Dance, B.F.A.

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Admission to the dance degree programs

Admission to the dance degree programs at Oakland University (OU) is a two-tiered process. The first step in the process for all students is the entrance audition. These auditions are held several times a year and determine whether or not a student will be admitted to OU in any of these degree programs. The second step is the major standing audition, which determines whether students may continue in the program, and which degree program they may pursue.

Entrance auditions

Entrance audition days are held several times each year. The audition schedule and downloadable application are available on the department website. Please submit application to the department office. Students should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in their proposed area of specialization.

Students seeking admission to Oakland University as dance majors must audition for the dance faculty.
Students who audition and do not enroll within two semesters must re-audition.
Students who enroll and leave school for at least two semesters must re-audition.

Requirements for the major in dance, B.F.A.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is intended for students who wish pre-professional and professional preparation in dance. The B.F.A. program is designed for students who wish to concentrate on performance and choreography. Grounded in a contemporary dance aesthetic informed by traditional/classical modern dance principles, our unique program aims to produce top-notch performers and choreographers through progressive study of technique, kinesiology, pedagogy, choreography and somatic principles. Professionally experienced faculty teach through an innovative curriculum to produce highly skilled and well prepared graduates for the dance field.

Students must successfully complete the performance production requirement, the events attendance requirement and the senior interview as described in the department’s Undergraduate Dance Handbook available on the department website. Students should consult with the departmental adviser in the College of Arts and Sciences Advising Office to plan their degree program. Only major courses in which a grade of C has been earned will count towards the major.

Dance Requirements - 92 credits (or placement)

Two semesters of each of the following (or placement)

Required courses

DAN 1031 - Dance Conditioning/Pilates Mat (1) or DAN 1032 - Dance Conditioning/Pilates Reformer (1)
DAN 1500 - Dance Improvisation/Choreography I (2)
DAN 1373 - Dance History and Appreciation (4)
DAN 2640 - Dance Production (2)
DAN 2500 - Choreography II (4)
DAN 3030 - Kinesiology for the Dancer (4)
DAN 3450 - Creative Dance for Children (4)
DAN 3500 - Choreography III (4)
DAN 3380 - Contemporary Dance History: Revolution and Revisionism (4)
DAN 4625 - Issues and Trends in Dance (2)
DAN 4628 - Opportunities and Careers in Dance (2)
DAN 4441 - Dance Pedagogy (4)
DAN 4500 - Senior Recital (2)
DAN 4501 - Senior Recital II (2)
MUS 1207 - Basic Musicianship for Dancers (2)
THA 1004 - Acting for Non-Theatre Majors (2)

Seven credits from the following courses

DAN 3700 - Oakland Dance Theatre (1)
DAN 4700 - Repertory Dance Company (1)
DAN 4998 - Apprenticeship (4)

Non-credit requirements

Freshman Seminar
Major standing
Senior interview
Performance production requirement
Events attendance requirement

Additional Information

In addition to these major requirements, students must complete the Oakland University General Education Requirements , the College of Arts and Sciences College Exploratory Requirement , and an appropriate number of free elective classes to meet the overall credit requirement for the degree (in most cases 124; some degrees may require a greater number).

As a general rule, no more than eight credits of course work used to satisfy one major, minor or concentration may be applied toward another, but exceptions to this rule may be allowed with the written approval of the program coordinators.