18th ANNUAL OAKLAND DANCE FESTIVAL: 2024

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.

• 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 10th-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, Central Michigan 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 provide 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.

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 Oakland Dance Festival also welcomes the return of the Michigan Dance Council's Maggie Allesee Choreography Award Competition Live Performance Finalists.

THE COLLEGE SHOWCASE CONCERT will feature special performances by the college dance companies. The Oakland Dance Festival will also host Michigan Dance Council's Maggie Allesee Choreography Award Competition Screendance! Finalists.

Youth performances by high schools and studios 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.

Friday, November 22nd

6:30pm-7:45pm | Performance Evaluations & Feedback Sessions and

Michigan Youth Dance Festival audition

8:00pm-9:30pm | Professional Showcase Concert *Including the Maggie Allesee Choreography Award Competition Live Performance Finals

Saturday, November 23rd

8:00am - 3:00pm | Check-In and On-site Registration for classes

9:00am-11:25am | Scholarship Audition for College and Summer Intensives (Check-In

8:00am-8:45am)

9:00am-6:55pm | Master Classes and College Recruitment Fair

11:30am-6:00pm | Performance Evaluations & Feedback Sessions and

Michigan Youth Dance Festival audition

7:00pm-9:00pm | College Showcase Concert & Scholarship Presentations and

Maggie Allesee Choreography Award Competition Screendance Finals

COMING SOON: Class registration pricing, full festival schedules, and Group Registration Forms at oaklanddancefestival.com

Visit or email for more information

Host or Publisher Toi Banks