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Oakland University

Rochester Hills, MIPublicSuburb
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Program Characteristics

No Prescreen
Audition Required
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required

Program Highlights

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Pre-professional and professional preparation in dance performance and choreography
Contemporary dance aesthetic informed by traditional/classical modern dance principles
NASD-accredited program (National Association of Schools of Dance)
Professionally experienced faculty with innovative curriculum

PROFESSIONAL PARTNERSHIPS

Eisenhower Dance Detroit — internationally touring professional company
Take Root — professional company-in-residence at Oakland University
Apprenticeship and internship opportunities with both companies
OU alumni regularly hired as full company members by Eisenhower Dance Detroit

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Oakland Dance Theatre and OU Repertory Dance Company
Two annual main-stage concerts
American College Dance Association participation
Senior Recital

Key Info

University App

Apply atCommon App
Deadline
Rolling

Program App

Auditions
On-Campus Audition DayJan 31, 2026
On-Campus Audition DayFeb 21, 2026
On-Campus Audition DayMar 21, 2026

Audition Requirements

Dance

AUDITION COMBINATIONS

Ballet, modern, and jazz combinations demonstrated for you
Combinations taught to the group and performed

SOLO PERFORMANCE

One-minute solo in either modern, ballet, or jazz technique
Have the music for your solo on a mobile device

ATTIRE

Women: leotards and tights
Men: gym pants and t-shirts
No loose clothing
Bring ballet and jazz shoes
Be prepared to dance in bare feet
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Additional Materials

RESUME (recommended)

Dance training background and performance experience

Good to Know

APPLICATION PROCESS

Apply and be accepted to Oakland University first
Complete university application at least two weeks before audition date
Register for an audition via the SMTD registration form
No application fee — Oakland University is a fee-free institution

ENROLLMENT

Fall enrollment
Transfer students follow the same two-step process and provide unofficial transcripts

What's The Process

AUDITION FORMAT

Ballet, modern, and jazz technique combinations
One-minute prepared solo (modern, ballet, or jazz)
Brief private interview with dance faculty
Allow approximately 3-4 hours for the full audition process
In-person auditions held on campus on scheduled dates
Video auditions available for those unable to attend in person

VIDEO AUDITIONS

Prepare all videos from the provided video set (all videos required for BFA)

Scholarship Info

TALENT SCHOLARSHIPS

Talent-based scholarships awarded at the time of audition
Awards based on audition performance and potential
Program info updated Today

Academic School Information

3.48
Avg GPA (W)
70%
Admit Rate
57%
Grad Rate
12,450
Enrollment
$58,612
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$14,694
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$23,188
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$13,584
after typical aid

Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.

Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$9,004
Family Income $30k - $48k$8,807
Family Income $48k - $75k$12,229
Family Income $75k - $110k$18,508
Family Income $110k+$22,034