Junior Company
Dancers in 1st through 12th grade are eligible to audition for the junior company. Members of this company
will perform at all shows as well as get the opportunity to compete! These dancers will attend their regularly
scheduled weekly dance classes and attend short rehearsals and ballet class on Saturdays. This company is
designed for dancers that are not interested and/or ready for the full commitment of the senior company.
Senior Company
Dancers in 1st through 12th grade are eligible to audition for the senior company. Members of this company
will perform at all shows as well as get the opportunity to compete! These dancers will attend one required
ballet class a week as well as required weekly jazz and tap technique classes. Saturdays will start with ballet
class with rehearsals lasting through the afternoon. This company is designed for the serious dancer ready to
make a commitment to teamwork and personal growth as a dancer.
Company Director
Eileen Springsteen is the artistic director of the Encore Dance Company.
Larry Seurynck, Chair
Larry Fox, Vice-Chair
Joyce Miller, Secretary
Kathleen Seurynck, Trustee
Jody Fox, Trustee
Deb Bulmon, Trustee
Amy Rose, Artistic Director, Encore School of the Arts
Eileen Springsteen, Artistic Director, Encore Dance Company
Kathleen Kiesselbach, Director of Operations
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The Board of Trustees has the following responsibilities:
-Determine Encore’s mission and purpose
-Ratification of executive committee actions
-Ensure adequate resources
-Manage resources effectively
-Enhance Encore’s public image
-Active participation on an Encore committee
-Recruit and orient new board members and assess board performance
Committees
Christmas Show, Donor Drive, Dogwood/Spring Show, Rod-N-Roll,
Regional/National Competition, Nursing Homes, Pageants, Dowagiac Funfest,
Soup Supper, Costumes, School Performances, Fundraising General Fund,
Fundraising, Publicity, Parent Fund
Mission Statement
To develop inner-discipline and integrity in youth through the performing arts.
Vision
To be the leading performing arts provider for youth in Southwestern Michigan.
Competitions
The Company attends both regional and national competitions. It is a healthy way for the dancers to
measure their own hard work. Dancers are exposed to a variety of dance companies from all over the United
States. Dancers can see where they are, and how far they need to go. Also, dancers are able to attend
workshops where they study with the nations top teachers and some times celebrities!
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
The company performs a Christmas show bi-annually. In the spring, Encore puts on its annual Spring Show.
Other performance opportunities include; Dowagiac Funfest, Relay For Life, local parades, Miss Dowagiac
Pageant, Rod-N-Roll, Berrien County Fair, Cass County Fair and the Venetian Festival.
COMMUNITY SERVICE:
It’s important to involve our youth with the community to make them better citizens tomorrow. Encore
performs for nursing homes during the holidays in surrounding communities. They also visit the residents during
the winter holidays as well as Valentine’s Day. Dancers decorate the resident’s doors and listen to stories of
yesteryear. The company also hosts soup suppers to benefit human service organizations.
LIFE SKILLS
Being a member of the Encore Dance Company is a serious two year commitment. Dancers dedicate
themselves to a regular and strict rehearsal schedule. They learn responsibility, the real meaning of
commitment, teamwork, how to present themselves in a professional setting, managing a schedule, and most
of all, how to have fun doing what they love! All of these skills will benefit them in life whether they pursue
careers in dance or otherwise. Encore alum can be found working across the US as lawyers, news anchors,
studio owners, performers, dieticians, and teachers. Encore has a 100% high school graduation rate and most
continue their education at four-year universities!
FINANCIAL OBLIGATION
Encore is a non-profit organization, and every dollar paid toward classes and events goes right back into the Encore Dance Company and the Encore School of the Arts. Fundraisers, special events, tuition and fees keep the doors open, the lights on, the parking lot plowed, and the building warm. Thank you for your support!
