Oakland University Dance Chair Greg Patterson to retire after 34 years of transformative impact

After more than three decades of shaping students, performances and the broader arts community, Oakland University's Department of Dance will bid farewell to Associate Professor and Chair Greg Patterson as he retires following 34 years of service.

A celebration honoring Patterson's remarkable career will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, in Varner Recital Hall.

Since joining Oakland University in 1991, Patterson has built a legacy as an educator, choreographer and leader whose influence extends well beyond campus. Over the years, he has taught a wide range of courses including jazz, modern, Pilates, musical theater, dance history and dance production, while also choreographing numerous musicals for the Theatre Department. His commitment to student growth and artistic excellence has helped shape generations of dancers and performers.

Patterson's contributions were recently recognized with a lifetime achievement award from Eisenhower Dance Detroit during its 35th anniversary gala, "Vision 30/35: Innovating Arts for a New Era," held in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. The recognition marked a fitting milestone in a career defined by sustained excellence and impact.

With a Master of Fine Arts in dance performance from the University of Michigan, Patterson's career spans more than 40 years of performing, teaching and choreographing on an international stage. He has performed with companies including Harbinger Dance Company, Ann Arbor Dance Works, Rigmarole Dance Company and Eisenhower Dance Ensemble, and appeared as a guest artist with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company and the Doug Elkins Dance Company in New York.

In addition to his performance career, Patterson served as founder and artistic director of the Patterson Rhythm Pace Dance Company for 13 years and is a certified Pilates instructor. His choreography has been performed by universities, professional companies and arts organizations across the country, including Western Michigan University, Bowling Green State University, Hope College, Morgan State University and Alma College, as well as Michigan Opera Theatre and Chicago's Bal-Chi Dance Company.

Patterson's work has also reached international audiences. He has taught, choreographed and performed in Greece as part of Oakland University's Classical Greek Theatre Summer Study Program, and traveled with students to Berlin through the department's Study Abroad program. His signature piece, "Who's the Boss," has enjoyed a lasting legacy, including performances in Russia with the Pushkin Ballet and continued inclusion in Eisenhower Dance Detroit's repertory.

Among his many honors, Patterson received the Maggie Allesee Choreography Award and was selected for the Leo Choreography Competition at the Jazz Dance World Congress. In 2012, he was named a Travis Professor, recognizing outstanding achievement in teaching, research and professional service. The award supported his company's New York debut at the Citibank Ailey Theatre.

He currently serves as Immediate Past President of the Michigan Dance Council and sits on the Board of Directors for Eisenhower Dance Detroit, continuing to influence the future of dance both regionally and nationally.

For Patterson, the continued performance of his work stands as a testament to its lasting resonance. His piece, "Who's the Boss," choreographed more than 20 years ago, remains part of Eisenhower Dance Detroit's repertory and continues to be performed for new audiences.

As Oakland University prepares to celebrate his retirement, Patterson leaves behind a legacy defined by artistic innovation, dedicated mentorship and a lasting impact on the world of dance.