Professional dance artists

Dear Esteemed Artists and Educators,

I’m thrilled to share that preparations are underway for the 20th Annual Oakland Dance Festival (ODF) - a two-day celebration of dance education, performance, and professional connection, taking place November 20-21, 2026.

We are excited to invite college and university dance faculty, as well as professional companies, to actively participate in this vibrant event, which offers a unique opportunity to connect with talented high school dancers, showcase your institution, and support the future of our field.

Festival Highlights:

Professional Showcase Concert – Friday, Nov. 20 at 8:00 PM

• • New this year! The Professional Showcase Concert is now exclusively featuring the Maggie Allesee Choreography Competition for Live Performance and Screendance.

  • To submit works, visit Maggie Allesee Choreography Award Competition  by October 18th.
    
    

Full Day of Dance Activities – Saturday, Nov. 21, including:

• • Master classes & workshops
    
    

  • College & Scholarship Fair
    
    

  • Onsite Scholarship Auditions (Degree programs and Intensives)
    
    

  • Adjudicated student performances
    
    

  • The College Showcase Concert
    
    

We are calling on dedicated dance educators and professionals like you to help us inspire the next generation of dancers and introduce them to opportunities in higher education and beyond.

How You Can Get Involved:

1. Teach a Master Class or Workshop
Share your expertise in any genre—ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, tap, world dance, improvisation, classical and folk dance forms, somatics, or experimental forms. We welcome traditional and innovative offerings, including panels or lecture-demos. Propose something new—we’re listening!

2. Adjudicate Student Performances
Serve as a panelist to evaluate student choreography and provide constructive feedback. Selected works will be invited to perform in our College Showcase Concert.

3. Offer Scholarships or Priority Admission
Participate in our Onsite Audition to award scholarships or priority entrance to your program. This is an impactful way to recruit and support serious young dancers pursuing professional or academic training.

4. Host a Table at the College & Scholarship Fair
Engage with students and their families throughout the day. Tables are complimentary for participating institutions, with priority guaranteed to colleges offering scholarships.

5. Perform in Our Concerts
Feature your department or company’s choreography in either the Professional Showcase featuring the Maggie Allesee Choreography Competition on Friday, Nov. 20, or the College Showcase (Saturday, Nov. 21) to inspire and energize the next generation.

Key Dates & Submission Links:

September 16 – Complete Form A to express your interest and intent to volunteer at the 19th Annual Oakland Dance Festival.  Please do not include multiple volunteers on one form.  We need a separate form submitted for each volunteer. 

September 30 – Use Form B to Upload: Bios, Headshots, Advertisements

October 30 – Form C Showcase Program Info & Lighting Cues

If you have new faculty in your department, please feel free to forward this invitation. We’d love to welcome new artists into the ODF community.

Let’s Inspire Together

Your presence makes a difference. Students ages 13–18 are eager to learn, connect, and envision their futures in dance—and your participation helps guide that journey.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are truly grateful for your time, talent, and commitment to arts education.

Thank you,

Toi Banks

Instagram:  odf_dance

harrison.dance@gmail.com