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Ballet Performance

Ballet Performance

What is Ballet Performance?

A 50-year tradition of excellence in ballet instruction has gained the School of Dance's ballet program a national reputation. The school is located in 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 website for the annual audition schedule and more information about admissions: dance.ou.edu.

Dance magazine consistently 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. 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.

Ballet performance on stage

How do I apply to major in Ballet Performance at OU?

Admission to the University of Oklahoma is required as well as a separate application to the School of Dance accompanied by an audition. For more information about auditioning for OU's Dance program, please visit School of Dance website.

So, what's my degree?

A ballet performance major graduates with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance degree. The School of Dance also offers a Master of Fine Arts in dance degree with an emphasis in performance, pedagogy, or choreography.

Do my interests fit?

Ballet students typically have interests in:

  • Dance
  • Performance
  • Theater
  • Choreography
  • Art

High school preparation must include ballet training at least five days per week.

What courses will I take?

Ballet performance courses include:

  • Ballet Technique III
  • Ballet Technique IV 
  • OU Ballet Company
  • Stage Makeup for the Dancer
  • Pointe Class
  • Rehearsal and Production
  • Ballet Choreography
  • Music for Dancers

Wait, I can have a minor?

How can I study abroad?

  • 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.
  • While performing in other countries, dance majors will also take technique classes with local companies or dance programs.
  • There are also lots of opportunities to participate in one of OU’s summer study abroad programs to earn general education course credit.

What kind of career could I pursue?

  • Professional Dance companies
  • Dance schools
  • Colleges and universities

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

Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts The University of Oklahoma

School of Dance
Phone: (405) 325-4051
Email: dance@ou.edu
Website: dance.ou.edu