Celebrating a 40th anniversary this year, Ballet Memphis welcomes its first Executive Director, Andrew Goldberg. Ballet Memphis will now move forward under a dual leadership model where Goldberg, as Executive Director, will oversee the administrative and operational functions of the organization. At the same time, Artistic Director Steven McMahon will continue to lead the artistic vision and programming.
Only the third Director since the company's founding in 1986 by Dorothy Gunther Pugh, Goldberg brings decades of leadership experience in performing arts fundraising to Memphis. Most recently he served as Senior Director of External Affairs at Ballet West in Salt Lake City, where he led a 17-person staff and helped grow the company’s budget by 40 percent over five seasons.
“We are thrilled with the appointment of Andrew and the next era for Ballet Memphis. His depth of knowledge and audience development skills from such a wide range of arts institutions will serve us, and all of Memphis, well,” said Shelley Shanaman, Chair of the Ballet Memphis Board of Directors.
Artistic Director Steven McMahon added, “It was clear that Andrew possessed the energy and passion for collaboration and all the things that a strong arts organization can bring to its city.”
The first production under the new leadership team will be Winter Mix this month. Ballet Mistress Julie Neiscraxz compares Winter Mix to a “flight of wines.” The three short, very different pieces provide a “taste” of different styles and choreography designed to appeal to a broad audience. “It is always one of our most popular performances” says Julie, as there is “something for everyone.” Neiscraxz is a former member of the company as is Costume Director Gabriella Noros-Diaz, who, along with her team, sews all of the costumes for every production in-house.
The midtown headquarters of Ballet Memphis is a work of art itself. The light-filled contemporary structure is an incubator for creativity. Between classes, rehearsals, STOTT Pilates and performances, the creative energy inspires students as young as three. “We aim to help people of all ages and backgrounds discover dance in a safe environment,” according to the Ballet Memphis website.
“Impacting youth in our community through education and performance is essential” says Goldberg. Ballet Memphis has a long history of engagement with the community beyond performances. Over the holidays, there was a special story time where company dancers read books, sang songs and performed - creating a magical experience for children and families and a fun educational introduction to dance themes and stories.
For older children, ages 14–18, there is a unique opportunity to collaborate with students from the Stax Academy. The "Collaborations" series allows Youth Ballet Memphis students to choreograph dances set to original music composed and performed by Stax Music Academy student musicians. The ensuing performances foster community and showcase emerging Memphis talent in unique shows. These youth collaborations also complement the company's ongoing work with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, the Orpheum Theatre and other arts organizations.
Goldberg, in his first few weeks at the helm, attended Ballet Memphis donor ARTSMemphis’ largest fundraiser to date, ARTrageous. “I was inspired by such a large gathering to celebrate and support the arts. And they [Memphians] love a party” says Goldberg.
“The search committee, the Board of Directors, and everyone I’ve met have been so great in sharing their stories about this amazing city and Ballet Company, and my family and I look forward to creating our own stories in Memphis soon.” With his wife and two young children, Goldberg is making the River City home. “It's an honor to join such a storied institution,” says Goldberg. “We have found our forever home. For now.”
"There is a community [in Memphis] that supports the arts - and they love a party."