Bachelor of Arts inDance

 

Why Study Dance at ORU?

Our Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Dance equips you as a Spirit-empowered artist prepared to influence the world through movement. As one of the few Christian universities offering a dance degree, ORU invites you to combine your faith and artistic passion in a supportive community. Choose from three concentrations—Dance Management, Dance Performance, or Pre-Movement Therapy—and develop technical skill, creative expression, and academic excellence.

Start your journey in dance at ORU today!

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Flexible Study Options

ON CAMPUS

Experience hands-on learning, face-to-face interaction, and vibrant community life at our main campus.

ORU FLEX

Join live, scheduled classes online with real-time interaction and a structured learning environment.

 

Concentrations

Dance ManagementDance PerformanceDance Pre-Movement Therapy

Dance Management

This concentration equips you with the skills needed to manage dance companies, studios, and performing arts organizations. You'll gain practical knowledge in audition, rehearsal, and performance processes, preparing you for roles in arts administration and pedagogy.

Dance Performance

This concentration focuses on developing your artistic voice and technical proficiency in dance. You'll receive rigorous training in ballet, modern dance, choreography, and performance, preparing you for a variety of careers in the dance industry. Through hands-on experience and mentorship, you'll build the skills necessary to succeed as a professional dancer.

Dance Pre-Movement Therapy

This pre-professional concentration focuses on modern dance, creative expression, and psychology, laying the groundwork for advanced studies in dance and movement therapy. It prepares you for graduate programs leading to certification as a Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT) .

Dance Management

This concentration equips you with the skills needed to manage dance companies, studios, and performing arts organizations. You'll gain practical knowledge in audition, rehearsal, and performance processes, preparing you for roles in arts administration and pedagogy.

Dance Performance

This concentration focuses on developing your artistic voice and technical proficiency in dance. You'll receive rigorous training in ballet, modern dance, choreography, and performance, preparing you for a variety of careers in the dance industry. Through hands-on experience and mentorship, you'll build the skills necessary to succeed as a professional dancer.

Dance Pre-Movement Therapy

This pre-professional concentration focuses on modern dance, creative expression, and psychology, laying the groundwork for advanced studies in dance and movement therapy. It prepares you for graduate programs leading to certification as a Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT) .

Dance Courses Offered

As an ORU dance student, you’ll gain expertise in key areas of the field, including:

 

Degree Path

View your Degree Path For Dance

Tuition and Scholarships

Nearly 100% of our full-time, undergraduate residential students receive ORU grants and scholarships through academic achievement and through ORU’s premier scholarship opportunity of our Quest Whole Leader Scholarship. Visit our financial aid page to learn more.

Explore Tuition & Aid

Careers with a Dance Degree

As an ORU dance student, you’ll have the option to pursue a career in:

 

 

Program Features

Do I Need to Audition?

Yes. Admission to the dance program requires an audition with the dance department. You must first apply and be admitted to the university prior to auditioning. After admission, you’ll receive instructions via email on how to submit your audition materials. For audition details and to submit your materials, please visit the audition form. For more information, contact the Admissions Team at admissions@oru.edu or 918.495.6518.

Performance Opportunities with ORU Dance

As part of this program, you’ll have numerous performance opportunities, including two annual dance concerts, the Christmas concert, musicals, and student choreography showcases. You'll also have the chance to attend the American College Dance Association conference, where your work can be critiqued by renowned artists and you can connect with dance professionals nationwide. Learning from experienced, faith-driven faculty, you’ll be equipped to pursue national auditions, graduate studies, and professional careers. ORU Dance alumni have gone on to perform with prestigious companies—and with passion and perseverance, you can follow in their footsteps.

Our Accreditation

ORU meets the accreditation standards set by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

MEET YOUR FACULTY

At ORU, our dance faculty are experienced artists, educators, and mentors who combine professional expertise with a heart for teaching. With backgrounds in performance, choreography, education, and therapy, they bring real-world insight to every class—helping you grow in skill, creativity, and purpose on and off the stage.

Get to know your faculty