The Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment is dedicated to preparing dancers to work as performers, teachers, choreographers and arts/entertainment managers.
Students selected through the audition process enter as dance majors. They take a foundation curriculum of dance technique, arts management and production, teaching dance, choreography, dance history, music fundamentals and general education courses in the first two years. Students are placed in one of the three dance major degree tracks (Dance Performance, Dance Teacher or Dance Management) for their junior and senior years. Placement in the degree for which students are best matched is based on the students’ interests and faculty evaluation of their skills, knowledge and accomplishments.
Oklahoma City University offers 10 levels of instruction in each technique of tap, jazz and ballet. Each semester students rotate through four to five teachers in each technique to expose students to multiple styles of instruction and choreography. By constantly being exposed to multiple professors each semester, students learn to adapt their personal style and technique preparing them to be comfortable in any audition situation.
The dance performance degree is focused on developing employable dancers for the entertainment industry. The program focuses on tap, jazz, theatre dance and ballet as used in musical theatre and commercial dance. Dancers develop technical and professional skills necessary to have life-long careers in show business. Oklahoma City University offers 10 levels of instruction in each technique of tap, jazz and ballet. Every semester students rotate through four to five teachers in each technique to expose students to multiple styles of instruction and choreography. By constantly being exposed to multiple professors each semester, students learn to adapt their personal style and technique preparing them to be comfortable in any audition situation. In addition to superior dance training, dance performance majors receive vocal and acting training to unleash their triple-threat performing capabilities. Equally important as technical development, the professional development of students is central to the philosophy of the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment. Students will learn how to take responsibility of their career path through career preparation courses and co-curricular activities. In addition to dance technique classes and a strong liberal arts foundation, dance performance majors take courses in:
Choreography
study the creative elements of constructing movement with attention to style, casting, music, audience and cultural influences
Dance History
understand the history of dance to help shape the future
Musicals
educating dancers about the value and job opportunities in Broadway musicals
Anatomy & Physiology
learn how the body is constructed to ensure proper alignment and movement
Dance Health
learn proper nutrition and care for a dancer’s body
Pedagogy (tap, jazz, and ballet)
understand the art of teaching and the principles of technique for all ages
Contract Law for Performers
learn how to comprehend contractual agreements
Management for Performers
learn about unions, agents and other performer associations to prepare yourself for a career in show business
Career Preparation
research audition throughout the country, audition preparation, development of professional portfolio
Extensive performance opportunities are available through the Star Dancers, Spirit of Grace Liturgical Dancers, the Oklahoma City University Pep Dancers, the Student Choreography Show and the Oklahoma Opera & Musical Theatre Company.
This degree is designed for first time undergraduate students. Students who have already completed a Bachelor degree are not eligible to apply for the Dance Performance degree.
