The Dance Hall selects Sarah Duclos as first executive director
KITTERY, MAINE – The Dance Hall Board of Directors has named Sarah Duclos the new executive director of The Dance Hall in Kittery, Maine.
Duclos’ background in performing arts administration, combined with a deep passion for community-based arts and education programs, will help to further advance the mission of the organization that quietly celebrated its 10th anniversary during its closure last year, a Dance Hall press release said.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sarah Duclos as the Dance Hall’s new Executive Director. Sarah’s vision, experience and passion for our mission will help ensure the sustainability and expansion of our work over the long term, ” Paul Hodes, The Dance Hall Board of Directors chair, said. “While many arts organizations have struggled during the pandemic, we are so fortunate to have Sarah join the leadership team alongside Founding Artistic Director Drika Overton. With Sarah onboard, we’re ready for our next exciting chapter.”
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Duclos' duties
Beginning immediately, Duclos will manage day-to-day operations for The Dance Hall, a nonprofit performing arts venue housed in Kittery’s historic Grange Hall known for its charming atmosphere and diverse lineup of music and dance programming. Duclos will also lead fundraising programs, as well as marketing and community engagement initiatives.
“As a life-long dancer and Seacoast native, I know that The Dance Hall is a landmark space whose continued existence is vital to artists, the greater Kittery community and visiting tourists. I'm thrilled to lead one of Maine's most unique performing arts organizations and to help bring music and dance to broader audiences,” Duclos said.
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Duclos currently works as a freelance nonprofit consultant, choreographer and teaching artist throughout New England. Before that, she was a program manager in the Education and Community Initiatives department at Boston Ballet in Boston, Massachusetts and on the faculty at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter. Duclos, a trained dancer, singer and actor, earned a B.A. at the University of New Hampshire in Theater and Dance with concentrations in dance and musical theater and a graduate certificate in Arts and Culture Strategy through the University of Pennsylvania’s partnership with National Arts Strategies. Recently, she was 1 of 12 artists invited to join the New England Now artist cohort, recognizing her for her outstanding leadership and contributions to the New England dance scene.
Duclos’ new role will support The Dance Hall’s 2022 reopening efforts, which will include indoor programming and expanded outdoor summer programming in Kittery’s John Paul Jones Memorial Park.
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”I look forward to working with Sarah as she takes on the day-to-day business of our non-profit, which allows me to focus on our artistic vision and programming.” Founding Artistic Director Drika Overton said. “Her noteworthy background and skills will be a significant asset to the organization.”
Duclos’ new role marks an exciting phase of growth for the organization, according to the board. Overton, who has led all aspects of the organization since its founding in 2011, will still steer the artistic vision that has become the hallmark of The Dance Hall’s success, while Duclos’ newly created role will help support critical aspects of running the business and generating revenue to support growth and ensure that The Dance Hall is part of the Seacoast community for years to come.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: The Dance Hall in Kittery ME selects Sarah Duclos as executive director
