Ou Dance

Hello, fellow Oklahomans! Are you an aspiring dancer or simply a lover of the performing arts seeking a world-class institution right here in our great state? Allow us to introduce you to OU Dance, the esteemed School of Dance at the University of Oklahoma, housed within the magnificent Donald W. Reynolds Performing Arts Center in Norman. This is not merely a place for dance lessons; it is a vibrant academic and artistic hub dedicated to cultivating the next generation of professional dancers, choreographers, and dance educators. Since its co-founding by dance luminaries Yvonne Chouteau and Miguel Terekhov, OU Dance has upheld a rich legacy of classical and contemporary excellence.

In this comprehensive article, we will delve into what makes OU Dance at the Reynolds Performing Arts Center a truly exceptional and highly suitable point of interest for local residents throughout the Oklahoma region. We'll cover its central campus location and accessibility, the diverse and rigorous dance programs it offers, the distinctive features and highlights that set it apart, and how you can engage with this prestigious institution. Our aim is to furnish you with all the essential information, illustrating why OU Dance is a cornerstone of artistic development, providing unparalleled training and performance opportunities that enrich the cultural fabric of our local Oklahoma community.

OU Dance is strategically located within the University of Oklahoma campus at the Reynolds Performing Arts Center, specifically at 560 Parrington Oval Room 1000, Norman, OK 73019, USA. This central campus address places the School of Dance within a vibrant academic environment, easily accessible for students, faculty, and the public attending performances. The Donald W. Reynolds Performing Arts Center, which became the new home for the School of Dance in 2005, is a state-of-the-art facility designed to support comprehensive dance education and theatrical productions.

The Reynolds Performing Arts Center is part of the larger University of Oklahoma campus, which is well-integrated into the city of Norman. For visitors and patrons, campus navigation is generally well-supported, with directional signage and online maps readily available. While specific public parking instructions for the Reynolds Performing Arts Center would typically be found on the university's official parking or arts event websites, university campuses are generally equipped with various parking garages and lots, often with designated visitor parking. Given its academic setting, accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a priority, and university facilities typically offer accessible entrances, seating, and restrooms to ensure all patrons can comfortably enjoy performances and utilize the facilities. The central location within Norman and the comprehensive nature of a university campus provide a convenient and well-resourced environment for the School of Dance, enhancing its suitability as a major cultural and educational landmark for our local Oklahoma community.

The University of Oklahoma School of Dance offers rigorous and comprehensive programs primarily at the undergraduate level, designed to train aspiring professional dancers and educators in both classical and contemporary forms. Their curriculum emphasizes technical mastery, artistic expression, and intellectual understanding of dance. Here's a detailed list of their key offerings:

• Undergraduate Degree Programs (B.F.A.):
  • Ballet Performance, B.F.A.: Focuses on the rigorous training required for a professional career in classical ballet, including extensive technique classes, variations, and performance opportunities.
  • Ballet Pedagogy, B.F.A.: Prepares students to become effective ballet educators, combining intensive technical training with studies in teaching methodologies, dance history, and anatomy.
  • Modern Dance Performance, B.F.A.: Emphasizes contemporary dance techniques (influenced by Horton, Graham, Limon, and improvisational techniques), choreography, and performance skills for a career in modern dance.
• Graduate Degree Programs:
  • M.F.A. in Dance: Provides advanced training and research opportunities for dance artists and scholars.
• Minors and Non-Major Courses:
  • Minor in Dance History: Allows students to gain an academic understanding of dance evolution and cultural significance.
  • General Dance Technique Courses (DANC 1212 Ballet Technique I, DANC 1312 Modern Technique I): Offered for non-majors, providing an introduction to dance technique.
  • Dance Appreciation Courses (DANC 1713 Understanding Dance, DANC 1813 Introduction to Non-Western Dance Forms): Academic courses exploring various theatrical and cultural dance styles.
• Performance Opportunities:
  • Oklahoma Festival Ballet: The university's classical ballet company, offering students extensive performance experience in a professional setting. They regularly perform works by renowned choreographers like William Forsythe and Jiří Kylián, alongside new creations.
  • Contemporary Dance Oklahoma: The university's modern dance company, providing students with opportunities to perform contemporary works, including those by Guggenheim Fellowship recipients and emerging choreographers.
  • Young Choreographers' Showcase: An annual production where School of Dance students present original dance works, often in collaboration with lighting design students from the Helmerich School of Drama, fostering creativity and technical production skills.
  • Collaborations with Other OU Programs: Students frequently perform with the OU Opera, Musical Theatre, School of Drama, and School of Music, providing diverse interdisciplinary performance experiences (over 30 opportunities in an average year).
• Specialized Training & Support:
  • Pointe Class (DANC 2241): Dedicated technique and practice for pointe work, building strength and proficiency.
  • Rehearsal and Production (DANC 1911): Hands-on participation in all phases of dance production work and management.
  • Stage Makeup for the Dancer (DANC 1411): Teaches practical skills in applying stage makeup.
  • Music for Dancers (DANC 1913): Enhances dancers' understanding of rhythm, musical forms, and styles from various cultural practices.
  • Body Conditioning Studio: Facilities designed to support dancers' physical health and strength.
• Archives: Houses the Ballets Russes Archive, a significant resource for dance history and research.

OU Dance at the Reynolds Performing Arts Center distinguishes itself as a premier dance institution in Oklahoma and the nation through numerous unique features and compelling highlights. These aspects contribute to its reputation for excellence in dance education and performance.

