BEYOND
Eisenhower Dance Detroit presents
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026 | 7:30PM
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026 | 7:30PM
Detroit Institute of Arts
5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
*Ticket assignments indicate a specific seating section within the theatre, rather than an individually assigned seat number (which the DIA Film Theatre does NOT have). This means your ticket guarantees placement within the listed section, and seating within that section will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
BEYOND dares to imagine what lies ahead. Showcasing bold premieres from Maxine Doyle and Yoshito Sakuraba, as well as the return of Artistic Director, Stephanie Pizzo's "Taking Back," this forward-looking performance charts a path toward the future of dance — untethered, expansive, and rich with possibility.
WHAT’S ON THE PROGRAM?
I AM NOT MYSELF
World Premiere
Choreographer: Maxine Doyle
Premiere Date: 2026
I Am Not Myself is inspired by the lyrics of a song entitled Hi Ren, by UK Artist, Ren. It’s a wonderfully poetic song which is structured around a verbose, rhythmical battle between Ren and his demonic alter ego. The resulting dance work is an exposition of the multiple, complex shadows and voices that sit within us - our beautiful, dancing demons.
ONGAESHI: THE DEBT OF FEATHERS
World Premiere
Choreographer: Yoshito Sakuraba
Premiere Date: 2026
Inspired by the poignant Japanese folktale The Grateful Crane, this abstract contemporary work explores the fragile threads between memory, sacrifice, and loss. Through minimalist staging, hand-crafted black-and-white animation, and emotionally charged movement, the piece centers on a man left behind—caught in quiet cycles of laughter, grief, and longing. Dancers inhabit states of transformation, weaving a visual poem suspended between reality and surrealism, the past and the ever-fleeting present. At its heart, Ongaeshi: The Debt of Feathers is not a retelling, but a meditation on love’s quiet cost and the irreversible passage of fate.
TAKING BACK
Choreographer: Stephanie Pizzo
Premiere Date: 2011
Taking Back challenges the willpower within a person to recover the aspects of life once lost. In the face of losing who you are, you push back against the forces of defeat to regain perspective of your individuality.
2026 INTENSIVES
Our 2026 summer intensives have been announced! Audition information and more can be found by tapping HERE.
NewDANCEfest Pre-Pro:
July 5-18, 2026
Ages 18+
Maggie Allesee Studios for Dance & Arts Innovation in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Geared towards pre-professional dancers, collegiate dance students, and recent college graduates, this vibrant two-week immersive festival presented by Eisenhower Dance Detroit brings together dancers, emerging choreographers and distinguished guest artists in a dynamic and community-driven training environment. Participants will deepen their technical and performance artistry while engaging in the choreographic process as either or both performers and/or dance makers.
NewDANCEfest:
July 19-August 1, 2026
Ages 10-14 (Youth)
Ages 15-18 (Advanced)
Maggie Allesee Studios for Dance & Arts Innovation in Bloomfield Hills, MI
A two-week intensive program designed for the passionate young dancer eager to strengthen their technical foundation and experience the excitement of festival style training in a supportive and community focused environment.
U.P.rootEDD:
August 1-8, 2026
Ages 13-20
Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts in Houghton, MI
Immerse yourself in a transformative sensory experience for your physical body and nervous system in this all encompassing retreat-style dance intensive taking place in breathtaking Houghton, Michigan on the campus of Michigan Technological University. This program focuses on building a supportive community and meaningful relationships while following a program outline with daily focus topics engrained into each class, rehearsal and activity for the day, including daily journaling prompts and group discussions. Past activities have included: an underground mining tour, hikes, beach bonfires, restorative and energizing yoga practices, zip lining, and much more.
EISENHOWER DANCE DETROIT: A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
When you become a supporter of Eisenhower Dance Detroit, you play a critical role in our success. Your gift helps us to:
Provide world-class contemporary dance performances in metro Detroit
Showcase the work of renowned and emerging choreographers
Provide outstanding educational opportunities
Support our artists with a living wage
Provide immersive and engaging dance experiences to our community
Invest in collaboration with other arts organizations to create diverse, multi-disciplinary art
Represent Detroit and southeast Michigan while on tour to as a region that celebrates professional Contemporary Dance.