LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DanceOne (“the Company”), the leading producer of educational and competitive dance events and the largest family of dance brands in the world, today announced the appointment of Dan Galpern as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Mr. Galpern will remain on DanceOne’s Board of Directors, and as CEO, he succeeds Gary Pate, who will take on the role of Vice Chair of the Board and continue to lead special projects.
Mr. Galpern brings extensive experience in operational management and financial strategy from his more than 16 years with TZP Group, a leading lower middle market private equity firm with approximately $2 billion under management, and his prior operational role as the Chief Operating Officer and Head of Strategy at CurtCo Media Labs, LLC, a media-focused holding company for the Robb Report Family of Publications. He joins DanceOne at a time when the dance industry is experiencing substantial growth and increasing popularity, and he will spearhead the Company’s strategic growth initiatives and operational framework, enhancing its educational and competitive dance programs.
With TZP Group, Mr. Galpern led the thesis development and strategic investment that created DanceOne in August 2023. For over two decades, Mr. Galpern has also served as a member of the Board of Children’s Rights, Inc., an organization dedicated to protecting child welfare, including his current role as Chairman. He is also a member of the Gotham Chapter of the Young Presidents Organization and is a Chairman Emeritus of the Executive Committee.
Unprecedented Opportunity in Dance at Scale
DanceOne is the market leader in live events which serves as the foundation to expand and support the global dance ecosystem. The Company plans to: (i) further invest in its existing brands, strengthening its best-in-class live-event dance competitions and tours (ii) expand its live-event offerings on a global basis, (iii) integrate authentic partners into the ecosystem, (iv) expand its apparel business, (v) increase its digital experience for customers, and (vi) launch a short form and long form content business that will continue to attract and support the best choreographers and celebrate dance globally.
Mr. Galpern’s extensive career in private equity and in working with premium consumer and business-to-business brands in varying industries will assist DanceOne in continuing to seek out partnerships with organizations wanting to authentically reach young, active, and health-conscious consumers. As DanceOne develops new opportunities for strategic growth, these partnerships seek to build on its legacy of previously announced partnerships with industry-leading voices such as Julianne and Derek Hough, world-renowned dancers, Emmy-winning choreographers and co-host and judge, respectively, on Dancing with the Stars, and actor, choreographer, dancer, singer, television director and producer Debbie Allen and her non-profit dance school, the Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA).
Executive Commentary
“I am excited to join this exceptional team as we continue to position DanceOne for significant growth and enhance our current offerings for dancers, studios and the broader dance community,” Mr. Galpern said. “In the wake of increasing consumer focus and market demand, particularly with younger generations thanks to social media, TV, movies and other platforms that show what dance can offer, DanceOne has become the gateway for dancers to realize their full potential. Over the past year, we’ve assembled a remarkable team, built out important infrastructure, attracted top-tier choreographers, forged strong partnerships with leading brands, and produced world-class events and education. To be able to partner with, and learn from, an industry icon like Gary Pate in building the next chapter of this dynamic industry has been a pleasure. Together, with our studio partners and world-class choreographers, we will continue to deliver on this promise and create unparalleled experiences for dancers to celebrate the exceptionalism within our community.”
“We are extremely excited with DanceOne’s progress and what the team has accomplished since TZP’s investment,” Sam Katz, Managing Partner at TZP, said. “Dan’s leadership, passion and vision for the business will undoubtedly serve DanceOne and TZP’s limited partners well as the Company delivers on its mission to offer the most exceptional experiences as the largest dance company in the world. As we move into 2025 and beyond, we are excited to see DanceOne continue to grow and take advantage of the tremendous opportunities in front of the business with the continued growth of the category.”
“Dan is a natural business leader who brings a deep understanding of the importance of supporting the community of dancers that has given so much and helped establish our brand,” Gary Pate, Vice Chair and former CEO, said. “Since we formed DanceOne in 2023, I have seen firsthand how his deep experience building businesses, commitment to excellence and passion for creating opportunities for dancers and dance educators make him the ideal steward for our company. I am confident that with his leadership and direction, DanceOne is well positioned to succeed, and I am eager to continue supporting the momentum we created together this past year.”
“Dan’s leadership experience aligns and amplifies DanceOne and our mission as we grow into a global platform that celebrates dance at every level,” Adam Shankman, DanceOne’s Chief Creative Officer, said. “Dance is an art form, and frankly, a creative sports medium with many applications and verticals to be explored. Dan’s proven experience in developing premium assets, fostering strong partnerships and driving growth are invaluable as we continue to expand our platform, reach, impact and ability to give back to the community that has helped build us up.”
About DanceOne
DanceOne is the premier producer of educational and competitive dance events and the largest family of dance brands in the world. Founded in 2023 and headquartered in Los Angeles, DanceOne brings together leaders in the dance community around their shared mission of fostering the integrity and education of dance. Its collection of over 500 yearly elite dance conventions and events provides the highest level of talent to teach and mentor while leading the industry in innovations that shape the future of dance instruction. With over 60 years of combined experience serving over 10,000 dance studios yearly, DanceOne’s highest priority is the commitment to ensure a safe environment for kids to learn and celebrate movement by providing the highest possible safeguarding standards in the industry. For more information, visit dance.one.
About TZP Group
TZP Group, a multi-strategy investment firm managing approximately $2 billion across its family of funds, is focused on control, growth equity, and structured capital investments in technology, business services, and consumer companies. Founded in 2007, TZP targets companies with solid historical performance and sustainable value propositions and aims to be a "Partner of Choice" for business owners and management teams. TZP seeks to invest primarily in closely held, private companies in which the owners desire to retain a significant stake and partner with an investor with complementary operating and financial skills to accelerate company growth, increase profitability, and maximize the value of their retained stake. TZP leverages its investment professionals' operating and investment experience to provide strategic and operational guidance and is dedicated to long-term value creation. For more information, please visit www.tzpgroup.com.
