Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment

- NW 23rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73106

The Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment, an integral and nationally acclaimed part of Oklahoma City University (OCU), stands as a premier institution for professional dance training not just in Oklahoma, but across the United States. While the school is primarily known for its rigorous, career-focused degree programs, it also plays a significant role in the local Oklahoma City community by offering high-quality, non-degree dance instruction. Its fundamental mission is dedicated to preparing versatile dancers and artists to thrive as performers, teachers, choreographers, and arts/entertainment managers in the competitive show business world.

The school operates on a philosophy that art and entertainment are not mutually exclusive, consciously focusing on the American dance art forms of tap, jazz, and theatre dance, alongside classical ballet (as used in musical theatre). This focus has cemented its national reputation as the place to go for a college degree and a career in musical theater or commercial entertainment. Its graduates are highly sought after, with many going on to successful careers on Broadway, in professional dance companies, as Radio City Rockettes and male ensemble members, and in various other facets of the entertainment industry. The dedication to professional development and real-world employability is central to its curriculum.

For local Oklahoma residents, the school offers more than just elite college education. It provides a unique connection to a world-class institution right here in Oklahoma City, creating opportunities for younger students and community members through its affiliated programs. It is consistently recognized by national publications and experts as a top college dance program, bringing a level of prestige and quality of instruction that is unparalleled in the region.

The Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment is situated on the campus of Oklahoma City University, providing a central and recognizable location within the metro area. The address is NW 23rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73106, USA. Specifically, the dance facilities are often housed in the Edith Kinney Gaylord Center and are easy to locate, typically facing NW 23rd Street just west of Blackwelder Avenue. The convenient access near the vibrant Uptown 23rd district places the school at a cultural nexus of Oklahoma City.

Accessibility is a key priority for the institution, ensuring that all visitors and students can participate fully. The facility features a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance, allowing smooth and easy entry into the building for individuals with mobility needs. Furthermore, there is a dedicated Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot, providing convenient and compliant parking options near the entrance. These accessibility accommodations ensure that the environment is welcoming for all members of the Oklahoma community interested in dance, from auditioning students to community class participants. For student convenience, the university accepts Credit Cards for payment, streamlining the tuition and registration process.

The Ann Lacy School offers a robust portfolio of dance programs, divided into professional college degree tracks and community-focused classes. The high quality of instruction is consistent across all offerings, leveraging the expertise of university-trained instructors.

Services Offered include:

• Professional Degree Programs: Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) in Dance Performance, Bachelor of Science (BS) in American Dance Pedagogy (Dance Teacher), Bachelor of Science (BS) in Dance Management, and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Entertainment Business.
• Extensive Dance Technique Training: A curriculum that provides up to ten levels of instruction in tap, jazz, and ballet (as used in musical theatre), ensuring students receive training tailored to their skill level.
• Multiple Instruction Styles: Students benefit from rotating through four to five different teachers each semester in each technique, exposing them to multiple styles of instruction and choreography to prepare them for professional audition settings.
• Comprehensive Academic Courses: Programs include non-dance academic courses vital for a professional career, such as Choreography, Dance History, Dance Health, Pedagogy, Contract Law for Performers, and Arts Management.
• The Community Dance Academy: A program offering dance classes to the greater Oklahoma City area, serving as a teaching laboratory for university majors. Classes are available for all ages and are generally considered "Good for kids."
• Community Class Styles: Classes for the public typically include tap, jazz, ballet, and hip-hop, often in small class sizes (7-12 students) to ensure personal attention and improvement.
• Performance Opportunities: Extensive performance outlets are available through the university's companies, including the Star Dancers, Spirit of Grace Liturgical Dancers, Pep Dancers, and the Oklahoma Opera & Musical Theatre Company.

The Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment possesses numerous features and highlights that set it apart as a premier dance institution in the region, drawing aspiring artists from Oklahoma and beyond.

Features / Highlights include:

• National Prestige: Consistently ranked as one of the top college dance programs in the nation by sources like Backstage Magazine and DanceUS.org, making it a source of local pride for Oklahoma.
• Professional Success Rate: Graduates have gone on to perform in over 100 Broadway musicals and dozens have become Radio City Rockettes or members of the Radio City song and dance ensemble.
• Triple-Threat Training: The dance performance degree includes vocal and acting training, ensuring graduates are well-rounded performers ready for musical theatre and commercial work.
• Career-Focused Degrees: Offers unique degrees in Dance Management and American Dance Pedagogy, providing pathways for dancers who wish to manage arts organizations or open their own successful studios.
• Affiliated Community Dance Academy: Provides an accessible, high-quality, and cost-effective option for local families, with one customer review confirming "Great classes for kids." This program often waives recital and costume fees, and tickets to the showcase are free.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Located on a beautiful university campus, students train in professional facilities that support the demanding nature of the performing arts.
• Commitment to American Dance: The school emphasizes and validates the American dance forms of tap, jazz, and musical theatre, ensuring their legacy and continued evolution.

For general inquiries about the university, the Ann Lacy School, or its associated programs, including the Community Dance Academy, please use the following contact details.

Contact Information:

Address: NW 23rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73106, USA (Located on the Oklahoma City University campus)

Phone: (405) 208-5000

Mobile Phone: +1 405-208-5000

Choosing the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment, whether for a child’s community class or an aspiring dancer's college career, means selecting a pathway of exceptional quality and professional focus. What is worth choosing about this institution is its dedication to making dreams of show business and professional arts careers a reality, all from right here in Oklahoma City. The school excels in preparing "employable dancers" by not only providing superior technical training—ten levels in tap, jazz, and ballet—but also by including essential business courses like contract law and management for performers. This holistic approach is rare and highly effective in the entertainment industry.

For Oklahoma families, the Ann Lacy School's Community Dance Academy is an invaluable local resource. It offers university-level instruction to younger students at a competitive price point, with the significant benefit of no recital or costume fees, an enormous plus for parents seeking high-quality training without the usual financial burden of dance studio productions. The environment is widely recognized as being "Good for kids," fostering a love for dance in a safe, professional, and nurturing setting. Instructors in the Community Dance Academy are often university-trained instructors or the talented dance majors themselves, providing a unique learning laboratory experience for everyone involved.

To choose the Ann Lacy School is to choose excellence, professionalism, and a direct link to the national entertainment industry. It’s an opportunity for Oklahomans to receive a dance education that is consistently ranked among the best in the nation, right in our own backyard. For any student, young or collegiate, interested in American dance forms or a career on the stage, the Ann Lacy School is arguably the most impactful and professionally rewarding choice available in the state.

Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment

NW 23rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73106, USA