oakland dance festival

THE 18TH ANNUAL OAKLAND DANCE FESTIVAL 

Registration opens September 9th

Join us for a weekend of learning, sharing, and networking! College Representatives and directors of professional companies will join forces to bring ODF's participants an abundance of information and opportunities.

The festival is open to private dance studios, high school dance programs, and individual students who wish to take advantage of innovative master classes, an on-site recruitment and scholarship audition, several performance options, and two Showcase Concerts featuring college/university and professional dance companies. 

Friday, November 22nd - Professional Showcase Concert, 8pm

Saturday, November 23rd - Dancers between the ages of 13-18 will:

• participate in a wide variety of master classes,

• share choreographic works for feedback and a chance to perform in the college showcase concert,

• enjoy live dance performances featuring college and professional dancers, and

• explore dance opportunities in higher education.

COLLEGE RECRUITMENT & SCHOLARSHIP AUDITIONS will be held on-site for current high school 9th-12th graders who aspire to major in dance and/or attend a summer dance intensive. This unique experience will allow dance candidates to be observed for priority entrance, awards, and scholarships.

Previous colleges to participate in ODF's on-site scholarship audition include Eastern Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Oakland University, Wayne State University, Western Michigan University, Madonna University, Hope College, University of Michigan, Cleary University, Alma College, University of Michigan - Flint, Northern Michigan University and Ball State University. Some of the most popular summer intensives in Michigan have also awarded partial and full scholarships to study with top-notch professionals all summer long.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS & FEEDBACK help dance groups to get a jump start on the competition/performance season! Bring your solos, duets, and group dances...your choice of style.  This intimate performance venue provides young dancers an opportunity to showcase choreography before a panel of distinguished artists from College/University & Professional Companies.

Our goal is to inspire and challenge dancers to take their rehearsals and performances to the next level! Our panel of judges will provide constructive feedback for each performance and will extend a special invitation for select groups/soloists to perform in the evening COLLEGE SHOWCASE CONCERT.

We are excited to share that all evaluated performances will also be considered for performance at the Michigan Youth Dance Festival.  Michigan Dance Council will share further details.

MASTER CLASSES & WORKSHOPS will be offered throughout the day in a variety of styles, including MODERN, CONTEMPORARY, BALLET, IMPROVISATION, PARTNERING, STREET/HIP HOP, AFRICAN DANCE, PILATES, YOGA AND MORE! All classes are taught by representatives from colleges/universities & professional companies. 

OUR COLLEGE FAIR will provide students and parents with an opportunity to speak with college recruiters and company directors throughout the day. It's never too early to do your research on an institution that will best fit your educational needs!

THE PROFESSIONAL SHOWCASE CONCERT will feature new and seasoned professional dance companies on Friday, November 22nd at 8:00 p.m.

THE COLLEGE SHOWCASE CONCERT will feature special performances by the college dance companies.  High School performances will be selected from the Performance Evaluations and Feedback sessions as invited guests in the opening of the College Showcase Concert on Saturday, November 23rd at 7:00 p.m.

REGISTRATION opens September 9th

visit oaklanddancefestival.com for more information

Visit oaklanddancefestival.com or email harrison.dance@gmail.com for more information