• Comprehensive Degree Programs: A major highlight is the offering of specialized B.F.A. degrees in Classical Ballet (Performance and Pedagogy) and Modern Dance Performance, along with an M.F.A. and a Dance History minor. This breadth provides serious students with a clear academic and professional pathway in dance.
• Dual Company Structure: The presence of two dedicated student companies – Oklahoma Festival Ballet (classical) and Contemporary Dance Oklahoma (modern) – offers unparalleled performance opportunities. Students, particularly after their freshman year, can participate in both, gaining diverse stage experience across different dance styles.
• Extensive Performance Opportunities: Beyond the main companies, OU Dance provides over 30 performance opportunities annually, including the Young Choreographers' Showcase and significant collaborations with OU's Schools of Opera, Musical Theatre, Drama, and Music. This hands-on experience is crucial for aspiring professionals.
• World-Class Facilities: The Donald W. Reynolds Performing Arts Center, opened in 2005, is a state-of-the-art facility. It features multiple large dance studios, a body conditioning studio, warm-up areas, and administrative offices. It also provides access to the Elsie C. Brackett Theatre (570-seat) and the historic Holmberg Hall (680-seat European-style opera house), offering diverse and technologically advanced performance spaces.
• Renowned Faculty and Alumni Network: The School of Dance boasts a faculty that incorporates various technique methods (ABT, Vaganova, Cecchetti, Balanchine for ballet; Horton, Graham, Limon for modern). Its alumni achieve success in prestigious companies and institutions worldwide, including Ballet West, Houston Ballet, Oklahoma City Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company, and various university dance faculties, showcasing the program's effectiveness in preparing professional dancers. Notable co-founders Yvonne Chouteau and Miguel Terekhov underline its historical significance.
• Focus on Artistic and Scholarly Development: The curriculum extends beyond technique to include courses in dance appreciation, music for dancers, stage makeup, and production work, fostering well-rounded artists with a deeper understanding of the art form's historical and theoretical contexts.
• Small Program Size with Individual Attention: The school strives to maintain a student enrollment of about 80-90 students for both ballet and modern programs combined. This smaller size allows for more individualized attention from faculty, which is crucial for high-level dance training.
• Ballets Russes Archive: Housing a significant Ballets Russes Archive provides students with a unique scholarly resource for research into dance history and performance.
• Guest Artists and Choreographers: The school regularly brings in guest choreographers and artists-in-residence, exposing students to diverse styles and perspectives from the professional dance world.

For those interested in learning more about OU Dance, attending performances, or inquiring about their programs, here is their key contact information:

• Address: Reynolds Performing Arts Center, 560 Parrington Oval Room 1000, Norman, OK 73019, USA
• Box Office Phone for Performance Tickets: (405) 325-4101 (Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or one hour before show time)
• General School of Dance Inquiries: For academic programs, admissions, or general questions, it is recommended to visit the official OU School of Dance website or use the contact information provided there, as direct phone lines for administrative offices are generally detailed on university departmental pages. Email contact for tours is often dance@ou.edu.

For the most current performance schedules, audition dates, and detailed curriculum information, visiting the official OU School of Dance website (dance.ou.edu) is the best resource.

For the residents of Norman, Oklahoma, and indeed for anyone across the wider Oklahoma region with an interest in the performing arts, OU Dance at the Donald W. Reynolds Performing Arts Center stands as an exceptionally suitable and immensely valuable local point of interest. Its profound impact and relevance to our community are multifaceted, making it an indispensable asset.

Firstly, its location within the prestigious University of Oklahoma campus in Norman provides both accessibility and a vibrant academic backdrop. Being centrally located means that locals can easily attend the numerous world-class performances presented by the School of Dance's companies, Oklahoma Festival Ballet and Contemporary Dance Oklahoma. These productions, featuring works by renowned choreographers and student talent, offer a sophisticated cultural experience right here in our backyard, eliminating the need to travel to larger cities for high-caliber dance. The presence of state-of-the-art facilities within the Reynolds Performing Arts Center further enhances the patron experience, with comfortable seating and advanced technical capabilities.

Secondly, for aspiring dancers in Oklahoma, OU Dance offers an unparalleled opportunity for professional training without having to leave the state. With rigorous B.F.A. programs in Classical Ballet and Modern Dance, and even a Ballet Pedagogy track, the school provides a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for careers on stage or as educators. The direct access to a highly qualified faculty, combined with extensive performance opportunities through the university's own dance companies and collaborations with other performing arts schools, creates an immersive and invaluable learning environment. This means that talented young Oklahomans can receive top-tier dance education and training close to home, fostering local talent and contributing to the state's artistic legacy.

Furthermore, the School of Dance contributes significantly to the cultural enrichment of the entire community. Beyond their mainstage productions, initiatives like the Young Choreographers' Showcase highlight emerging artistic voices, and collaborations with OU's various arts programs create a dynamic interdisciplinary environment. Even for those not pursuing a dance degree, the availability of non-major technique classes and dance appreciation courses allows community members to engage with the art form, whether through personal physical activity or intellectual exploration. The presence of the Ballets Russes Archive also provides a unique resource for scholarly and artistic research.

In conclusion, OU Dance at the Reynolds Performing Arts Center is far more than just a university department; it is a beacon of artistic excellence, a training ground for future dance professionals, and a vital cultural contributor to Norman and the entire state of Oklahoma. Its commitment to both rigorous education and accessible performance makes it an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of dance or embark on their own artistic journey right here in our local community.

Ou Dance

Reynolds Performing Arts Center, 560 Parrington Oval Room 1000, Norman, OK 73019, USA