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Dear NDEO Members, Colleagues, and Friends,

It is with a mix of melancholy, nostalgia, and countless great memories that I am publicly announcing my departure from NDEO, a place that has been my work home for the past 18 years.  I have accepted the position as Executive Director of the  My last day at NDEO will be January 13, 2026. I am excited to bring the association leadership expertise gained through my time at NDEO to another arts education community - this time centered on the art of singing and vocal pedagogy.

While I am sad to say farewell to all my dance education friends and colleagues, I am confident that the organization is in good hands under the guidance of our incredible staff and new Executive Director, Ray Schwartz.   

When I joined NDEO in 2007, we had just topped $300,000 in annual revenue with 1,467 members - in fact, one of my first tasks was getting an accurate count of current members and creating spreadsheets to track new sign-ups and renewals. We were a small but determined team with a big vision to advance dance education in the arts. And now, as NDEO enters its 28th year, we are at $1.7 million in revenue and 4,071 members.  Lifting up the importance of "dance education for all" as part of the NDEO team has been one of the great privileges of my career. I now look forward to making new connections with voice teachers and students to "transform lives through the power of singing."   

Having a front-row seat to dance education in the United States revealed a passionate group of educators who are creative in their artistry and pedagogy, and committed to their students and the art form.  Over the years, I have had the opportunity to connect with (and listen to) members through conversations at multiple national conferences, in focus group settings, and through many, many emails. I value every interaction.  You gave me unique perspectives, revealed your visions for dance education, and shared the depth of your empathy and dedication to your students. Thank you for inspiring me all these years.

NDEO Staff at the 2025 National Conference in Detroit: Vilma, Kaitlynn, Shelby, Sue, Melissa, Tiana, Kari, and Betsy.   

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve NDEO in leadership roles, including Director of Marketing and Membership, Managing Director, and Interim Executive Director, and to work with an incredibly brilliant and dedicated staff.  Over time, our collective work helped build systems, programs, and partnerships that supported growth and high visibility. The expansion of membership and conferences, the evolution of OPDI and the NHSDA, strengthened financial stability, and a sustained federal advocacy presence were not individual achievements but the result of a strong culture of collaboration and a field-wide commitment to equity and excellence in dance education.

As I prepare to make this major change, I want to acknowledge that NDEO is already undergoing its planned executive leadership transition to ensure it is well-positioned for the next chapter.  Although my professional path is evolving into the broader arts education landscape, I remain a dancer at heart and always a proud advocate for dance education and the NDEO community. I look forward to celebrating NDEO's continued accomplishments in the years ahead.

Thank you to all -- staff, members, board, donors, mentors, partners, vendors, sponsors, and colleagues from all across the dance education field! Thank you for your support of NDEO and the entire field of dance education.

With gratitude and deep respect,

Message from NDEO Executive Director, Ray Schwartz   

Dear NDEO Community,

Throughout her nearly two decades of service, Melissa has been a steadfast advocate for the mission and work of the National Dance Education Organization. Since the beginning of her tenure, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the field and to this organization. During the current leadership transition, she has been consistently professional, warm, and exceptionally helpful, and has taken great care to ensure that her departure is aligned with the best interests of NDEO.   

As we prepare for this change, we recognize that Melissa's departure will be deeply felt by staff and members, as the loss of any long-serving and influential leader inevitably shapes how work is carried forward. At the same time, the staff and current leadership team are well prepared to thoughtfully leverage the opportunities this moment presents-allowing for growth, reflection, and fresh approaches to service. We are confident that the comprehensively planned transition already underway will integrate and complement this shift with care, continuity, and purpose, ensuring the organization remains strong and forward-looking.

Please join me in offering our most sincere congratulations and heartfelt gratitude to Melissa for her many years of service. Thank you, Melissa, our organization and the field of Dance Education is stronger because of you and your contributions.

With warm regards and great appreciation,

Ray Schwartz - Executive Director, NDEO