By Shakeva Oliver
Nov. 11, 2015
Eisenhower Dance will shake Young Auditorium’s stage on Nov. 11, with their high-energy show, “Motown in Motion.”
Artistic Director Laurie Eisenhower established Eisenhower Dance in Detroit in 1991. Since then, the once small company has expanded and now tours internationally to perform various works from different choreographers, including Eisenhower herself.
Eisenhower took over the directorship of another dance company during her time as a professor of dance at Oakland University, but the company faced financial turmoil and she and the members decided it would be better to start from scratch. Thus, Eisenhower Dance was created.
“As the years went on, our goals expanded and the company grew,” Eisenhower said.
“Motown in Motion” is currently in its 15th year, and will continue to run as long as audiences remain interested in the show.
“Motown in Motion” includes 12 different dance pieces throughout the show, each one to a different song. The first half of the show is devoted to Eisenhower repertoire, showcasing three different pieces by three choreographers. The second half dives right in to the heart of Detroit with “Motown in Motion” and “Shotgun” as the opening numbers.
Associate Marketing Specialist Stacy Sherman works on a team of seven people bringing shows to the Young Auditorium stage. She is responsible for collateral material, such as social media, design, lighting and public relations.
“We are expecting to see an enlightened twist on what you think you may already know or perceive,” Sherman said. Some of the music includes songs by Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye.
Before Eisenhower was artistic director, she earned two degrees in dance from Arizona State University and danced professionally in New York and California. She moved to Michigan 30 years ago.
Eisenhower Dance is now in its 25th year of continued success. The company performs its own repertoire, but also has a collaborative mission. Several of the company’s works are collaborative efforts. For example, “The Lightshow” is a piece where four choreographers were paid with four lighting designers. Each team came up with their own individual piece and “The Lightshow” was created. An excerpt from the show, “Lightplay,” can be seen in “Motown in Motion.”
Sherman said she enjoys performances like “Motown in Motion” that are less traditional and more modern.
“It’s a blend of visual art and performance,” Sherman said. “It’s breathtaking.”
The box offices and the help desk in the UC can check Hawk Cards for voucher availability.
“Most students don’t know there’s an extra voucher on their Hawk Card and it’s not limited to WOTA [World of The Arts] performances,” Sherman said. “They can see any Young Auditorium show for free up until they graduate.”
Eisenhower Dance is very excited to be coming to Wisconsin. The company has been interested in touring to Whitewater for a while and they are excited they are finally able to bring the production here.
The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Student tickets without a voucher are $16.25. Young Auditorium always welcomes volunteer help from students and the community. If anyone wanted to help usher people to their seats, for example, they would be able to see the show for free. It is also possible to get volunteer hours from ushering a show.
Eisenhower said she is always looking to keep things fresh in the show.
“As a Detroit-based dance company, we wanted to create a production that celebrated the history and culture of Detroit. Motown music was an obvious choice,” Eisenhower said. “There’s so much Motown music that we can keep adding dances to and refreshing it.”
For more information about Eisenhower Dance, visit eisenhowerdance.org. To stay up to date on what’s happening at Young Auditorium, like their Facebook page.
