<p>I know that OCU has some pretty incredible voice training - opera and MT. I was wondering if anybody had any thoughts about or experience with the dance training available for MT’s?</p>
<p>OCU’s dance training is spectacular. THe ballet, jazz and tap classes are all top notch. They don’t really teach modern dance but for musical theater it is really, really good.</p>
<p>We were told just last week that MT’s level in the fall with dance majors and will take classes with dance majors if they are good enough. The dance facility is top notch. An MT student who dances with the OCU dance company told us the rehearsals are timed so that dance company rehearsals don’t interphere with MT rehearsals, which I found amazing. If you have the ability and the stamina, you can do it all… (I did see in the catalog that some classes, pointe, for example, were held for dance majors only. I would like to know if that is in stone or can be negotiated.) We were also told that good dance classes are available in the community, if you have a car, because public transportation is lacking.</p>
<p>OCU is highly regarded in the dance world for its spectacular dance department, and I think the dance major there is just as prestigious as the MT/VP. Even if you are not dancing at the level of the dance majors, you still take dance in the department with the dance faculty. They have classes for many levels of ability, starting with “basic tap,” “basic ballet,” etc., “beyond basic [style of dance]” and many advancing levels. My Ds first roommate was a dance major and I think she came into the program at a level 8 or 10, so there are many levels, not just beginner, intermediate, and advanced.</p>
<p>I agree that the dance program is amazing. One of the main reasons that we chose OCU was that we wanted our D to be able to continue her dance education and take classes from the best instructors. She has not been disappointed. MT students are leveled and can take classes with the dance majors depending on their degree of training and skill. There are other opportunities for MTers to participate with the dance college. My D was able to audition and perform with the amazing American Dance Theatre Company and perform in a mainstage musical during the same semester. Everyone was very accommodating and understanding. MTers can also audition for the exceptional choreography shows. All in all, it is a fantastic opportunity to grow as a dancer while you continue to train in singing and acting, too!</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. OCU really seems to have everything my D is looking for - and it is the only campus that she has been to. After spending 3 weeks at OCU last summer she said that she could totally imagine herself there for 4 years of college.</p>