Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/498400
Hair by CHristine bellamare/mizu To The Max Meredith hodges steps up as the newest— and youngest—executive director of the Boston Ballet. by jill radsken PhotograPhy by jj Miller Meredith "Max" Hodges is a fast climber. Bounding up the stairs at Boston Ballet headquarters, the organization's new executive director leaves less-conditioned mortals in her wake. "A lot is catalyzed in this building on these wonderful stairs," Hodges says. "The dancers are running up and down in their toe shoes, and I'm running up and down in my heels." Those five f lights of stairs could easily serve as a metaphor for Hodges's drive. In her young career, she has ascended to her current position with a sense of focus and determination that marries two distinct passions: quantitative analysis and the arts. "My parents were both public school teachers, and we went to New York City frequently," recalls Hodges, who grew up on Long Island. "The Museum of Modern Art was my favorite." Her commitment to a career in the arts began in earnest while attending Harvard. As a junior, she ran CityStep, an extracurricular program at the university that brings dance to public elementary schools in Cambridge. Photographed on the stage of the Boston Opera House, Meredith Hodges has a knack for numbers, and it's keeping the Boston Ballet pirouetting. Shell, Tory Burch ($195). Copley Place, 617-867-9140; toryburch.com. Pants, Max Mara ($595). 69 Newbury St., 617-267-9775; maxmara.com. Cuff and pumps, Hodges's own continued on page 58 bostoncommon-magazine.com 57 PEOPLE View from the Top