Recently, the Challenge Detroit fellows were graciously invited to a performance from Midwest’s premier contemporary dance company, who fittingly hail from Michigan. The Eisenhower Dance Ensemble put on an amazing performance entitled, Red, Hot and Blue. With themes of love, passion, happiness and even a little circus thrown in there, the show was inspiring, emotional and coming from someone with a chronic case of incoordination- impressive! The performance took place at a true Detroit Gem, the Detroit Opera House, which by the way has 2,700 seats!
It was my first visit to the Detroit Opera House, as well as the first time I experienced a contemporary dance performance. As I sat under the gold adorned sky of the Opera House, I was thankful for the existence of a program called Detroit Passport to the Arts, which was created by Natalie Bruno, another inspiring Detroit Doer! Detroit Passport to the Arts is a program which promotes and introduces the exciting and rich cultural scene of the city to people 45 and under. Every year a Passport can be purchased at an extremely affordable price, which is your ticket to six different performances throughout the year. The mission of Detroit Passport to the Arts is to, “cultivate the next generation of arts and culture enthusiasts in Metro Detroit through increased awareness of and access to the arts community. “ That means that instead of having Metro Detroiters just watching So You Think You Can Dance on television, they are actually coming to Detroit and experiencing dance (and music and theater) performances in person! It’s awesome.
After Red, Hot and Blue, the Challenge Detroit fellows were invited to the after-party coordinated by Detroit Passport to the Arts and hosted by the Detroit Beer Company, which is conveniently located directly across from the Opera House. It was a chance to mingle with each other Passport members, enjoy drinks and eat some tasty appetizers. There was even a raffle which our very own fellow Irene Crile won (she won a mojito-making gift basket, which everyone was pretty excited about). The gathering was so much fun that some of the Eisenhower Dancers even joined.
Art is important. I am a fan, but haven’t figured out how to be the avid patron of the arts I would like to be, which is exactly why Passport to the Arts is so great. If you have ever found yourself feeling like you are missing out on cultural events, then check out Detroit Passport to the Arts. Sign up, get engaged, support the arts, meet new people and enjoy Detroit! What’s not to love?
Contributed by fellow Jackie Smith