Edna Idelle Stevens
Dance Instructor/Choreographer/Performer
Besides being the founder of Universal Dance Destiny (UDD), Edna is also
the artistic director and instructs various classes at UDD. These classes
include all levels of Hip Hop including Reggae Dancehall (for kids, teens, and women), Summer Dance Camp Latin (for teens), West African dance (intergenerational), and basic-intermediate Ballroom. Edna also
conducts private lessons and wedding preparations with her colleague, Mr.Brutus for UDD. Edna's love of dance inspired her to study various dance
genres in order to connect to people of diverse cultures. Her unique
African and Hip Hop choreography and performances have captivated
audiences nationally. While blending native Liberian roots and funky New York flavor, with a twist of everything in between, drawing audiences to the edge of their seats is what her pieces are known for. Edna's strong passion for the youth
compelled her to start the Enfinity Dance Team, consisting of professional
dancers ranging in age from eight to nineteen. Edna promotes having
individual style in class and believes creativity is limitless. When she's
not performing, she conducts workshops and residencies at various schools
and organizations, alone or with her dance ensemble. Edna enjoys
collaborating with other choreographers, musicians, visual and spoken word
artist in order to bring vibrant dance works to life. Edna most recent
production, African Roads-American Streets was one of the top selling
shows winning the "Encore" slot at the Southern Theater during the
2006 Minnesota Fringe Festival. You can view a complete list of events Edna has participated in by going to the "Events" page of our website.
Mr. Brutus
Mr. Brutus provides private, basic- to advanced-level Ballroom dance instruction. He specializes in preparing betrothed couples for their first wedding dance. Mr. Brutus' lessons include over nine Ballroom dance styles, including Cha-Cha, Rhumba, Salsa/Mambo, Samba, Meringue, Eastern/Single-X Swing, Eastern triple-X Swing, Swing Hustle, Waltz, and Tango. Students appreciate Mr. Brutus' personality and sense of humor, which enhance his abilities as a professional actor and wrestler. In addition, Mr. Brutus narrates most of UDD's shows, including the company's most recent production, African Roads-American Streets, for Minnesota Fringe Festival.
B-boy Herb
Breaking/Popping/Lockong instructor
The Breaking class at UDD has had an array of talented well-known instructors. We are thankful to have had the best of the best including Dancing Dave, Cheville, Joshua Stevens, B-Girl Kimmy, and B-boy Carlos. Now we are delighted to have an amazing dancer, performer, Hip hop choreographer and Breaker, Herb, aka B-boy Herb. Though humble, Herb is super skilled in his craft and trained in other dance genre's such as Modern, Jazz, Ballet, and Lyrical. Herb received his artistic training from Peprich Performing Arts and Education High School in Golden Valley. He is connected and popular amoung the circles of young dancers and choreographers in the Twin Cities. His past credits include being a member of "Epifany Crew", "Complicity Crew" and now part of "Obtuse Crew." Obtuse has performed for various events such as the IV Commingle Fashion Show 2010, B96 Rip the Runway Fashion Show, and for the Rollergirls at the Xcel Center w/ UDD to name a few. The group has also participated in a selection of H.S. talent shows and dance competitions. For Herb, dance has no limits. Check out his teacing skills at UDD.
UDD Company Ensemble
The company Ensemble consist of talented performing artist of all ages. These performers are diverse in their nationality as well as cultural background. They perform for a variety of events as needed.
The Enfinity Dance Team Youth Group
A diverse group of young dancers ranging in ages from eight to nineteen. The Enfinity Dancers are available for group and private performances, fairs, festivals, parades, special corporate events, and more. Traveling to another state or country is also not a problem.
UDD Youth Drummers
The youth drummers accompany the lead drummer hired independently to drum
for the West African dance classes, workshops, and performances. They perform regularly with the company when needed. They are encouraged to participate in many of UDD events in order to have positive activities in safe environments outside of the negativity that most of our youth are faced with today.
UDD Breakers
Instructors/Dance Crew/Performers
There are many breakers from the Twin Cities that perform regularly with Universal Dance Destiny (UDD). You'll find them participating at many battles throughout the Twin Cities. These youth and adult breakers consist of male and female dancers. Their artistic resume list many performances with UDD including "African Roads, American Streets", Stone Arch Festival, B-Girl Be Summit, Hennepin County library performances and many more.
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