Eisenhower Dance Ensemble to perform at St. Olaf

The Eisenhower Dance Ensemble (EDE) will present an array of fresh new dances Friday, Feb. 20, at 7:30 p.m. in the Wagner Bundgaard Studio in Dittmann Center at St. Olaf College. The performance is free and open to the public.

“I’m excited about this program and I think the audience will love it," says Artistic Director Laurie Eisenhower. "The dancers look terrific in the choreography." Featured on the performance will be excerpts from Tom’s Songs, a heartfelt tribute by Eisenhower featuring the music of Bob Dylan, Van Morrison and Bonnie Raitt. Excerpts from the work were  performed recently by the company at Chicago’s Athenaeum Theatre to rave reviews.

At St. Olaf Eisenhower also will present a work that she set on the company this past October.

EDE Associate Artistic Director Stephanie Pizzo also will present Unconditional, a piece set to the folk/blues music of Susan Tedeschi. The piece contemplates a variety of human relationships that explore the idea of giving oneself unconditionally in hopes of receiving that same love in return. The work touches on the idea of family, and how the different relationships in our lives influence who we are.

The program will also include a work by Quebecoise choreographer Helen Simoneau, titled Ces Petits Riens (These Little Nothings). Described by Eisenhower as “a somewhat tongue-in-cheek dance,” the work incorporates folding chairs and includes fun and quirky choreography.

Two other contributions by Eisenhower are Night Music, a humorous dance for six dancers and couch, and Is this the Part, which is performed to cello music. “What’s interesting about this music is that the cello is plucked, giving the music a very percussive sound,” says Eisenhower. “I was inspired to create a work that is intense and driving.” 

Since its founding in 1991, Eisenhower Dance Ensemble has achieved the distinction of being Michigan’s premiere professional dance ensemble. The Company maintains an active touring schedule which has taken it as far as St. Petersburg, Russia, as well as throughout the United States.