Michele Kumi Baer Appointed Executive Director of Dance/USA
Our take
Dance has always been a powerful medium of expression, and its evolution relies heavily on strong leadership and advocacy within the community. The recent appointment of Michele Kumi Baer as the new Executive Director of Dance/USA marks a pivotal moment for the national service organization dedicated to the dance ecosystem. Baer's extensive experience in capacity building and organizational change positions her uniquely to address the challenges facing dancers and dance organizations today. As we reflect on this significant development, it's essential to consider what it means for the future of dance in America and how it resonates with the broader cultural landscape.
Michele Kumi Baer's appointment comes at a time when the dance community is navigating complexities that range from funding disparities to the ongoing impacts of the pandemic. Her history of working closely with dancers as both a practitioner and a leader suggests that she is not only aware of these challenges but is also equipped to tackle them head-on. This mirrors the sentiments expressed in related articles, such as Dance takes center stage in Lincoln Center’s ‘Summer for the City’, which highlights the increasing visibility of dance as a vital form of artistic expression. Baer's focus on collaboration among dance workers is crucial, as it can foster an environment of unity and shared purpose, allowing for collective advocacy and innovation.
The dance community thrives when dancers, choreographers, and organizations unite to support one another. Baer’s commitment to strengthening relationships within the dance ecosystem aligns with the goals of robust organizations like Dance/USA. Her background as a dancer, funder, and coach gives her a well-rounded perspective that is essential in today’s rapidly evolving arts sector. It brings to mind the recent recognition of influential figures in dance and the arts, such as actress Katie Holmes, who will be honored at ABT’s 2026 Spring Gala. Celebrating individuals who contribute to the arts elevates the entire community, and Baer’s leadership can help drive this momentum forward.
Moreover, the importance of body positivity and self-expression in dance cannot be overstated. As a fitness guru and someone who believes in the power of feeling good in your body, I see Baer's appointment as a chance to inspire both seasoned dancers and newcomers alike. Dance is about more than just performance; it’s about empowerment, confidence, and self-love. By promoting a culture that embraces these values, Baer can ensure that dance remains an accessible and inclusive art form. As we explore this new chapter for Dance/USA, it is vital to consider how initiatives under Baer's leadership can inspire a new generation of dancers who feel proud of their bodies and abilities.
In conclusion, Michele Kumi Baer’s upcoming role as Executive Director of Dance/USA holds the promise of renewed energy and focus for the dance community. With her experience and vision, she has the potential to create a more cohesive and supportive environment for all dance workers. As we look ahead to her tenure, one question remains: how will she leverage her expertise to foster an inclusive culture that champions not only artistic excellence but also the wellness and empowerment of every dancer? This is a critical conversation that we, as a community, must engage in as we embrace the future of dance together.
Following a national search, Dance/USA, the national service organization for the dance ecosystem, announces Michele Kumi (久美) Baer as its new Executive Director. A seasoned arts leader specializing in capacity building, organizational change, and field building, Baer brings decades of experience across the dance and nonprofit sectors. She will join Dance/USA in April 2026.
“For dance to thrive, all dancers and dance workers must move together. In Michele Kumi Baer, we found not only a leader of extraordinary range and depth, but a genuine partner in making these moves. Michele comes to Dance/USA having worked alongside our members as a dancer, a funder, a leader, and a coach. She knows what dance artists and organizations need, because she has lived it. I am confident that the next chapter of Dance/USA will be one our ecosystem can feel proud of,” comments Juan José Escalante, Dance/USA Board Chair.
“It is an honor to join Dance/USA at this pivotal time for our field. Our dance ecosystem has been experiencing multiple interlocking crises that have had profound political, economic, and cultural impacts. Collectively, we have an opportunity to fortify the future of dance,” shares Michele Kumi (久美) Baer, incoming Dance/USA Executive Director.
“Our people – our artists, our teachers, our administrators, our organizers, and our other cultural workers – are some of our greatest assets in ensuring a future where our field is thriving,” Baer continues. “We may not agree on every goal, strategy, tactic, or style, but our ability to build healthy working relationships across our ecosystem – aligning our efforts, embracing conflict as generative, and honoring the field diversity that bolsters our resiliency – will be critical fuel towards a future that we all yearn and strive for.”
Baer has operated across all layers of the arts and culture space. She most recently served as Executive Director of Urban Bush Women and has worked with The New York Community Trust and Global Fund for Women, as well as consulting for the Mellon Foundation, Sundance Institute, and others. Her consulting and coaching practice has also included partnerships with the Center for Cultural Power, MAP Fund, Creatives Rebuild New York, NEFA’s National Dance Project, Intercultural Leadership Institute, and the National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures.
A lifelong dancer, Baer’s sensibilities as a mover and choreographer shape how she leads, strategizes, and collaborates. She has pursued deep study of dance traditions from West Africa (Mandé & Malinke), Brazil, and Haiti for more than 16 years, including travel to study with master culture bearers in Brazil and Mali. Born and raised on the ancestral and unceded lands of the Ohlone people, also currently referred to as the San Francisco Bay Area, she is currently based in Brooklyn, NY/ Lenapehoking.
Baer succeeds Sara Nash, who has served as Interim Executive Director since August 2025, guiding Dance/USA through this period of transition.
Established in 1982, Dance/USA champions an inclusive and equitable dance field by leading, convening, advocating, and supporting individuals and organizations. Dance/USA’s core programs are focused in the areas of engagement, advocacy, research, and preservation. Learn more at danceusa.org.
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