Since retiring in 1995 from a dance career with Les Ballets de Monte Carlo, Boston Ballet, and Les Grands Ballet Canadiens de Montreal, Michael Reed has worked with Arizona State University as the senior director of cultural participation and programming. He curates Gammage Auditorium and Kerr Cultural Center's presenting seasons and directs community-based cultural participation programs. He served as a Center dance panelist from 2010–11 and as a LOI panelist in 2011 and 2013.