Eisenhower Dance, which was founded in Detroit in 1991, will perform at the Columbia Theatre on Saturday, Mar. 25.
Courtesy of Eisenhower Dance 

The Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts will be hosting Eisenhower Dance in the upcoming week. The performances will be held on Mar. 25 at 7:30 p.m. Executive Director of the Columbia Theatre Roy Blackwood spoke about a few of his high expectations and thoughts on the group.

“They are one of the five best dance companies in the country,” said Blackwood. “They are a multi-award winning company for their innovative and extraordinary performances. They have received numerous grants and support from foundations such as the Kresge Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts in recognition for what they are doing and have accomplished. It’s also easily accessible for people to come and see. It is easily relatable for men and women alike.”

The Eisenhower Dance Company has been performing for the last 25 years, putting on the works of numerous choreographers from all over the world along with the work of artistic director Laurie Eisenhower. The company was founded by Eisenhower in Detroit in 1991. She has received the prestigious ArtServe Michigan Governor’s Award for Arts and Culture – Michigan Artist. In 2012, Eisenhower was named a Kresge Arts Fellows for her contribution to bringing dance performances to Detroit. In September 1995, Eisenhower Dance opened Eisenhower Dance Center, which is set up as a home point for the company. It is also the place to put on their educational programs for both the pre-professional and recreational dancer. Eisenhower Dance has put on and produced many performances, including their “Motown in Motion,” a tribute to the music of Motown Records, “The Rite of Spring,” which is set to Igor Stravinsky’s score. The Company’s newest performance “The Light Show” puts together four choreographers and four lighting designers for an evening of dance and visuals.

The show that will be put on at the Columbia Theatre is planned, choreographed and performed by a variety of dancers. The designers include different instructors from their school as well as others brought in from around the nation.

Blackwood also spoke about why he chose to bring the Eisenhower Dance to the Columbia Theatre. 

“First off, I always want to keep in line with the mission of the Columbia Theatre, which is to bring high quality art performances to the people of Hammond,” said Blackwood. “I thought that they were especially innovative with what they do. Because of the quality of the show, I definitely expect to see a good turnout, especially since dance is a very popular art here. There are many dance students and instructors that I think will take advantage of this, since acts like this you usually have to go to a major city to see.”

Blackwood also spoke about his high hopes for the show and how he feels that people will greatly enjoy it.

“I definitely think that we’ll see a great turnout for the performances,” said Blackwood. “We always want to keep faithful to our patrons and give them something we really think they’ll want to see. I really think people will enjoy getting to see the several numbers, with dancers sometimes ranging from five to a dozen entering and exiting the stage. The viewers will get to mostly see the larger ensembles, made up of both male and female performers. I think they’ll definitely enjoy the show, not only for the tremendous amount of talent but in the incredible strength and athletic skill that’s required, so I definitely think they’ll be amazed.”