About Us
Universal Dance Destiny (UDD) is Minnesota's premier dance studio. We are home to the "Enfinity Dancers" youth group, the "UDD Company Ensemble", and the "UDD Female Revolution" dancers. We are also honored to have some of the best youth "breakers" and "krumpers" in the Twin Cities practice at our location. We offer instruction, choreography, performances, workshops, residencies, and theatrical exhibits in a wide variety of today's dance styles, including:
· Hip Hop
· Breaking
· Popping
· Private Ballroom Lessons
· Reggae/Dancehall
· African (traditional and social)
· And more!
Universal Dance Destiny company members teaches, performs for, and inspires youth and adults in schools, community education centers, theaters, businesses and churches throughout Minnesota.
If you would like to audition to become a member of one of the company's ensembles/groups under UDD (see full list on "Bios" page), click here.
Mission
UDD's mission is to connect all communities and keep the universe movin' through the history, meaning, and movement of dance. We believe demonstrating the value of various dance forms fosters respect for different cultural groups. We strive to inspire individuals - especially youth - to discover their inner talent, confidence and style.
Edna Idelle Stevens
Artistic Director/Professional Dancer/Choreographer
Founder of Universal Dance Destiny
Born and raised in Liberia, Africa, Edna Stevens has loved dance since she was a child. African dance, used to celebrate, honor, glorify, uplift and express feelings, played a major role in Edna's heritage and culture.
Edna was crowned winner of her school's annual Liberian Pageant shortly before relocating to the United States in 1981 during her early childhood. It was apparent that her energy, talent, and charisma blew the audience away. At that moment, Edna knew dance was her destiny.
Before moving from New York to the Twin Cities in 2002, Edna expanded her African dance knowledge to Hip Hop, Reggae/Dancehall, Jazz, and Tap. Then she studied basic to intermediate Ballroom dance such as: Rhumba, Salsa/Mambo, Meringue, eastern single and triple x Swing, Cha-cha, Waltz, and Tango at "Let's Dance Studios" in Roseville MN. That is where Edna met Mr. Brutus, the intermediate-advance level Ballroom dance instructor for UDD.
Edna now runs her own dance company offering classes in Hip Hop/ Reggae Dancehall, Breaking, traditional and social African dances, and private lessons. Our classes and group rehearsals are held at Hennepin Center for the Arts; 528 Hennepin Ave., Studio 1 (1st floor)
Minneapolis, MN 55403. For details including instructors and age specifications, please see the Lessons page.
Edna has taught and performed oversees as well. Some of her past dance credits and achievements include:
· Dancer for MTV
· Live performance on BET
· Appeared in over 10 music videos for such well-known artists as Faith Evans, Donnell Jones,
Wu-Tan Clan, The Fugees, Lil'Kim, Michael Jackson and more
· Oversees dancing in a group representing the United States for "The World Culture Expo 1998"
in Korea
· Dancer in a TV series in Japan
· Opening performance with former dance group for "The Reggae Tamika Awards,"
held in New York
· Independently contracted as a dance instructor/choreographer/teaching artist/performer
for schools, theaters, business corporations, and more
· Enfinity Dancers founder and choreographer
In January of 2007, Edna was interviewed and featured in a documentary tittled "A People Torn", about Liberians living in Minnesota. To view, log on to www.startribune.com/liberia and click on the link "Music's sustaining rhythms".
During the school year, Edna instructs youths at various schools and other locations throughout the Twin Cities. Edna has taught dance classes, after school programs, workshops, and residencies at over 200 facilitities in Minnesota. She has instructed dance at performing arts schools, as well as others with dance programs such as: Peprich Center for Arts Education, Buffalo High School, Fair Elementary, Whittier Elementary, St. Paul Performing Arts High School, and the "We Win Institute" at Jordan Park to name a few. Her high energy dance choreography and teaching technique is on high demand throughout Minnesota. See our "Lessons" page for course information to take classes at UDD.
Edna enjoys working with and being a positive role model for youth. Recently she has been offered the opportunity to perform her production, "African Roads, American Streets," on tour at universities throughout the Midwest. Along with selected cast members, Edna is excited to move the company into a new artistic direction nationally and worldwide. To learn more about "African Roads, American Streets," or considering booking us to come to your town, click on the link on our home page and also read our technical rider.
UDD Performance Company Ensemble
The ensemble is a mix of professional performers ranging in all ages,
cultural backgrounds and genders. Some are independently hired to work
with UDD to do performances, workshops, and residencies. The diverse team of performers have a true love for performing and teaching their skills. They strive to promote the arts and cultural diversity.
Read about our instructors and other company members!
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