In 1992, Ethnic Expressions Dance Company was founded by Mrs. Barbara Hood to allow young people an opportunity to be recognized beyond the dance studio and to act as a catalyst in fostering self-discipline, self-esteem and positive expression.

In 2001, the dance company was taken under the sole proprietorship of Ms. Susan D. Blue . The dance school was appropriately renamed Columbia Dance Academy (CDA) and the performing company was renamed Ethnic Expressions Dance Theatre (EEDT). Currently all dance classes are held on the campus of Benedict College. Columbia Dance Academy provides professional dance training to children from five to twenty one years of age and expresses a desire to participate with the performing arts.

A native of New Jersey, Ms. Susan D. Blue attended the prestigious Garden State School of Ballet where she studied dance for more than thirteen years appearing in a host of ballets, performances and productions. Susan is a Harvard University Ukrainian Research Scholar (four-year scholarship recipient 1991-1995). She is a graduate of Benedict College and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. Ms. Blue is a former member of the college’s Harold Odom Dance Theatre. While attending Benedict College, she studied dance under the instruction of the late Harold Odom and New York director and choreographer Walter Rutledge. As a dancer, Susan has made appearances as a guest performer in Benedict College’s “Soulful Noel” (starring Tramaine Hawkins), and “Epiphany” (starring Eartha Kitt). Walter Rutledge directed both productions. As a choreographer, Susan arranged the Grande Promenade and finale for the royal court at the coronation ceremony for Miss Benedict College (1999/2005); Susan also served as instructor & choreographer for Benedict College’s Marching Band of Distinction (2002-2003). Adding to her credits is her affiliation with the Dr. Juanita Scott Math & Science Summer Enrichment Program (2002-2003), where she provided dance instruction and choreography for the eight-week summer program offered at Benedict College. Susan has also served as instructor and choreographer for the Brookland Baptist Praise Dancer’s of Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia, South Carolina (2002-2003). Brookland Baptist Praise Dancer’s are students of (CDA) and are also members of (EEDT). They have performed many of theatre’s signature pieces at their home church for various church related events and at other churches within the state. Susan was also instrumental in starting the current dance program that is in existence at the Katherine M. Bellfield Booker Washington Heights Cultural Arts Center, where she served as the instructor from June 2005-June 2006. Susan credits all of her achievements to her parents Dr. & Mrs. Daniel W. Blue, Jr., Mrs. Barbara Hood, Dr. & Mrs. David H. Swinton, Dr. Ruby Watts and the entire Benedict College family for all of their continued support throughout the years.

Ethnic Expressions Dance Theatre (EEDT) has a very diverse curriculum designed to develop a versatile dancer and to provide valuable performing experience. The pre-professional level dancer is exposed to the many genres of dance. The following training is offered: Classical Ballet, Modern Dance, Lyrical Dance, Jazz, Pointe, Praise Dance, African Dance, Body Conditioning, Partnering, Improvisation & Dance Composition. All members intensively study all disciplines. Participation with the theatre enriches the students understanding of the human experience across cultures and histories, including the accomplishments of men and women of different ethnic, racial and cultural backgrounds. At the completion of the dance program, students possess a better understanding of dance vocabulary, choreography, technique, body form, body conditioning and overall body movement.

Ethnic Expressions Dance Theatre has performed in “The Wizard of Oz”, Let’s Share in affiliation with Alex English, the annual Benedict College African-American Bazaar, Soulful Noel (starring Tramaine Hawkins), a host of collaborative performances with both the Benedict College Concert Choir under the direction of Dr. Linda Kershaw and the Benedict College Gospel Choir under the direction of Minister Darryl Izzard. The theatre has also appeared in a commercial to assist Carolina Scholarships, Inc. in promoting one of their many annual fundraisers’. The commercial has aired on all local channels in Columbia, South Carolina, CNN, and BET in conjunction with WLTX 19. The theatre has performed for the U.S. Department of Transportation (Federal Highway Administration) for their annual African American Program and also for Camp City Year 2004 (City Year Columbia). (EEDT) was also the first place winner in the Rudolph Canzater Talent Show Competition. The theatre has also received great reviews for “Carol of the Bells”, an original Christmas production written, directed and choreographed by Susan D. Blue. “Carol of the Bells” proudly

features Columbia vocalists, Twila Goodwine & Debra Bailey-Stewart . The theatre has performed with Capital City Chorale for the SC Legislative Black Caucus during their annual Gala, “A Journey Through African-American Music” held at the Koger Center for the Arts. The theatre has also performed with the Hallelujah Singers from Beaufort, South Carolina in “A Capital City Christmas” sponsored in part by the Capital City Chorale Foundation, which was also held at the Koger Center for the Arts. Additional theatre performances include Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. (2004 May Week) & The Girls Scouts, Inc. (Health Fair 2004). (EEDT) was featured as entertainment for Black Expo 2004, which was held at the Colonial Center in Columbia, South Carolina. The theatre was featured as entertainment in “A Capital City Christmas” sponsored in part by the Capital City Chorale Foundation, which was held at Keenan Theatre (December 2004). The theatre appears in various performances throughout Columbia with Karen Alexander in affiliation with the Auntie Karen Foundation. (EEDT) has recently performed with gospel-recording artist Desmond Pringle in conjunction with the Praise & Worship Conference at Bethel A.M.E. under the direction of Reverend & Mrs. Brailsford (March 2005). The theatre was also invited to participate with the Benedict College Concert Choir as they launched the South Carolina Spirituals Symposium Project entitled “Spiritual Rising” in April 2005.

Ethnic Expressions Dance Theatre is an award-winning Dance Company and currently consists of the Academy’s most advanced students. The theatre provides professional dance workshops and entertainment services for church groups, school programs, weddings, receptions, family reunions, corporate functions, Civic and cultural events. For student enrollment or booking information, please contact our studio at (803) 787-5115 or (803) 414-2419.

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