Washington, D.C. – Joy of Motion Dance Center, a dance instruction center which will celebrate its 45th anniversary this fall, announced today that Krystal Odom will be stepping down as interim Executive Director effective August 31. Krystal has been a member of the Joy of Motion staff for nearly 15 years.
Krystal Odom, interim Executive Director of Joy of Motion Dance Center, made the following statement announcing her stepping down:
“It has been an honor to work for Joy of Motion alongside the faculty, staff and board members for nearly 15 years. I will miss the strong bonds we have made and the camaraderie that has been built. But most importantly, I will miss all of the students that I have taught over the years.
“I started as an outreach teacher next transitioning into the studio, teaching many classes across three locations. But the H street location holds a very special place in my heart! From being the first youth ballet teacher to starting the first multi-disciplinary youth performance company, Shades, to many years directing the Step Ahead program, I am very proud to have served in many different facets of the organization.
“I am proud to have worked to build a community that is based on our founding principle that dance is for everyone. I would like to thank every parent along the way who has supported me during recitals, dying ballet shoes brown and returning every session to class. I would especially like to thank every dancer that I have taught during nearly 15 years, your dedication, determination and growth as dancers and young individuals have taught me so much about life. I would also like to thank teachers who have become life-long friends and family!
“This past year has been a tremendous year for Joy of Motion, which wouldn’t have been successful without the staff. Thank you all for the countless hours and continued dedication to Joy! For nearly 45 years, Joy of Motion has provided the DMV with a space where dance can be a vehicle for lifelong learning, well-being, transformation, and progress. I am gratified to be a part of that history and look forward to seeing all they do in the future.”
Carol Foster, Chair of the FY 2021 Board of Directors for Joy of Motion, made the following statement thanking Krystal for her years of service:
“It has been my pleasure to work with Krystal and I want to thank her for her years of dedicated service to Joy of Motion and the local dance community. The Board of Directors along with the hundreds of students, parents, and faculty she has significantly touched, appreciate all that she has contributed to the Joy of Motion Dance Center. Krystal’s management has helped Joy of Motion navigate some of the most challenging times that our organization has faced and we would not have been in the strong position we are today if it wasn’t for her leadership. Krystal has given to this organization unselfishly for many years and we are grateful. I wish her and her family all the best as they begin their new chapter.”
