Eisenhower Dance Detroit at the Maggie Allesee Studios for Dance and Arts Innovation

An exciting specialized technique class for dancers in technique levels 4, 5 and 6. Dancers will work on more advanced turns, jumps, leaps and pirouettes across the floor and in the center

A unique class for dancers that focuses on improving technique and performance by strengthening the body's core (abdominals and back). Additional benefits include improved balance, alignment and optimizing flexibility.

Acrobatics teaches flexibility, balance, strength, muscle control, discipline, and concentration. This class will focus on fundamental acrobatic technique. Students will learn such things as handstands, chin stands, elbow stands, cartwheels, back bends, walkovers, and athletic tricks. Acro is not the typical tumbling or gymnastics class. This class is great for students looking to enhance their agility, flexibility, and strength.

Focusing on a variety of rhythmic sounds created with tap shoes, students will begin to develop a basic vocabulary of tap steps that will increase in complexity and style as the student progresses through each level. Students will develop rhythmic skills and intricate footwork while gaining knowledge of musical theatre and tap styles from the 1940’s through current trends of today in a fun and high-energy environment.

Students are introduced to the basic movement vocabulary and style of hip-hop performed with music from the genre. Stylistically diverse in nature, this movement vocabulary will explore body isolations, “pop and lock” and “break” dance in a fun and high-energy environment. As levels progress, movement combinations will focus on rhythmic accuracy and develop into current hip-hop styles of today. Music choices are pre-screened by faculty.

A dance genre spanning a variety of stylistic traditions from Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers to Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon to Tyce Diorio and Mandy Moore, jazz technique class usually pairs with popular music. The student will work through a jazz dance movement vocabulary syllabus influenced by the fundamentals of the Eisenhower Dance Method. Training focuses on proper alignment, body isolations, and complex rhythms. Alignment, flexibility, and strength are of paramount importance. Exposure to various techniques of well-known jazz choreographers and musical theatre are incorporated in the progression of classes in a fun and high-energy environment.

A derivative of several disciplines of classical modern dance, a contemporary dance class incorporates the basic fundamentals of modern dance technique with more current movement vocabulary. Students are introduced to a basic modern dance syllabus, informed by the Eisenhower Dance Method, to enhance their understanding of and proficiency in executing fluid use of the torso, grounded movement, floor work, and improvisation. Alignment, flexibility, and strength are of paramount importance as well as developing an understanding of connecting movement to various musical meters. Class length and number of classes taken per week increase as the student progresses through the levels.

Students are introduced to a ballet syllabus informed by the Eisenhower Dance Method that develops technical skills, performance quality, and movement vocabulary at each of the six levels. Proper alignment, flexibility, and strength are of paramount importance. Students will acquire knowledge of classical ballet technique through the progression of barre and center exercises. Training time increases in both class length and number of classes taken per week as students progress through the levels. Students in Level 3 or higher must take TWO ballet classes per week (one being on Monday) to participate in the year-end Spring Showcase.

Partnered with pre-ballet to enhance the development of coordination through rhythm and basic tap steps. Young students will enjoy making music with their feet in a fun and interactive way.

Elements of creative movement are expanded upon with the continued development of body awareness, coordination, balance, and weight shift. Exercises will begin to focus on posture, leg extension and stretching through the foot and toes. Locomotor skills continue to be expanded through creative exploration of space, shape, energy and rhythm. Students develop a movement vocabulary of ballet terminology including body positions and arm movements while continuing to incorporate elements from creative movement. The energy of the class is kept lively and fun through the use of games, imagination, and creative stories all in a nurturing environment.

A fun-filled movement class designed to introduce the student to dance through a series of structured improvisational activities. Learning focuses on developing creativity, musicality, gross motor skills, and the four basic elements of dance/choreography (direction, level, speed, and shape). Games, songs, movement exercises, and imaginative stories introduce the young dancer to the building blocks of dance. These movement explorations increase body awareness, coordination and balance. Young students are encouraged to develop locomotor skills such as jumping, leaping, skipping, hopping and galloping in a creative, fun, and nurturing environment.

An interactive class designed specifically for children not yet ready to be in the classroom alone. The exploration of movement and basic coordination, including gross motor skills, is paired with fun, upbeat music and a variety of structured-play activities while dancing alongside a parent or caregiver.

The company's Winter Intensive offers dancers ages 10 & up a unique training opportunity. Take class from EDD Artistic Staff, including Artistic Director Stephanie Pizzo and/or Assistant Artistic Director Andrew Cribbett, along with EDD company dancers. Sessions include: EDD's anatomically-based ballet and contemporary technique classes, Lunchtime lectures and discussions, Mentorship, Opportunities to learn EDD repertory and experience a variety of supplemental movement techniques.

Company class will be open to the public (9:00am-10:00am) during this residency only. Learn the aesthetics, movement philosophies and intricacies of this established company, celebrating 34 years!

Guided Improv with Maxine Doyle. Company class will be open to the public (9:00am-10:00am) during this residency only. Learn the aesthetics, movement philosophies and intricacies of this established company, celebrating 34 years!

Contemporary with Andrew Cribbett. Learn the aesthetics, movement philosophies and intricacies of this established company, celebrating 34 years!

Ballet with Stephanie Pizzo. Learn the aesthetics, movement philosophies and intricacies of this established company, celebrating 34 years!

Company class will be open to the public (9:00am-10:00am) during this residency only. Learn the aesthetics, movement philosophies and intricacies of this established company, celebrating 34 years!

Contemporary with Alex Hlavaty. Learn the aesthetics, movement philosophies and intricacies of this established company, celebrating 34 years!

Contemporary with Christa Smutek. Learn the aesthetics, movement philosophies and intricacies of this established company, celebrating 34 years!

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.

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.

The company's Winter Intensive offers dancers ages 10 & up a unique training opportunity. Take class from EDD Artistic Staff, including Artistic Director Stephanie Pizzo and/or Assistant Artistic Director Andrew Cribbett, along with EDD company dancers. Sessions include: EDD's anatomically-based ballet and contemporary technique classes, Lunchtime lectures and discussions, Mentorship, Opportunities to learn EDD repertory and experience a variety of supplemental movement techniques.

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.