Edna Stevens is a choreographer, performer, and teaching artist who has taken her craft locally, nationally, and internationally. She has performed and offered instructional dance presentations in Korea, Japan, and Nigeria, and led Gospel devotions in Senegal. She taught at three secondary schools in Nigeria and two in The Gambia. Edna got her start in New York as a dancer on MTV’s The Grind and appeared in numerous music videos for well-known artists. Soon after, she booked one of her most significant opportunities, dancing in the World Culture Expo in Gyeongju, Korea, representing the United States. As one of twenty-five cast members flown in from New York City, she performed as the lead African dancer in a six-month production. This life-impacting experience, and her connection with artists from around the world, later inspired Edna to found her own dance company—Universal Dance Destiny (UDD), based in Minneapolis. As Founder and Artistic Director, she has led the company to become a pioneer in the nonprofit arts arena.
More about Edna
She instructs classes, workshops, and residencies throughout the year, specializing in traditional African dance with live drumming, Afrobeat dance to popular modern upbeat African music, other contemporary African styles, and Hip Hop. Her work is rooted in cultural authenticity while pushing artistic boundaries that celebrate multiculturalism and foster unity, connection and solidarity. Under Edna’s direction, UDD has presented at the Flint Hills Festival, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Intermedia Arts’ B-Girl Be, the Walker Art Center’s Choreographers’ Evening, and I-FEST (formerly the Festival of Nations), among others. Her original production African Roads, American Streets premiered at the Southern Theater to critical acclaim in 2006, leading to her company’s selection for Best of the Fringe at the Guthrie Theater—an honor that affirmed her voice as both a cultural storyteller and innovative choreographer. She also has taught Congolese dance to the cast for “Ruined” at the Mixed Blood Theater in Minneapolis- a 2009 Pulitzer Prize winning play that has been performed in various cities such as Chicago and on Broadway in New York.
Selected from over 400 applicants, Edna was one of thirty-seven artists awarded a grant from the Minnesota Regional Arts Council in 2016. This opportunity led her to study in the Benin Kingdom of Nigeria with the esteemed African dance theater troupe Inneh International. Immersed in traditional movements at their source, Edna was invited to perform with the company in major cultural events, including the Coronation Ceremony of the king of Edo. She returned to the United States with a renewed artistic vision, translating her global experiences into powerful, community-centered work. Through performances, residencies, and choreographic showcases—including a featured presentation at Bryant Lake Bowl—Edna continues to create work that bridges continents, honors heritage, and invites audiences into a shared, transformative experience through dance.
Residencies
Connection of West African Dance to Modern American Hip Hop
In this dynamic and culturally rich presentation, students explore the deep-rooted connections between traditional West African dance and modern-day Hip Hop in America. Through authentic movement, live or recorded drumming, and traditional songs, students experience the historical and cultural foundations that have shaped today’s urban dance styles. This program brings history to life through rhythm, storytelling, and movement, culminating in a final performance where students proudly present what they’ve learned in traditional attire for family and community members.
Duration: up to 20 sessions, 45 min-1 hour; Residencies will culminate in a final student performance where staff, peers, and the community can attend.
Optional: Live drumming and African raffia costume-making can be included for an additional cost, depending on program resources, to further enrich the cultural experience.
Participant Type: Early Learners (Pre-K), Early Elementary (K-3), Upper Elementary (4-6), Middle School (5-8), High School (9-12), Folks with Disabilities, Teens & Young Adults, Adults, 55+ Communities. Customization: Younger students will engage through interactive games and shorter, age-appropriate sessions designed to keep them energized and focused.
Traditional African Dance
Participants deepen their understanding of African culture through vibrant music, movement, and storytelling. This program introduces traditional dances from the Benin and Urhobo tribes of Nigeria, as well as a wide range of cultural traditions from Liberia. Students engage in an immersive learning experience that honors heritage while building rhythm, coordination, and cultural awareness. The program culminates in a final performance, where students proudly present what they’ve learned in traditional attire for family and community members. Optional African raffia costume-making can be included based on program resources, further enriching the cultural experience.
