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Formerly known as Oklahoma Youth Ballet, the Pre-Professional Division continues a tradition of excellence by providing advanced dance education for students demonstrating exceptional commitment, talent, and career aspirations. This division is designed for dancers who seek rigorous training within a structured educational environment and are prepared to make dance a primary focus of their academic and artistic development.

The curriculum emphasizes classical ballet as the foundation of professional dance training while incorporating contemporary, repertoire, pointe, variations, conditioning, partnering, performance studies, and supplemental disciplines necessary for the development of today's versatile performing artist. Students engage in an intensive course of study that develops technical proficiency, artistic maturity, physical strength, musicality, performance quality, and professional discipline.

Unlike traditional after-school dance programs, the Pre-Professional Division operates as a comprehensive educational pathway designed to prepare students for the expectations of collegiate conservatories, trainee programs, professional companies, and careers within the arts. Students receive individualized mentorship, ongoing evaluations, and goal-oriented instruction from faculty dedicated to helping each dancer reach their fullest potential.

Training extends beyond technical development. Students are encouraged to cultivate professionalism, leadership, critical thinking, self-discipline, and a deep understanding of dance as both an art form and a profession. Through classroom instruction, rehearsals, performances, outreach initiatives, and artistic collaborations, dancers gain practical experiences that prepare them for success both on and off the stage.

Students in the Pre-Professional Division train five days per week through a carefully structured schedule that allows for significant technical advancement while supporting long-term physical and artistic development. This intensive training model enables students to master a broad range of theatrical dance disciplines and develop the versatility expected of professional performers.

As part of their educational experience, students regularly participate in performances with Oklahoma Ballet Theatre, including Edmond's Nutcracker, spring productions, community outreach performances, lecture demonstrations, and other artistic engagements throughout the season. These experiences provide valuable stage time while reinforcing classroom instruction and fostering a commitment to community engagement through the arts.

The Pre-Professional Division also offers a diploma pathway that recognizes the successful completion of advanced coursework and training requirements. Students participate in annual examinations and assessments that evaluate technical proficiency, artistic development, academic understanding, and readiness for advancement. These evaluations provide measurable benchmarks and help ensure graduates are prepared for future educational and professional opportunities.

At Oklahoma Dance Center, we believe the education of a pre-professional dancer extends far beyond technical achievement. The Pre-Professional Division is dedicated to developing artists, scholars, leaders, and future ambassadors for the arts who will make meaningful contributions to their communities and the profession. Through exceptional training, mentorship, and performance opportunities, students are prepared to pursue their ambitions with confidence, integrity, and excellence.