20TH ANNUAL OAKLAND DANCE FESTIVAL | NOVEMBER 21, 2026

THE 20TH ANNUAL OAKLAND DANCE FESTIVAL

We invite you to join us for an inspiring weekend of learning, sharing, and networking at the 20th Annual Oakland Dance Festival (ODF)! This year’s event brings together college representatives and professional company directors to offer participants an unmatched wealth of training, mentorship, and opportunities in dance.

The festival is open to private dance studios, high school dance programs, and individual students eager to take advantage of:

• Innovative master classes in multiple dance styles
• On-site recruitment & scholarship auditions
• Performance opportunities with professional feedback
• Two exciting showcase concerts

Friday, November 20 – Professional Showcase Concert and Maggie Allesee Choreography Competition, 8:00 p.m. An unforgettable evening featuring performances by acclaimed professional dance companies.

Saturday, November 21 – Full Day for Dancers Ages 13–18

• Participate in diverse master classes taught by college/university faculty and professional artists.
• Present original choreography for feedback and possible showcase selection.
• Enjoy live performances by college and professional dancers.
• Explore higher education pathways in dance through our College Fair.

High school 9th–12th graders interested in pursuing dance in college or summer intensives can audition on-site for priority consideration, awards, and scholarships.

Past participating institutions include:Eastern Michigan University • Grand Valley State University • Oakland University • Wayne State University • Western Michigan University • Madonna University • Hope College • University of Michigan • Cleary University • Alma College • Michigan State University • University of Michigan–Flint • Northern Michigan University • Central Michigan University • Ball State University, along with top Michigan summer intensives offering partial and full scholarships.

Bring your solos, duets, or group pieces in any style. Perform in an intimate setting before a panel of distinguished college and professional company artists, receive constructive critiques, and get a jumpstart on your competition/performance season.

Select performers will be invited to appear in the College Showcase Concert that evening, and all evaluated works will be considered for the Michigan Youth Dance Festival.

Styles include Modern, Contemporary, Ballet, Improvisation, Choreography, Partnering, Hip Hop/Street, World and Folk Dance, Pilates, and more—taught by top-tier college and professional faculty.

Meet one-on-one with recruiters and directors, gather program materials, and explore the institutions that align with your dance and academic goals.

We can’t wait to welcome you to a weekend of artistry, opportunity, and inspiration.

Friday, November 20

8:00pm-9:30pm | Professional Showcase Concert

Including the Maggie Allesee Choreography Award Competition Live Performance and Screendance Finals

Saturday, November 21

8:00am - 3:00pm | Check-In and On-site Registration for classes

9:00am-11:45am | Scholarship Audition for College and Summer Intensives (Check-In 8:00am-8:45am)

9:00am-6:10pm | Master Classes and College Recruitment Fair

12:30am-6:10pm | Performance Evaluations & Feedback Sessions and

Michigan Youth Dance Festival audition

7:00pm-9:00pm | College Showcase Concert & Scholarship Presentations (including invited high school performers)

Visit or email [email protected] for more information

Info: Participating colleges include Hope College, Northern Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Wayne State University, Grand Valley State University, Oakland University, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Alma College, M-Pulse, Currents Contemporary Dance Company, Contexture Dance Detroit, Detroit Dance Collective

Info: University, Eastern Michigan University, Wayne State University, Grand Valley State University, Oakland University, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Alma College, Central Michigan University, Michigan State University, Western Michigan University

Info: Traditional and Modern Dabke | Pilates | Partnering | Choreography | Contemporary | Ballet | Horton | Limon | Dunham | Jazz | Musical Theater | Hip Hop | Argentine Tango | Tap

Info: Bring your solos, duets, or group pieces in any style. Perform in an intimate setting before a panel of distinguished college and professional company artists, receive constructive critiques, and get a jumpstart on your competition/performance season.

Select performers will be invited to appear in the College Showcase Concert that evening, and all evaluated works will be considered for the Michigan Youth Dance Festival.

Info: Featuring performances by the Dance Companies at Hope College, Oakland University, Central Michigan University, Alma, Eastern Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Alma College, Michigan State University, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, and Grand Valley State University

Info: Featured artists presenting in the Professional Showcase Concert includes invited guest artists and the finalists of the Maggie Allesee Choreography Competition. Please note, this concert is on Friday, November 20th.

Event venue & nearby stays

32000 Shiawassee St, 32000 Shiawassee Street, Farmington, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

Get the app →

Discover more events by tag