Dance: Modern Dance Performance

A strong tradition in dance instruction has gained the School of Dance a national reputation. The school is 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, art, and education for dance students. Courses give students the theoretical, historical, and theatrical perspectives of dance that they need to succeed at a professional company or theater. The school's strong foundation in dance technique, coupled with OU's outstanding liberal arts tradition, produces dancers who are poised for success.

In addition to the university's admissions requirements, prospective modern dance students audition for the School of Dance as part of the application process. Students who are interested in joining OU's Modern Dance 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!

Contemporary Dance Oklahoma is the resident modern dance company of the University of Oklahoma. For more than 20 years, the company has performed in OU's Rupel Jones Theatre and frequently engages in regional, national, and international tours, including a tour of five major cities in Japan, China, and two tours of Paraguay.

Appearances at regional festivals and conferences have led to invitations to perform at American College Dance Festival galas and at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Dancers from Contemporary Dance Oklahoma have gone on to perform with the Alvin Ailey Dance Ensemble, Martha Graham Dance Ensemble, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dance Kaleidoscope, Hubbard Street Dance Company, Pearl Lang Dance Theatre, and Jennifer Muller/The Works.

Internationally known choreographers Earl Mosley, Stuart Hodes, and George White Jr. are among those who have contributed to the company's repertoire.

A modern dance 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.

Modern dance students typically have interests in:

• Dance
• Performance
• Theater
• Music
• Choreography
• Art

High school preparation should include dance training.

• Contemporary Dance Oklahoma frequently engages in regional, national, and international tours, including a tour of five major cities in Japan and two tours of Paraguay. 
• 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.