GET TO KNOW US!

Watch the video below to learn more about the mission of the School of Eisenhower Dance Detroit.

OUR MISSION

The School of Eisenhower Dance Detroit…

…seeks to provide the highest quality dance education for students of all ages and ability levels through a personalized approach aligned with the student’s individual goals. At the School of EDD, we seek to create an inclusive community where students gain an understanding and appreciation for the art of dance, develop a skill set to participate in creating that art, support one another in the process, and grow self-confidence and life skills to go forth into the world as well-rounded people and good citizens.

VIEW OUR WELCOME PACKET HERE

School of EDD Welcome Packet

ABOUT THE SCHOOL

According to our mission statement: “the School of Eisenhower Dance Detroit seeks to provide the highest quality dance education for students of all ages and ability levels through a personalized approach aligned with the student’s individual goals. At the School of EDD, we seek to create an inclusive community where students gain an understanding and appreciation for the art of dance, develop a skill set to participate in creating that art, support one another in the process, and grow self-confidence and life skills to go forth into the world as well-rounded people and good citizens.”

Thanks to a major gift from the late Maggie Allesee, Eisenhower Dance Detroit, Michigan’s premier professional contemporary dance company, opened a new, state-of-the-art 11,800sq foot facility for the operations of the company and our school in November, 2022. Marking its 29th year of operation, the School of EDD sets an unsurpassed standard for outstanding dance education. What sets the School of EDD apart from other dance training centers is the fact that the professional company is intricately involved in working with the students. EDD dancers direct student companies, teach classes, mentor, and choreograph on the students in solo and ensemble works. Our students learn directly from professional dancers currently working in the field!

Additional teaching artists round out the faculty at the School of EDD. These artists are carefully selected for their ability to not only teach dance technique but also to nurture and support our students on their journey as artists and individuals learning and growing into their unique identities. Our students become a part of a supportive, inclusive community within the School. EDD Artistic Director, Stephanie Pizzo, has worked within the organization for all of its 34 years of existence beginning as a company dancer herself, serving as Assistant Artistic Director, and then moving into the role of Artistic Director 8 years ago when founder, Laurie Eisenhower retired. Pizzo has spent considerable time in collaboration with the EDD dancers, School directors, and teaching artists to develop a curriculum at the School designed to build strong, well-rounded dancers in a safe and healthy way.

ABOUT THE DIRECTORS

Meghann Hazelton

Meghann Hazelton began dancing at the age of 5, and teaching at age 17. She was born and raised in Shelby Township, Michigan and grew up training with Lynda and Dennis Lambert. Meghann is a graduate of Oakland University with a Bachelor's of Arts in Dance. She has danced with Oakland Dance Theatre, OU Repertory Dance Company, and was a guest dancer with Eisenhower Dance Detroit during their 20th Anniversary Season. Meghann has performed in works by Laurie Eisenhower, Stephanie Pizzo, Thayer Jonutz, and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. In 2010, she was honored with the Distinguished Dance Student "Matilda" award. Meghann has taken classes in choreography, creative dance for children, dance pedagogy and kinesiology. She studied the Cecchetti Method of ballet and successfully passed student examinations 1-6. Meghann became one of the Co-Directors at the School of Eisenhower Dance Detroit in 2018 after being on the teaching staff since 2008. Meghann looks forward to sharing her love and passion for dance with the next generation of dancers.

Amanda Rea-Burnett

Amanda Rea-Burnett began her dance training at the age of 5 at Encore Dance Academy under the direction of Jennifer Rickard. She was a 13 year competition member where she was in many group and solo routines. During her years of competing, Amanda won numerous awards and was crowned Teen Miss Superstar, receiving the highest score of the competition. Through her years of dance, Amanda has had training by many well known choreographers, such as, Gus Giordano, Frank Hatchett, Mia Michaels, Abby Lee Miller, Dee and Tina Caspary and worked under Dennis Caspary for many years. Amanda was apart of CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts) at her high school for 4 years. She was in numerous Musicals and Dance Concerts through CAPA, and she was the Choreographer for Les Miserable, A Chorus Line and many Dance productions. Amanda was a 5 year company member of the Allure Dance Company in St. Claire Shores. Amanda started her teaching career in 2003, and was a Guest Choreographer in Nashville, Tennessee from 2004-2006. Her Choreography has won numerous overall awards and Best Choreography. Amanda started at Eisenhower Dance Detroit in 2011 and can't wait for many more years to come. Amanda is honored to share the knowledge, passion and her love for Dance with the next generations to come.