Encore Dance Company has welcomed new artistic director Eileen Springsteen, of Dowagiac.

Springsteen began dancing when she was 3 years old, taking lessons at MKSOD, also located in Dowagiac. By fourth grade, she joined the Encore Dance Company and spent the next eight years dancing. After moving away for a period of time, Springsteen said she realized how much she wanted to get back into dance and became an instructor before being named director.

“It’s my passion,” Springsteen said of dance. “Amy (Rose, former director) approached me and a few others before her maternity leave, and I was happy to do it.”

Springsteen said in addition to running the day-to-day operations, she maps out the company’s season. From planning performances and competitions to choreography, costumes and music, she said she has jumped in headfirst.

“I want to give the girls opportunities to perform and be a part of the community,” Springsteen said.

Springsteen said she has competition pieces underway.

“That’s a focus this year for us, as we haven’t done as many in the past,” Springsteen said.

Other projects on the horizon include smaller performances during the holidays, including the Christmas parade through downtown Dowagiac, and the annual spring show.

“The biggest part is getting acquainted with the girls and their dance abilities,” Springsteen said. “It’s a whole new job, and I’m learning a lot very fast, but they’re great girls to work with and that makes it easy … it makes it worthwhile.”

The company has also planned a slew of fundraisers. Beginning 1 p.m. Saturday, a costume sale will take place in time for Halloween at the Encore School of the Arts in the gym. Dancers will also begin their braided bread sale, which will run through Oct. 20. The company also mans a bake sale booth during the Oct. 13 Under the Harvest Moon Festival.

“These are our main sources of revenue, and it helps introduce our company into the community,” Springsteen said.

Currently, auditions for the company are closed. Encore School of the Arts studio has open enrollment through October. For more information, contact the studio at (269) 783-0881.