Professional dance artists

Dear Distinguished Artists and Educators,

I am pleased to announce that plans for the 18th Annual Oakland Dance Festival are underway!  The ODF will host a Professional Showcase Concert on Friday, November 22, 2024 at 8pm, and a full day of dance activities on Saturday, November 23, 2024 featuring master classes/workshops, scholarship auditions, and performance opportunities for high school dancers.  We are also excited to welcome the return of the Maggie Allesee Choreography Competition Finals: Live and Screendance!  This is a great opportunity for adult artists, so be on the lookout for Michigan Dance Council's release of detailed information.

We rely on the kind generosity and expertise of accomplished dance educators and choreographers, from colleges/universities and professional companies, to engage high school students in dance beyond their own campuses.

In just a few short weeks, young dancers between the ages of 13-18 will be invited to 

• participate in a wide variety of master classes, 

• share choreographic works for feedback, 

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

• explore dance opportunities in Higher Education.  

• audition for awards and priority entrance during an Onsite Scholarship/Entrance Audition for students interested in pursuing dance education and performance careers beyond high school. 

Students are interested in learning, sharing, and connecting with you!  

Here’s how you can represent your college/university or professional company at ODF:

VOLUNTEER TO TEACH a master class or workshop in the style of your choice.  We welcome class offerings in ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, ethnic dance, Pilates, Yoga, Tap, Street/Hip Hop, Gaga, partnering and improvisation.  ODF is also a great place to introduce your innovative technique to the dance world.  Presentations and panels are also welcome.  Don't hesitate to suggest something new!  

ADJUDICATE PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS and deliver feedback to high school dancers.  Groups will present choreography to be evaluated by a panel of professional judges, who will also select several outstanding dances to be performed during the College Showcase Concert. 

OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS AND PRIORITY ENTRANCE to college dance programs and summer dance intensives. The Oakland Dance Festival will host an On-Site Audition process to bring a pool of talented young dancers in front of your organization’s representatives for an opportunity to earn scholarships.

RECRUIT FUTURE PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS at our Fair.  It’s never too early to start planting seeds with young dancers.  Freshmen are already thinking about college and career choices.  We will provide a table for you to disseminate information and speak with families throughout the day.    (Space is limited.  Tables will be guaranteed to Colleges offering scholarships.)

SHOWCASE YOUR WORK and INSPIRE OUR STUDENTS with a performance in one of our concerts.  The Oakland Dance Festival will present a Professional Showcase Concert on Friday, November 22 and a College Showcase Concert on Saturday, November 23.   

Complete the LETTER OF INTENT to express your interest in being a volunteer presenter at the 18th Annual Oakland Dance Festival.

Document Due Dates (Click on the links below)

September 2 - Letter of Intent  (use this form to submit scholarship information and/or express your interest in teaching, performing, and/or adjudicating performances)  

October 11 - Document Upload (Biographies, Headshots, Advertisements)

November 1 - Showcase Concert Program Information and Lighting Cue Summary

New faculty members in your department?  Please share this email with your professional colleagues.

We thank you for your consideration and look forward to hearing from you soon.  Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Thank you,

Toi Banks

Instagram:  odf_dance

harrison.dance@gmail.com