Celebrating Cassie Meador

Recently, Dance Exchange gathered our artists, staff, donors, and community members for SPARK, Dance Exchange’s annual celebration of those who ignite change. Together, we celebrated the ways that Dance Exchange–and the communities with whom we partner–are working to foster a more embodied, resilient, and just world. And in 2023, we were especially award Dance Exchange’s Catalyst Award to Executive Artistic Director Cassie Meador as she marks 20 years with the organization.

The Catalyst Award was created to recognize and honor individuals who have sparked meaningful dialogue, research, collaboration, stability, and risk-taking in partnership with Dance Exchange. Dance Exchange awarded the first Catalyst award in 2020 to board member Marti. S. Head for her work at the intersections of science and dance. In 2021, the award honored local choreographer and Dance Exchange partnering artist Ralph Glenmore for his commitments to dance education and his choreographic achievements.

Check out the video below to hear from some of the many people who have had an impact on–and been impacted by–Cassie and her work across 20 years with Dance Exchange.