Kirven Douthit-Boyd is leading the recently renamed Saint Louis Dance Theatre (formerly Big Muddy Dance Company) into a new era with the company’s 2024–2025 season, “(RE)Imagine,” featuring an impressive lineup of new and significant works. It’s an inspiring time for the prolific artist, who previously held positions with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and COCA—though the work is far from over. “The amount of work that it takes to sustain a healthy nonprofit business can be very challenging,” he says. “Making sure you’re dedicating enough time to support both the artistic and financial needs is crucial.”
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has been your or your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months? We recently launched a rebrand of our organization and will be moving forward with a new name. We have worked diligently to arrive at this moment, and I am thrilled to be moving into the future as Saint Louis Dance Theatre!
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? We are in a very exciting time with siginifcant artistic and operational goals at the forefront. We are building our infrastructure to help support our growth, and have an exciting lineup of creatives who will mount new and exciting works on our dancers.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? Art is ever evolving, so the approach to cultivating support is always shifting. If I could change one thing I would ensure that the arts remain a staple of our education system so that there is always value in the experience and enough care to sustain funding.
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome (excluding the pandemic) and why? The amount of work that it takes to sustain a healthy non-profit business can be complexed and very challenging. Making sure you’re dedicating enough time to support both the artistic and financial needs is crucial.
Keep up with local business news and trends
Subscribe to the St. Louis Business newsletter to get the latest insights sent to your inbox every morning.
MENTORS & PEERS
To whom or where do you go for sound business advice? I have a network of colleagues in the field and a wonderful family that I lean on when I need advice.
Do you have a business mentor? If so, who and why? I can’t say that I have one specific business mentor. I’m blessed to know so many brilliant artists and business professionals that are so generous with their time and dedicated to helping me grow.
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career? My former boss once said, “You must always surround yourself with people that you can learn from.”
If you could have dinner with any two area business leaders, who would you choose and why? Lisa Melandri, executive director of CAM. She is such an incredible person and pushing boundaries with her work. Dr. Robert Harvey, president of FoodCorps. Robert is brilliant! He is a multifaceted leader and advocate for the arts.
Who is the most interesting under-the-radar/emerging business leader in St. Louis and why? Tre G is an amazing artist and a dear friend of mine. His business werQfest is an arts and culture festival highlighting the the black LGBTQIA+ community. It is inspiring to witness the growth of his organization.
What is one thing you would change about the St. Louis metro area business environment and why? I wish that there was more collaboration across businesses. I imagine that leading to a lot of innovation.
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? Boston, Massachusetts
What was your childhood aspiration? I have wanted to be an artist.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? I began my career in Ailey II, the junior company of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? MFA Hollins University Roanoke, Virginia
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
If you were not in your current profession, what would you be doing and why? I enjoy reading, so I think if I weren’t in my current profession, I would try to be a writer.
What is your favorite St. Louis-area restaurant, and what do you typically order there? St. Louis has really good barbecue! Sugarfire is one of my favorite spots. The ribs and smoked turkey are delicious.
What is one item you recently crossed off your bucket list? Becoming a homeowner was a huge moment in my life.
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why? The Leader Who Had No Title by Robin Sharma. I think it can help change perspective about what it means to be a leader.
What’s your hobby/passion? Reading is a passion of mine. I’m currently learning about the life of famous jazz musician Billy Strayhorn.
What is your most prized possession? My family
What would people be surprised to learn about you—a fun fact? I have a fear of flying. I’m blessed to have had so many experiences around the world, but I have yet to get over my anxiety about flying.
What is your go-to karaoke song? Kiss by Prince
###
