Edna Idelle Stevens
Instructor and Choreographer;
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
Ballroom Dance Instructor;
Mr. Brutus provides private, basic- to advanced-level Ballroom dance
instruction. He specializes in preparing betrothed couples for their first
wedding dance. Mr. Brutus list 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 enhances his
abilities as a professional actor and wrestler. In addition, Mr. Brutus
narrates most of UDD's shows including the company's most recent
productions, "African Roads-American Streets" and "The Spiritual Battle".
Fatawu Sayibu
West African Dance Instructor/Choreographer/Performer;
Fatawu Sayibu is from the Northern Region of Ghana and comes from a drumming family. He is a performer, a teacher, and a choreographer. His traditional dances and use of the talking drum tell the stories of his culture, country, and people.
Fatawu performs at various cultural and community events, teaching individuals or groups of any skill level in both studios and schools in the metropolitan area. His students will learn that West African music and dance brings joy, creates peace, love and unity!
Fatowu also performs regularly with Universal Dance Destiny and teaches the West African dance classes at the studio. His artistic resume with UDD list many performances and workshops including; "African Roads, American Streets" (UM Riverfalls WI.), Fair Oaks Elementary Diversity Event, 2008 World Refugee day, Hennepin County "Djembe' to Krumpin'" workshops and many more. His style, energy, and smile is an added addition to his amazing talent.
For direct bookings, contact: fatawusayibu@hotmail.com.
Joshua Stevens
Youth Instructor and Choreographer;
Joshua Stevens, the son of Executive and Artistic director, Edna Stevens, has been an original member of the Enfinity Dance Team and
UDD's performing ensemble since the beginning. Taught extensively in various styles of dance, he has grown to become a professional performer and youth instructor. Joshua specialty is in New School Hip Hop with a niche for Popping. His artistic resume list many performances including Stone Arch Festival, B-Girl Be Summit, Flint Hills Festival, Juneteenth, Rondo Day Parade, Best Buy, Allianz Life Insurance, Choreographer's Evening, African-Roads-American Streets (2006 Fringe Festival), The Spiritual Battle (2007 Fringe Festival) and many more. He has performed at numerous theaters such as Ordway, Southern, Fitzgerald, Bryant Lake Bowl, Walker, and the magnificent Guthrie. Joshua is trained in traditional West African dance and drumming. He continues to build and broaden his dance knowledge taking classes in Modern, Ballet, and Jazz at the performing arts school he attends in St.Paul. Joshua is available to teach and choreograph for youth groups and organizations upon request to info@universaldancedestiny.com.
Optimistic Crew Breakers
Instructors; Dance Crew; Performers
The Optimistic Crew has been Breaking with Universal Dance Destiny (UDD) for three years. They've gone by the name Boogie Brats as well. You can find them at many battles throughout the Twin Cities. Members in the crew has taken top place in various competitions such as most recently "Breakin' the Habbit 2008". The crew performs with UDD on a regular basis. Consisting of all male members, they range in ages thirteen to nineteen. Their artistic resume list many performances with UDD including "African Roads, American Streets", Stone Arch Festval, B-Girl Be Summit, Hennepin County library performances and many more. Four memebers of the crew just recently performed with UDD for the WNBA Minnesota Lynx basketball team for approximately 6,000 onlookers.
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 and corporate events, and more. Traveling to another state or country is also not a problem.
UDD Female Revolution
This all-female dance group consists of some of the most talented members
of the Enfinity Dance Team and the UDD Performance Company Ensemble. These
female dancers range from young to older. They are required to be able to
have unique style quality, lots of strength in order to do stunts, splits,
acrobatic moves, as well as energy and true mastery of Hip Hop dance. This
is one of the toughest groups to get in. All dancers have to be selected
from an extensive audition process otherwise being hand-picked by the
Artistic Director, Edna Stevens.
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.
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