program, and it strives to meet the needs of its own and future audiences by teaching students that audiences must always be remembered and entertained. In fact, the dance program is founded on the belief that art and entertainment are not mutually exclusive. It is also the purpose of the dance program to instill in its students renewed appreciation and respect for the American dance forms. The dances and songs that evolved out of the American experience and traditions communicate to a larger audience than the more traditional Western European art forms. Ballet is taught as a common framework and for the mental and physical discipline and training it provides. Even though the dance program offers more ballet training than most traditional ballet/modern programs at other universities, ballet is not a primary feature of the program, and modern is omitted as a result of a conscious effort to avoid duplication of the many outstanding ballet and modern programs taught throughout the region and nation. The dance program narrows its focus to entertainment and theatre dance and excels in these areas. It is the purpose of the dance department to maintain a national reputation as the university to attend if one wants a college degree and a career in musical theater or entertainment dance, dance management, or dance instruction and choreography. Being a dance major and enrolling in dance classes is a privilege granted by the university, not a right. Due to the strenuous nature of dance and the career orientation of the dance program, the university reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any student to continue majoring in dance and enrolling in dance classes based on considerations including, but not limited to, health and weight; regular attendance of dance classes; focus and commitment; probable success in attaining the dance degree as determined by the dance faculty’s evaluation of the student’s technical progress measured by leveling examinations at the end of each semester; and a student’s record of active participation and growth as an artist and performer as measured by various performance proficiency examinations and academic progress. Regular class attendance is related to health and safety. A dancer who does not study and train regularly is subject to increased incidents of injury. Weight in dance is both an aesthetic and a health and safety consideration. Excess weight causes misalignment and leveraging of body parts that can lead to injury.
Dance Major
All students wishing to major in dance performance, dance management, or American dance teacher or to attend dance classes must audition and be leveled and approved for admission into dance classes or into the dance program by the dance department chair. Students wishing to enter the dance program in the fall semester should audition during the preceding fall or spring. Students wishing to enter the dance program in the spring semester should audition during the preceding fall. DVD auditions are accepted during the summer. Students who are not able to audition in person may audition for admission by submitting a nonreturnable
undergraduate catalog
audition DVD and questionnaire. Students are strongly encouraged to audition in person. Students wishing to be considered for a dance performance, dance management, or American dance teacher tuition scholarship should plan to audition in person at the dance admission and scholarship auditions held each fall and spring. Students auditioning for a scholarship and admission into the dance program are judged on personality, college entrance test scores, body structure, weight and appearance, and technical ability and versatility. For information about audition dates or recorded audition requirements, contact the dance department by phone at (405) 208-5644 or by e-mail at dance@okcu.edu, or visit our website at www.okcu.edu/dance_amgt.
Weight Policy
Since the dance program is oriented toward preparing dancers for professional careers, weight is a very important factor in a student’s success, happiness, health, grades, and retention in the dance program. Students seeking admission into the dance program or to enroll in dance classes required by specific music and theatre degrees will be evaluated in part on their weight and body structure. Due to the variety of body types and structures, it is not possible to develop a weight/height table for objectively evaluating students. This is a subjective area, and judgments about weight and appearance are made solely by the dance faculty. Students who are considered by the dance faculty to be significantly overweight or underweight or who have structural problems will not be admitted as dance majors and may not be permitted to take dance classes if the dance faculty feel that participation could be a health and/or safety risk. Dance majors who do not achieve and maintain acceptable dance weight may be counseled out of the program at any time. Students are encouraged to seek professional assistance in setting up a nutritious weight adjustment and maintenance program. Students who are not able to actively participate in dance classes may be counseled out of the program at any time and/or required to drop their dance courses. The dance department adheres to a uniform grading policy that applies the same grading standards to all students in dance technique courses regardless of academic major, prior dance training, or personal goals. The weight and appearance standards for professional dancers in the musical theater and entertainment industries, as determined by the dance faculty, apply to all ballet, jazz, and tap courses at the A and B levels. Final course grades for students not meeting these standards, as determined by the course instructors, will be reduced one complete letter grade (e.g. a B- to a C-).
Health and Safety
The dean of the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management or the chair of the dance department may require a Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management
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