Dance Place Executive Director André Mazelin Departs Amid Community Uproar

On August 18, André Mazelin stepped down from his position as executive director of Dance Place in Washington, D.C. This decision followed a demand from the community organization Friends of Dance Place for his dismissal and the return of the artistic director position. On May 28, Mazelin had terminated artistic director Tariq O’Meally during a restructuring process. A town hall meeting on July 19 highlighted issues with Mazelin’s leadership, pointing out administrative shortcomings and unsafe conditions. In 2024, the organization faced an operating deficit exceeding $788,000, with revenues below $1.6 million. The board plans to return to a single executive artistic director model and will initiate a national search, with Erin A. Skinner serving as interim leader. A town hall is set for late September. Dance Place was established in 1980 by Carla Perlo.