Michael McStraw, Executive Director of Chicago Dance History Project (CDHP), is a member of and fierce advocate for the Chicago performing arts community. As a professional dancer, arts administrator, educator, board member, and patron, Michael has been a positive influence in the community for 40 years. He holds a BS degree in Geology from Allegheny College, an MFA in Dance from the University of Michigan, and served as an agricultural extension agent in the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone, West Africa. He performed extensively with the area’s premier contemporary dance companies, including Mordine & Company Dance Theater and Jan Erkert & Dancers. Prior to joining CDHP, Michael was honored to serve as Giordano Dance Chicago’s Executive Director for 13 years. Michael is past President and Board Member for See Chicago Dance, Chicago’s dance service organization, a current Trustee of the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, and Chicago Tribune’s “2022 Chicagoan of the Year in Dance.”