We are looking forward to having our dancers back in the studios soon for the 2025/26 year!
To join us next year audition applications are open now: dance.ou.edu
Introducing OU Danceās Newest Alumni!!
Senior, Joelle Kimbrough from Kansas City, graduated yesterday with a BFA in Ballet Performance and a BS in Biology. Congratulations, Joelle!
Favorite memory at OU?
Performing in Clermont-Ferrand, France.Ā
What advice would you give your Freshman self?
Just trust that you will find your way and everything will be okay!
What are your plans after graduation?
I am interning for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, teaching dance, and freelancing in NYC!Ā
Congratulations, Joelle! We are so proud of you!!
HAPPY GRADUATION DAY!! YOU DID IT!! š„¹
A HUGE congratulations to the University of Oklahoma School of Dance Class of 2026!! We are so proud of who you are and the work you have done. We cannot wait to see what is next for each of you!
Keep in touch and visit often.
#BOOMER #ClassOf2026 #OUDance
Happy Graduation Day!!
Senior, Rylie Gatlin from Fort Worth, Texas graduates TODAY with a BFA in Modern Dance Performance and a BS in Pre-Physical Therapy. Congratulations, Riley!
Favorite memory at OU?
My favorite memory during my time in the OU School of Dance would have to be collaborating with one of my best friends, Lauren Konkol, for our capstone show. It turned out exactly how we imagined, if not better; the entire process was super fun!
What advice would you give your Freshman self?
Donāt rush it. Say yes more, stress less, and be present. It all goes by faster than you think.Ā
What are your plans after graduation?
In the Fall of 2026, I will be attending Texas A&M Texarkana Doctor of Physical Therapy program to receive my Doctorate in Physical Therapy! While I continue school, I will also be joining the faculty of my former dance studio, Studio of MoveMINT.Ā
Congratulations, Rylie! We are so proud of you!!
We are still reminiscing about the incredible Paul Taylor Dance Company residency at the University of Oklahoma School of Dance!
In addition to a show stopping performance and community classes for young dancers, the Paul Taylor Dance Company was in our studios with OU dancers for class, a showcase of Lauren Lovetteās new work, āECHOā, and artist talks. Classes and talks were given by Artistic Director, Michael Novak, Rehearsal Director, Cathy McCann, Resident Choreographer, Lauren Lovette and company artists.
Take a look at the work they got up to!
šø: @traviscaperton
Graduation Day is Tomorrow!!
Senior, Ava Kabealo from Summerville, South Carolina graduates tomorrow with a BFA in Ballet Performance. Congratulations, Ava!
Favorite memory at OU?
The highlight of my time here at OU was the study abroad trips that I was able to take. Performing and studying in France and the Netherlands were life changing experiences that left me with a newfound perspective of the importance of dance and the connections that it can bring.
What advice would you give your Freshman self?
Some advice that I would give to my Freshman self is to always have an open mind. There have been so many opportunities these past four years that have changed the trajectory of my dance journey.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I will be joining Dayton Ballet @daytonballet as a Second Company Member!
Congratulations, Ava! We canāt wait to see whatās next for you in Dayton!
Class of 2026!! Senior Spotlight!!
Senior, Lauren Konkol from Austin, Texas, graduates on Saturday with a BFA in Modern Dance Performance with Minors in Digital Marketing and Arts Management & Entrepreneurship. Congratulations, Lauren!
Favorite memory at OU?
My favorite memory from my time at the OU School of Dance was when I performed at the Fort Worth Dance Festival this past October and got the opportunity to travel with my best friends and have a fun dance weekend.
What advice would you give your Freshman self?
I would tell my freshman self that everything happens for a reason in this program, and to also stay present in every moment because it goes by quick!
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I am moving to Austin, TX to pursue a role in social media content creation focusing on short-form content, storytelling, and digital strategy.
We are so proud of you, Lauren!
Congratulations!! Class of 2026!!
Senior, Damerah Estelle from Indianapolis, Indiana, graduates on Saturday with a BFA in Ballet Performance and Minors in Arts Management and Entrepreneurship and Health and Exercise Science. Congratulations, Damerah!
Favorite memory at OU?
I loved being able to dance with my friends every day, and being able to see and talk to them before and after classes in the warm-up area.
What advice would you give your Freshman self?
Donāt worry so much about what others think of you, just have fun and make memories!Ā
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be joining Ballet North Texas @balletnorthtexas !
We are so proud of you, Damerah!
What an incredible weekend!
In partnership with the Paul Taylor Dance Company and the Oklahoma City Contemporary Arts Center, the OU School of Dance was thrilled to present completely FREE dance classes for community dancers taught by Rehearsal Director Cathy McCann, and company artists, @jessica_ferretti , @lee.duveneck , @forever_jrp , @calebmansor and @austintkelly .
Thank you to the incredible artists of @paultaylordance , and to all of the young dancers that joined us!
š„: Brian Dailey
Class of 2026!!
Senior Modern Dance Performance Major with a Marketing Minor, Madi McVey, from Jupiter, Florida graduates THIS SATURDAY!!
Favorite memory at OU?
One of my favorite memories from my time at OU was having the opportunity to travel to the Netherlands to dance and learn from some of my favorite artists and choreographers. Being surrounded by such incredible artists was truly an inspiring and unforgettable experience.
What advice would you give your Freshman self?
I would tell my freshman year self to make sure to take photos and videos of everything so that I can always remember these amazing four years with my best friends!Ā
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to continue auditioning to pursue a professional career in dance!Ā
We canāt wait to see what is next for you, Madi! Congratulations!!
šCelebrate our upcoming Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts Spring 26 graduates at our Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 16, at 10 a.m. in the Lloyd Noble Center!
š¹ Join the livestream: link.ou.edu/48XadGN
