People
Stephen Clapp
Executive Director
[Schedule a meeting with Stephen]
Stephen Clapp (he/him) is a Filipino-born cultural strategist, arts leader, performing artist, and choreographer. Across more than three decades, he has worked at the intersection of creativity, community, and social change, helping artists, organizations, and communities imagine and build more just, connected, and life-giving futures.
Stephen’s work spans executive leadership, organizational development, cultural strategy, creative placemaking, fundraising, anti-oppression education, climate and racial equity initiatives, and collaborative performance-making. He previously served as Executive Director for Dance Loft on 14 and Dance Metro DC, where he helped expand artist services, strengthen organizational sustainability, and advance equity-centered leadership across the cultural sector. He is also Co-Artistic Director of Dance Box Theater with his creative and life partner, Laura Schandelmeier, and he is a co-owner of DC Vegan.
Grounded in movement, inquiry, and relationship, Stephen designs creative experiences that cultivate belonging, deepen dialogue, inspire collective action, and strengthen communities. Whether facilitating a strategic planning process, leading a movement workshop, developing civic partnerships, or creating performance, he believes the arts are essential infrastructure for democracy, resilience, and social transformation.
Stephen holds a Master of Fine Arts in Dance from The George Washington University. He is a certified Critical Response Process practitioner, certified Climate Wayfinding facilitator, qualified administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory, a 2021 Intercultural Leadership Institute Fellow, and a member of the 2023 artEquity BIPOC Leadership Circle. He serves on the Pola Nirenska Dance Awards Committee, and is an active board member with Alternate ROOTS.
Stephen’s relationship with Dance Exchange spans more than twenty-five years, beginning as an intern in 2000 and growing through decades of artistic collaboration, community partnership, and organizational leadership. Returning to Dance Exchange in 2021, he has helped guide the organization’s evolving work in racial equity, creative production, and strategic leadership. Today, he is honored to partner with Artistic Director Cassie Meador in co-stewarding Dance Exchange as it enters its 50th year, building on its legacy while shaping its next chapter of expanding who gets to dance, where dance happens, what dance is about, and why dance matters.