Duration: up to 20 sessions, 45 min-1 hour; Residencies will culminate in a final student performance where staff, peers, and the community can attend.
Optional: Live drumming and African raffia costume-making can be included for an additional cost, depending on program resources, to further enrich the cultural experience.
Participant Type: Early Learners (Pre-K), Early Elementary (K-3), Upper Elementary (4-6), Middle School (5-8), High School (9-12), Folks with Disabilities, Teens & Young Adults, Adults, 55+ Communities. Customization: Younger students will engage through interactive games and shorter, age-appropriate sessions designed to keep them energized and focused.
Workshops
Introduction to West African Dance & Modern American Hip Hop
In this dynamic and culturally rich presentation, students explore the deep-rooted connections between traditional West African dance and modern-day Hip Hop in America. Through authentic movement, live or recorded drumming, and traditional songs, students experience the historical and cultural foundations that have shaped today’s urban dance styles. This program brings history to life through rhythm, storytelling, and movement.
Duration: 1–4 sessions, 45 min–1 hour.
Optional: Live drumming can also be added for an additional cost.
Participant Type: Early Learners (Pre-K), Early Elementary (K-3), Upper Elementary (4-6), Middle School (5-8), High School (9-12), Folks with Disabilities, Teens & Young Adults, Adults, 55+ Communities. Customization: Younger students will engage through interactive games and shorter, age-appropriate sessions designed to keep them energized and focused.
Introduction to Traditional African Dance
Participants will be introduced to African culture through vibrant music, movement, and storytelling. This program introduces traditional dances from the Benin and Urhobo tribes of Nigeria, as well as a wide range of cultural traditions from Liberia. Students build skills in rhythm, coordination, and cultural awareness.
Duration: 1–4 sessions, 45 min–1 hour.
Optional: Live drumming can also be added for an additional
Participant Type: Early Learners (Pre-K), Early Elementary (K-3), Upper Elementary (4-6), Middle School (5-8), High School (9-12), Folks with Disabilities, Teens & Young Adults, Adults, 55+ Communities. Customization: Younger students will engage through interactive games and shorter, age-appropriate sessions designed to keep them energized and focused.
Teaching Artist Statement
As a teaching artist, my goal is to connect people across communities through the history, meaning, and movement of dance. I inspire individuals to discover their inner talent, confidence, and personal style, while recognizing that creativity has no limits. Born in Liberia and raised in New York, my work reflects a dynamic fusion of African roots and American influence, creating an experience grounded in culture, expression, and joy.
I am committed to guiding students as they explore their inner selves and develop their unique artistic voice in a supportive, non-competitive environment. My classes are rooted in encouragement, collaboration, and collective growth, where students build technique, strengthen their bodies, and engage movement as both expression and discipline. I intentionally create space for reflection, dialogue, and meaningful feedback, ensuring that every student feels seen, valued, and empowered.
I welcome dancers of all backgrounds and abilities, nurturing each individual’s potential with care and purpose. Through my work, I cultivate both beginners and skilled movers to understand the power of dance as a tool for storytelling, healing, and cultural unity.
“Edna and I first met in 2010 during my senior year of high school, when she joined our performing arts program as a teaching artist for an upcoming production. Even as a student who struggled with rhythm and coordination, I always felt supported by her patience, kindness, and genuine encouragement. Edna’s passion for dance and her heartfelt commitment to uplifting young people have left a lasting impact that is still deeply appreciated today.”
Vinyarie Smith
“Edna embodies a powerful blend of artistry and passion in all that she does. Her commitment to uplifting communities and fostering cultural connection through dance is both evident and inspiring. I highly recommend her performances and initiatives to anyone seeking meaningful, impactful artistry.”
Piyush Chauhan
