History & Vision
The University of Oklahoma School of Dance is considered one of the leading programs in the nation for training in ballet and modern dance techniques.
Classes include beginning to advanced levels in ballet and modern dance technique, pointe, men’s class, composition, Pilates body conditioning, pantomime, ballet and modern dance repertoire, pas de deux, teaching methods, improvisation, choreography and a complete series of courses in dance history. We provide live accompaniment for all technique classes.
Our students come from across the United States and around the world. They enjoy a wide spectrum of performance experiences, including fall and spring productions in our home theatres. Additional performance opportunities come from regional and international tours, operas, musicals and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Mission
At the University of Oklahoma School of Dance, our mission is threefold:
Provide students of classical ballet and modern dance with a thorough experiential base of artistic and academic programs designed to prepare them for careers as performing artists, choreographers and teachers.
Provide high-quality dance performances to stimulate interest and appreciation for dance as a performing art locally, regionally and internationally.
Be a positive force in the cultural climate of Oklahoma and the region by interacting with and supporting all art forms.
History
In 1961, Ballet Russe De Monte Carlo principals Miguel Terekhov and Yvonne Chouteau were invited to “teach a few classes" at the University of Oklahoma. Response to these classes was overwhelming, and Terekhov was subsequently invited to develop the Department of Dance. In 1976, Kozaburo Yukihiro joined the department and worked with Terekhov to develop the curricula for a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Modern Dance.
The program quickly rose to national prominence and cemented a reputation for the strong performance capabilities and professionalism of its graduates. In recognition of its growth in national stature and rankings, the Department of Dance was elevated to the School of Dance in 1998 under the direction of Mary Margaret Holt.
From its inception, the school has been performance-oriented and now boasts two active performing companies. Oklahoma Festival Ballet has a repertoire of over 50 ballets, and Contemporary Dance Oklahoma performs a variety of original works. Both companies perform works from the national repertoire.
Our former students have established professional careers in dance with:
In addition to performance opportunities, the program has prepared graduates for careers in professional schools and colleges, choreography, management and arts administration.
The New York Times, POINTE magazine, Dance Teacher and Dance Magazine have given enthusiastic reviews to our performances and programs. The American College Dance Festival honored our companies. Over five decades after its establishment, the University of Oklahoma School of Dance continues to grow and thrive by offering its students the very best in educational and performance opportunities.