Greg Patterson: A Lifetime of Dance Achievement
Greg Patterson, associate professor and chair of Oakland University’s Dance department, was recently honored with a lifetime achievement award from Eisenhower Dance Detroit (EDD). the award celebrates a remarkable 40+ year career as an international artist encompassing performing, teaching, and choreography.
Patterson has been a dedicated faculty member at OU since 1991, teaching a diverse range of courses and choreographing for the Theater Department. He also founded and directed the Patterson Rhythm Pace Dance Company for 13 years. his professional experience includes performing with renowned companies like the bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company and Eisenhower Dance Ensemble.
Throughout his career,Patterson has choreographed for numerous universities and dance companies,including Western Michigan University and the Michigan Opera Theatre. He’s also fostered international experiences for OU students, leading programs to Greece and Germany. Recognized for his contributions, Patterson received the Maggie Allesee Choreography Award, a Travis professorship supporting his company’s New York debut, and multiple Faculty Fellowships from OU.
Currently serving as president of the Michigan Dance Council and on the Board of Directors for eisenhower Dance Detroit, Patterson expressed deep gratitude for the award and the possibility to share the evening with colleagues and family, notably seeing EDD perform his choreography, “Who’s the Boss,” over 20 years after its creation. OU President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz lauded Patterson’s “incomparable contributions” to the arts.
