The world of performing arts thrives on passion, discipline, and imagination, and nowhere is this spirit more alive than at Oakland School for the Arts, commonly known as OSA. Among its celebrated conservatories, the Dance Department stands out as a dynamic and transformative space where young artists grow, explore, and embrace the power of movement. With a curriculum that merges technique, creativity, and cultural awareness, OSA Dance has become a hub for aspiring dancers seeking both artistic and academic excellence.
A Vision Built on Artistic Integrity
At its core, OSA’s Dance program is guided by a simple but powerful mission: to nurture dancers who move with purpose, discipline, and individuality. The department recognizes that dance is more than steps and choreography — it is a form of storytelling, identity, and emotional expression. Students are encouraged to embrace their unique voice, explore diverse genres, and build a strong technical foundation that prepares them for both professional careers and higher education.
What distinguishes OSA is its holistic approach. Training is not limited to physical mastery; dancers are taught to understand the cultural, historical, and artistic context of movement. They grow not only as performers but also as thinkers, collaborators, and innovators.
A Strong Technical Foundation
OSA Dance emphasizes technique, the backbone of every great dancer. Students undergo structured training across multiple disciplines:
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Ballet: The program places great importance on ballet, a classical form that builds posture, balance, alignment, and fluidity.
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Modern Dance: Rooted in the work of pioneers like Graham, Horton, and Limón, modern dance helps students explore grounded movement, contraction, release, and emotional expression.
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Contemporary Dance: A fusion of ballet, modern, and improvisation, contemporary allows dancers to experiment with versatility and personal style.
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Jazz & Hip-Hop: These high-energy forms sharpen rhythm, precision, and stage presence while connecting dancers to the cultural roots of American dance.
This broad training helps students develop into well-rounded performers prepared for the evolving demands of the dance world.
Creativity at the Heart of the Program
While technique is essential, OSA encourages dancers to go beyond form and embrace creativity. Students regularly engage in:
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Improvisation sessions
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Student-led choreography projects
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Collaborative performances with other OSA conservatories (music, visual arts, digital media, theater)
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Research-based dance assignments exploring global cultures and contemporary topics
These experiences give dancers ownership over their artistry. They learn how to craft movement, express ideas, and communicate stories through choreography — skills crucial for future careers in the arts.
Performances That Build Confidence
Performance is a fundamental part of the OSA Dance experience. Students showcase their work in major events throughout the year, such as:
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Fall Dance Concerts
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Spring Dance Showcases
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Interdisciplinary productions that combine dance with music, theater, and digital media
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Senior Capstone Performances highlighting each dancer’s individual journey and artistic growth
These shows take place in professional theaters, giving students firsthand experience with lighting, costume design, stage blocking, and performance etiquette. By performing regularly, dancers build confidence, resilience, and stage presence — qualities essential for success, whether in the arts or beyond.
A Supportive and Inclusive Community
One of the greatest strengths of the OSA Dance Department is its community. The environment encourages collaboration rather than competition. Students come from diverse backgrounds, and their stories influence the ensemble’s rich creative energy.
Teachers foster a space where students feel safe to experiment, make mistakes, and take artistic risks. This supportive atmosphere allows dancers to grow not just physically but emotionally and intellectually.
The department also emphasizes equity and cultural awareness. Whether studying Afro-Diasporic forms, modern dance pioneers, or indigenous movement traditions, students learn to appreciate dance as a global language shaped by history and identity.
Professional Pathways and Alumni Success
Many OSA dance students pursue careers in:
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Professional dance companies
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University dance programs and conservatories
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Choreography
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Dance education
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Performing arts management
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Arts therapy
Alumni have been accepted into renowned programs and have gone on to perform, teach, and create. Their success reflects the strong foundation OSA’s training provides.
Even for students who choose non-dance careers, the benefits remain invaluable — discipline, teamwork, time management, creativity, and confidence carry over into every field.
Integration With Academic Excellence
OSA is not solely an arts institution; it is also a rigorous academic school. Dancers balance daily technique classes with core academics such as:
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English
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Mathematics
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Science
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Social Studies
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Language Arts
This combination ensures students grow into well-rounded individuals prepared for college, careers, and life beyond the studio. The school’s schedule is designed to support the dual demands of academic and conservatory training, teaching students the importance of focus, resilience, and responsibility.
Facilities Designed for Movement
The dance studios at OSA provide a professional environment for training. Equipped with sprung floors, full-length mirrors, barres, and sound systems, the spaces allow dancers to explore and refine their craft safely and effectively. The school’s proximity to Oakland’s cultural arts scene also gives students exposure to local dance companies, workshops, and performances.
A Place Where Passion Becomes Purpose
The Dance Department at Oakland School for the Arts stands as a vibrant sanctuary for young movers who dream big. Here, dance is more than a subject — it is a transformative journey. Students learn discipline from ballet, emotional honesty from modern, individuality from contemporary, and cultural grounding from hip-hop and jazz. They perform, collaborate, and discover new dimensions of themselves with each class and choreography.
In a world where creativity is increasingly valued, OSA Dance provides not only the training but also the inspiration to help students turn their passion into purpose. By nurturing confidence, imagination, and technique, the department empowers dancers to step boldly into their futures — whether they choose to pursue the arts professionally or carry these life-changing lessons into any field they choose.
Oakland School for the Arts continues to shine as a space where movement becomes meaning and where every young dancer is encouraged to find their voice, tell their story, and move with intention.
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