EDe Staff
Enid Smith
Artistic Director
Enid Smith is a graduate of the contemporary dance program at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Enid first began working with EDE as a guest choreographer in 2010 and worked extensively with both EDE and ede2 until taking a leadership role with the company in 2023. In New York City she worked with Ivy Baldwin Dance, The Merce Cunningham Repertory Understudy Group, Anita Cheng Dance, and MAC Cosmetics. Since moving to the Chicago area she has performed with Khecari, Same Planet Performance Project, Lucky Plush Productions, Chicago Fringe Opera, North Shore Choral Society, and has presented her own work under the name enidsmithdance. Enid has had the pleasure of working with students at Dance Center Evanston, The Rooted Space, Dovetail Studios, Arlington Dance Academy, University of Kansas, Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, New Trier High School, and Wisconsin Dance Masters.
Olivia Lemmenes
ede2 Artistic Director
Olivia Lemmenes is a Chicago-based choreographer, dancer, and educator. She trained at Dance Center Evanston for 15 years before earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Western Michigan University. She currently serves on the faculty at Dance Center Evanston, where she teaches a diverse range of dance styles to students of all ages and levels. Olivia was a member of the first two seasons of ede2 and later performed with the Evanston Dance Ensemble (EDE) for four seasons.
Throughout her career, Olivia has taught and choreographed for pre-professional and professional dancers across Illinois and Michigan. Her teaching experience includes serving on the faculty at Ann Arbor Dance Classics and the Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet, in addition to her current role at Dance Center Evanston. Her work has been performed and presented throughout multiple cities including Chicago, San Francisco, Ann Arbor, and St. Louis.
Olivia served as ede2's Assistant Director for three seasons before being named Artistic Director. She is honored to continue her long-standing relationship with the organization and is excited to lead the next generation of artists as they grow in their artistry, confidence, and passion for dance.
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Photo by Ren Freeman
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Matthew Kessler-McMunn
Company Manager
Matthew has been actively involved in the Chicago Dance scene since 2009; dancing with a number of dance companies and independent choreographers, including The Seldoms, Peter Carpenter, Winifred Haun, and The Humans. His experience includes producing dance and performance as a choreographer, workshop facilitator, production manager, event entertainment producer, and instructor. Matthew initially plugged into Evanston in his role as Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator at The Recyclery Collective, which is a non-profit educational bike shop in Rogers Park.
Macala Bartucci
EDE Director's Assistant
Macala Bartucci is a dedicated, passionate, and ever-evolving dance artist. Originating from the Chicagoland area, Macala began her early dance training at the Dance and Music Academy under the direction of Krissie Odegard Geye and Carrie Patterson, and most recently, graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance. Continuing her professional endeavors, Macala has had the privilege to work on multiple projects with gracegallagherdance, a collective that aims to make dance accessible, unite communities, and empower emerging artists. Macala is so excited to work with Evanston Dance Ensemble and to connect with the next generation!
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Photo by KT Miller Photography
Béa Rashid
Founder
Béa Rashid graduated from Northwestern University majoring in theater with a concentration in dance. She has choreographed for numerous professional companies, including the Goodman, Steppenwolf, Chicago Opera Theatre, and Light Opera Works. In 1994, Béa opened Dance Center Evanston, and in 1997 started the Ensemble. Béa has collaborated with composer and husband, Steve Rashid, on numerous projects, including The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and “Leonardo” from Body of Work. Béa and Steve recently opened Studio5, Evanston’s newest performing arts venue. Béa is the recipient of the 1999 Evanston Mayor’s Award for the Arts, and the 2017 Nonprofit/Public Service Person of the Year Award from the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. Béa is the Co-Chairman of the Midwest Committee of the Cecchetti Council of America and holds the highest level Diploma certificate.
