Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment

Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment Introduce

For decades, Oklahoma City has been home to a truly exceptional institution shaping the future of dance and entertainment: the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment at Oklahoma City University (OCU). This isn't just any dance school; it's a nationally recognized program, consistently ranked among the top college dance programs in the nation by prestigious publications like Backstage Magazine and DanceUS.org. Dedicated to preparing students for diverse careers on stage, as teachers, or in the dynamic world of arts and entertainment management, the Ann Lacy School offers a comprehensive and unparalleled dance education right here in our vibrant city.

The Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment is renowned for its rigorous conservatory-style training within the broader context of a university education. This unique approach allows students to hone their technical skills in various dance disciplines while also gaining a strong foundation in arts management, choreography, and pedagogy. Many of its graduates go on to achieve remarkable success, gracing Broadway stages, joining prestigious companies like the Rockettes, and leading dance studios and arts organizations worldwide. The school’s commitment to excellence and its profound impact on the dance industry are a source of immense pride for Oklahoma City.

Beyond its acclaimed degree programs, the Ann Lacy School also extends its expertise to the wider Oklahoma City community through various initiatives, including great classes for kids through its Community Dance Academy. Parents consistently praise the "great classes for kids," highlighting the quality of instruction and the positive impact on young dancers. Whether you're an aspiring professional dancer, a passionate dance educator, or simply a local looking for high-quality dance instruction for your child, the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment stands as a beacon of artistic and educational opportunity in Oklahoma.

The Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment is prominently located at NW 23rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73106, USA. This address places it firmly within the Oklahoma City University campus, specifically within the Edith Kinney Gaylord Center, a world-class facility designed to support dance and arts management education. The location on NW 23rd Street ensures excellent accessibility from various parts of Oklahoma City and the surrounding metro area.

Being part of the Oklahoma City University campus, the Ann Lacy School benefits from the university's robust infrastructure. For students and visitors, this means ample and convenient parking facilities are typically available on campus, simplifying commutes for those driving. The Edith Kinney Gaylord Center itself is a state-of-the-art building, providing spacious studios, performance spaces, and administrative offices conducive to a high-level dance education.

The strategic placement in the heart of Oklahoma City allows the school to be an integral part of the local arts scene, facilitating collaborations and providing students with real-world performance opportunities within the community. Public transportation options in Oklahoma City may also serve the university area, making it potentially accessible for those who prefer not to drive. The combination of a central location, excellent facilities, and strong university support makes the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment a convenient and desirable destination for dance education in Oklahoma.

The Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment offers a comprehensive range of academic and community-focused services, catering to various aspirations within the dance and entertainment industry:

Undergraduate Degree Programs:
- Bachelor of Performing Arts (B.P.A.) in Dance Performance: Trains dancers for careers on stage, focusing on technique, performance, and artistic expression.
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in American Dance Pedagogy: Prepares students to become dance teachers, with extensive instruction in choreography and pedagogy for all ages and levels.
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Dance Management: Focuses on the business side of dance and entertainment, preparing students for roles in arts management, production, and studio operations.
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Entertainment Business: A broader program within the school for those interested in the wider entertainment industry.
Foundation Curriculum: For the first two years, all dance majors undertake a foundational curriculum that includes dance technique (tap, jazz, theatre dance, ballet), arts management and production, teaching dance, choreography, dance history, and music fundamentals.
Community Dance Academy: Offers dance classes for students of all ages (from young children to adults) from the greater Oklahoma City area, serving as a "learning laboratory" for the university's dance majors to gain teaching experience. Classes often include ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop.
High School Workshops: Specialized workshops (e.g., "High School Dance Workshop," "Dance with the Stars" events) are offered to high school students, providing an intensive experience in various dance techniques and an insight into the OCU dance program.
Summer Intensives: Programs like the "OCU Dance - Summer Intensive" provide immersive training for dancers looking to elevate their skills during the summer months.
Performance Opportunities: Students are regularly involved in numerous public performances (over 30 annually), including university productions, "Holiday Spectacular," and "senior productions."
Audition Preparation: The school offers specific audition dates and workshops to help prospective students prepare for the selective admission process.
Alumni Network: An extensive and highly successful alumni network provides connections and opportunities for graduates in various facets of the entertainment industry.

The Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment boasts numerous features and highlights that firmly establish its reputation as a premier institution:

Nationally Ranked Program: Consistently recognized as a top college dance program by leading industry publications, demonstrating its high academic and artistic standards.
Industry-Recognized Faculty: Instructors are experienced professionals who impart real-world knowledge and prepare students for the demands of the entertainment industry.
Exceptional Alumni Success: The school has a remarkable track record of graduates achieving success on Broadway (over 100 musicals featuring alumni), in prestigious companies (over 60 OCU dancers becoming Rockettes), and as teachers and managers globally. Notable alumni include Gabrielle Ruiz (actress) and Rich Yoder (Broadway performer), among many others.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Offers unique degree tracks that cater to performers, teachers, and managers, providing a holistic education that encompasses both artistic and business aspects of dance.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Located in the Edith Kinney Gaylord Center, featuring world-class studios, including the largest dedicated dance studio in the nation (Chickasaw Nation Studio at over 4,500 sq ft), all equipped with sprung flooring, advanced sound systems, and natural light.
Extensive Performance Opportunities: Students participate in a high volume of annual performances, gaining invaluable stage experience. The "Holiday Spectacular" has even been ranked "Best Dance Production" by Broadway World.
Emphasis on Professional Development: Beyond technical training, the school instills core values like respect, reliability, responsibility, ethics, and commitment, which are highly valued by employers.
Community Engagement through Community Dance Academy: Serves as a vital link to the Oklahoma City community, offering high-quality dance classes for children and adults while providing teaching experience for university students.
Scholarship Opportunities: Automatic merit-based academic scholarships and performance scholarships (based on audition results) are available to support aspiring dancers.

For more information about the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment, including degree programs, audition schedules, or community classes, please use the following contact details:

Address: NW 23rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73106, USA

Phone: (405) 208-5000

Mobile Phone: +1 405-208-5000

We encourage prospective students and parents of younger dancers to visit the official Oklahoma City University website for the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment. There, you'll find detailed information on academic programs, curriculum specifics, audition requirements, faculty profiles, and schedules for community classes and workshops. Reaching out directly by phone can also provide personalized guidance and answers to specific inquiries.

For residents of Oklahoma, the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment at Oklahoma City University stands as an unparalleled local resource for dance education and appreciation. It is exceptionally suitable for locals for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it offers world-class dance training right here in Oklahoma City, eliminating the need for aspiring dancers to leave the state to pursue a top-tier education. Children and teens can access "great classes" through the Community Dance Academy, providing them with professional instruction and a nurturing environment to discover a love for dance.

Secondly, for high school students with serious dance aspirations, the proximity of this nationally ranked university program means they can attend local workshops and summer intensives, gaining invaluable experience and insight into a potential collegiate and professional path without extensive travel. This local access to such a highly regarded institution is a significant advantage for families across Oklahoma.

Finally, beyond academic pursuits, the Ann Lacy School consistently contributes to the cultural vibrancy of Oklahoma City through its numerous student performances and community outreach efforts. Locals have the opportunity to witness future Broadway stars and professional dancers honing their craft right in their own backyard. By supporting the Ann Lacy School, Oklahomans are investing in the artistic talent, cultural enrichment, and educational excellence that continually elevates our community.