Ballet BC is pleased to announce the appointment of John Clark as the company’s new Executive Director.
“We are delighted to welcome John to Ballet BC and look forward to introducing him to our community. John’s vast experience and passion for the arts will contribute in meaningful ways to the Company’s future vision. “says Artistic Director Emily Molnar.
Mr. Clark joins Ballet BC with a wealth of experience in the arts sector in the United States. His career has spanned both the performing arts and higher education, building development teams raising upwards of $20 million annually. Most recently he was the Vice President of Development at the National YoungArts Foundation in Miami, Florida. Before joining YoungArts, he spent nine years at Georgia State University (GSU) in Atlanta, initially as Senior Director of Development for the College of Arts & Sciences then finally as Associate Vice President of Development. Prior to GSU, Clark was Director of Development for the Atlanta Ballet.
“I am thrilled to join the leadership team with Emily and the board, working to build upon the substantial current momentum. The impact this organization is making on the creation and innovation of dance is impressive. My objective is not only to ensure Ballet BC’s sustainability and longevity, but also to increase visibility, building financial support and deepening community relationships so that it can thrive, grow, and continue to be a model for contemporary ballet companies throughout Canada, and well beyond,” says new ED John Clark.
A classically trained pianist as a teenager, Clark’s passion for the arts is also evident by his volunteer commitments and impact in the communities where he’s resided. Those volunteer engagements have included serving as board chair of Synchronicity Performance Group, a tutor through the Literacy Volunteers of Atlanta, and as a big brother at BBBS of Metro Atlanta. Clark holds his Masters in English Literature from Georgia State University, and is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate from the University of Rochester.
“We are very excited to welcome John to Canada and as Ballet BC’s new Executive Director. John is a talented and accomplished senior leader with a wealth of experience in the arts and not-for-profit world that will be invaluable to Ballet BC,” says Dr. Kevin B. Leslie, President and Chair of the Ballet BC Board of Directors. “We greatly thank Branislav Henselmann who has been an extraordinary Executive Director during an important period in which Ballet BC has emerged as a company of increasing international importance, and we look forward to the continuation and expansion of Branislav’s legacy with John at the helm.”
Combining classical integrity with a contemporary sensibility, Ballet BC is a company of 17 talented dancers from Canada and around the world that is committed to the ballet of today. Solidly grounded in the rigour and artistry of classical ballet, with the emphasis on innovation and immediacy of the 21st century, the company presents a distinct and diverse repertoire of the most sought-after Canadian and international contemporary ballet choreography.
Ballet BC continues its commitment to perform highly acclaimed productions on regional, national and international tours in addition to its regular performance season at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver.
