Dance: Ballet
Program Description
A 50-year tradition of excellence in ballet instruction has gained the School of Dance's Ballet program a national reputation. Students benefit from the school's small size, only 90 students, and an award-winning faculty. The school recently moved into the Donald W. Reynolds Performing Arts Center, a facility made possible by $14.7 million in donations. The state-of-the art building houses dance studios, a body conditioning studio, student warm-up areas, a media and study center, dance archives and conference rooms.
The School of Dance fosters a professional environment devoted to performance, teaching, choreography, art and education for dance students. Courses give students the theoretical, historical and theatrical perspectives of ballet that they need to succeed IN A professional dance company or theater. This strong foundation in classical ballet, coupled with OU's outstanding liberal arts tradition, produces dancers who are poised for professional success.
While in the program, students audition for the school's classical ballet company, the Oklahoma Festival Ballet, which provides a multitude of performance opportunities at the local, national and international level. Performing in the company's annual productions gives students a competitive edge and the ability to work on their technical and expressive abilities in a real-world atmosphere.
In addition to the university's admissions requirements, prospective Ballet students must audition for the School of Dance as part of the application process. Students who are interested in joining the OU Ballet program should check the school's Web site for the annual audition schedule and more information about admissions.
Degree Options
A Ballet student graduates with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance degree with an emphasis in performance or pedagogy. The School of Dance also offers a Master of Fine Arts in Dance degree with an emphasis in performance, pedagogy or choreography.
Interests & Skills
Ballet students typically have strong interests in dance, performance, theater, choreography and art. High school preparation must include ballet training at least five days per week.
Notable Achievements
Dance magazine ranks OU’s School of Dance among the TOP 3 in the nation! The School of Dance’s two companies have gained world-renowned reputations for their performances. Oklahoma Festival Ballet and Contemporary Dance Oklahoma are among the few college-based dance companies to participate in international tours to Japan, Mexico, Ecuador, Paraguay, Taiwan, China and France. The companies have been chosen for the National American College Dance Festivals Gala Performance at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. They have also received awards at the American College Dance Festivals and favorable reviews in Dance Magazine, Saturday Review, The New York Times and the foreign press.
Your Future
Types of Employers
Dance Theatre of Harlem
Nevada Dance Theatre
Georgia Ballet
Boston Ballet
Professional Dance companies
Dance schools
Colleges and universities
such as Boston University
Recent Graduates Jobs
Ballet Teacher, Alaska
Dance Theater
Marketing Specialist, Texas
Ballet Theatre
Company Member, Ballet Austin,
Oklahoma City Ballet,
Nevada Dance Theatre,
Idaho Ballet
Public Relations,
Oklahoma City Ballet
Graduate Fellow
Experienced Alumni Jobs
Company Director,
Western Arkansas Ballet
Academy Director,
Ballet Nouveau Colorado
Outreach Services Director,
Arts Council Of OKC
Dancer, Karole Armitage
Dance Company
Director And Executive Director,
Springfield Ballet
Faculty Member, Bowling Green
University and Brenau
University
How much will I make?
Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website to explore the median pay for jobs you can pursue with this degree.
Contact Us
School of Dance
Phone: (405) 325-4051
Email: elizabeth.nunley@ou.edu
Website: ou.edu/finearts/dance
