EISENHOWER DANCE DETROIT YOUTH ENSEMBLE

Eisenhower Dance Detroit’s Pre-Professional Company for Young Dancers

MISSION STATEMENT

The EDD Youth Ensemble pre-professional program at the School of EDD seeks to provide an enhanced experience for students interested in preparing for a dance career or simply to take their training to the next level. Grounded in the fundamentals of the Eisenhower pedagogy, EDDYE offers expanded opportunities for students to train more rigorously, engage with guest artists, learn from visiting choreographers, and perform more frequently.


ABOUT THE EDD YOUTH ENSEMBLE

The Eisenhower Dance Detroit Youth Ensemble (EDDYE) was founded in 2016 under the direction of EDD Assistant Artistic Director, Molly McMullen, with strong support and guidance from the Eisenhower Dance Detroit professional company and artistic leadership. This season, EDD Artistic Director, Stephanie Pizzo, will lead EDDYE to build a cohesive artistic bridge between the professional company and our youth. The mission of EDDYE is to provide aspiring students with the highest caliber of dance education with a unique training environment in preparation for professional careers in dance and for those who simply want to engage in a high level training experience regardless of career ambitions.  Training under the Eisenhower movement philosophy helps develop these young dancers into sharp, strong technicians and well rounded artists and people. EDDYE proudly boasts alumni who have attended high ranking national dance programs at both the professional and collegiate levels.

EDDYE often shares the stage performing a work of their own within Eisenhower Dance Detroit professional performances. With this opportunity, the pre-professional company gains exposure to some of Detroit’s largest dance audiences on some of the most prominent local stages. EDDYE annually commissions two guest choreographers to set their work on the company.  Past choreographers include Stephanie Pizzo, Laurie Eisenhower, Seyong Kim, Judy Milner, Teresa Mueller, Alex Hlavaty, and Lillie Hamilton.

The company is divided into five level-based companies ranging in ages from 8-18: Training, Junior, Apprentice, 2nd Company, and 1st Company. Each company is led by its own director.  This season, those directors include Tara Charvat, EDDYE Assistant Director; Lindsay Chirio-Humenay, former EDD company dancer; Alex Hlavaty, current EDD senior company member; Nirvan Singh, current EDD company dancer; and Katy Hall, School of EDD senior teaching artist. EDDYE annually produces the classic ballet “The Nutcracker” which originally premiered in December of 2021.  The company also produces its own annual concert, Dance Mosaics.  This season, EDDYE will feature “The Giving Tree” based on the book by Shel Silverstein on the Dance Mosaics program.

Since 2016, EDDYE has received top 12 placements at YAGP Regionals and has been selected to compete in the YAGP NYC finals. The company was accepted into Regional Dance America MidStates in 2018 which gives the dancers an annual opportunity to take master classes, audition for scholarships and college programs and stay connected to pre-professional peers across the country. Through RDA, the company has received several choreographic awards including The National Choreography Recognition award and the Monticello Emerging Choreographer Award and Scholarship. Other performances have included Michigan Youth Arts Festival, Rochester’s Art and Apples festival, and collaborations with the Friendship Circle and Pure Existences’ X2.

EDDYE proudly boasts alumni who have attended high ranking dance programs at both the professional and collegiate levels.

Boston Conservatory
Joffrey Ballet School Year Round Trainee and BFA Programs
Barnard University
NYU Tisch
University of Michigan
Western Michigan University
Hope College
Oakland University
Wayne State University
Webster University
Sarah Lawrence College
Juilliard
Point Park University
Indiana University

Professional Trainee and Job Credits:

Miami City Ballet
Ballet Met
Sarasota Contemporary Dance
Big Muddy Contemporary Dance Company
Chicago Repertory Ballet

EDD YOUTH ENSEMBLE STRUCTURE

The Training Company hosts our youngest EDDYE dancers starting at age 8 or by teacher recommendation. With a focus on developing and nurturing the creative potential in young children, the dancers have the opportunity to perform in three or more main-stage productions throughout the season.

The Junior Company continues the exploration of creative movement and focuses on the development of performance discipline and dance technique. Junior Company dancers have the opportunity to perform in three or more main-stage productions throughout the season.

The Apprentice Company continues to develop the young dancers' performance and technical skills while also stressing ensemble work and a higher level of technical proficiency. Apprentice dancers are the first tier of the pre-professional division of EDDYE and have the opportunity to perform in three or more main-stage productions throughout the season.

The 2nd Company continues the growth and development of the dance performer by expanding choreographic experiences and time spent in the studio. Master classes and guest choreographer residencies are offered to the 2nd Company dancers who perform in several productions throughout the year including the annual Dance Mosaics concert. The 2nd company proudly participates in Regional Dance America annually.

The 1st Company, the highest level EDDYE company, focuses on expanding the dancers’ choreographic experiences with guest artists and the exploration of their own unique movement vocabulary as well. The dancers also have several opportunities to perform throughout the year including the annual Dance Mosaics concert. Master classes and guest choreographer residencies are offered throughout the season. The 1st company proudly participates in Regional Dance America annually.


Rare Opportunity for the EDD Youth Ensemble:  Stephanie Pizzo to Direct the 2024/25 Season!

We are thrilled to announce that Eisenhower Dance Detroit’s Artistic Director, Stephanie Pizzo, will also lead the Youth Ensemble for one season only!  Ms. Pizzo has long wanted to spend a year guiding the School of EDD’s most dedicated students through the Youth Ensemble program in an effort to provide an artistic link between EDDYE and the professional company. We are finally able to make this happen in 2024/25.

As EDD’s Artistic Director for the past 7 years, Ms. Pizzo has served in various artistic capacities for all of the company’s 34 years of existence. Well-known in the dance community for her knowledge and expertise, as well as educational background, she is considered one of the top dance professionals in Michigan. Her leadership and artistic vision have been instrumental in shaping Eisenhower Dance Detroit into a premier dance institution, and we are thrilled she will be sharing her time and talent with our youth ensemble.

This upcoming season promises to be an exceptional opportunity for young dancers to learn and grow under the guidance of such a distinguished artist. Ms. Pizzo’s commitment to excellence and passion for dance education will undoubtedly inspire and elevate our youth ensemble to new heights.

Don’t miss the chance to train with the best. Join us for a season of outstanding dance education, performances, and unforgettable experiences.

FOLLOW THE EDD YOUTH ENSEMBLE ON INSTAGRAM!

@eisenhowerdancedetroityouth


QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EDD YOUTH ENSEMBLE?

Contact EDDYE Artistic Director, Judy Milner, at milner@eisenhowerdance.org