an emphasis in global management from the University of Phoenix, and recently completed the Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management program at Harvard University.
In making the announcement, NDI Board Chair Marc Solomon said, “After an extensive search, it is with great enthusiasm that we welcome Juan José Escalante to NDI. Juan José is passionate about arts education and understands the unique value and life changing experience that NDI brings to children through the arts. His visionary leadership and experience in the field of arts management will be invaluable to NDI as we look to our future.”
“I am very much looking forward to joining the extraordinary team at NDI and to continue building and enhancing the great work the organization has been doing for decades, as well as expand upon the foundation the Jacques d’Amboise built,” said Escalante. “I have fond memories of Jacques from when I was a member of the staff at New York City Ballet. I am honored to work alongside the talented teaching artists, management, and staff at NDI who are truly dedicate to creating a better society and life journey for children through the arts.”
“We are excited for the board and staff of National Dance Institute as they welcome Juan José Escalante as their new Executive Director,” said ACG Senior Vice President Wyona Lynch-McWhite. “Mr. Escalante is a dynamic leader, an experienced fundraiser, and an advocate for community engagement. His vast nonprofit experience within the dance industry will support him as he helps NDI reach its strategic goals, continue Jacques d’Amboise's legacy, and move into an exciting new phase for the organization.”
January 2022