Description

Eisenhower Dance Detroit Youth Ensemble was founded in 2016 under the direction of Molly McMullen with strong support and guidance from the Eisenhower Dance Detroit professional company and leadership. This season, former Alvin Ailey dancer Judy Milner assumes the role of EDDYE Artistic Director. The mission of EDDYE is to provide aspiring students the highest caliber of dance education with a unique training environment in preparation for future professional careers in dance. Training under the Eisenhower movement philosophy helps develop these young dancers into sharp, strong technicians as well as well rounded artists and human beings. EDDYE proudly boasts alumni who have attended high ranking 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 as well as on some of the highest acclaimed stages. EDDYE commissions two guest choreographers per season and has performed works by Stephanie Pizzo, Laurie Eisenhower, 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 and the highest level company, 1st company. Led by Artistic Director Judy Milner, and supported by a team of well qualified Directors including Tara Charvat, Lindsay Chirio-Humenay, Alex Hlavaty, Nirvan Singh, and Katy Ploch. EDDYE annually produces the classic ballet “The Nutcracker” which premiered in December of 2021. 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, collaborations with the Friendship Circle and Pure Existences’ X2 among many performances within Eisenhower Dance Detroit’s main stage concerts.