Eisenhower Dance Company puts 'Motown in Motion'

On Sunday, the Eisenhower Dance Ensemble reminisces and honors the razzle-dazzle of Motown music with its “Motown in Motion” concert at the Wharton Center. Clad in polyester, bell-bottoms and spandex, the group presents choreographed routines to 15 of Motown’s best-known tunes. 

Founded in 1991 by Laurie Eisenhower, the ensemble celebrates its 22nd season of dancing this year. 

How does the sound of Motown fit in with a contemporary dance company?

“The Motown music is made for dancing,” Eisenhower explained to Detroit’s Examiner website. “I believe the Motown rhythm is what made the music so popular. My intention wasn´t to duplicate the original dances that were performed to the music, but to elevate the dancing to a new level.” 

First staged in 2000, “Motown in Motion” also includes music from Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Martha Reeves, Smokey Robinson and Gladys Knight and the Pips. 

‘Motown in Motion’

1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 20

Wharton Center

$8 general admission
(800) WHARTON

www.whartoncenter.com