Oyo Dance Company is a non-profit professional contemporary ballet company founded in 2015 in Columbus, Ohio. The company embodies diversity, acceptance, and cultural awareness while providing motivation and education in dance through performances, outreach programs, and educational activities.
Oyo Dance Company is a non-profit professional contemporary ballet company based in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 2015, the company takes its name from an Iroquois word meaning “the great river.” The organization is led by Artistic and Executive Director Rachel Nace, who also dances as a principal with the company. Oyo features dancers of various backgrounds, ages, and body types who train in multiple styles including ballet (primarily Vaganova), modern (primarily Graham), ballroom, and Latin dancing, with Pilates cross-training. The company maintains a varied repertoire through collaborations with guest choreographers, master classes, and technical workshops.
Oyo presents a performance season that runs from September to May and includes an annual children’s show each spring. The company has presented virtual performances and works such as “Carmina Burana” and collaborative productions including “Parallel” with Goree Drum and Dance. The organization offers community outreach programs including free tickets for Franklin County residents receiving WIC, SNAP, or Medicaid benefits, and free performances for Columbus City School students. Oyo also provides children’s summer dance classes for ages 3 to 10 and operates a training company called Oyo2 for advanced dancers.
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Oyo Dance Company is a non-profit professional contemporary ballet dance company committed to providing motivation and education in the arts of dance. The company embodies diversity, acceptance, cultural awareness, community inclusion, cooperation, and appreciation of the art of dance.
Columbus, Ohio
The company offers professional performances, children’s summer dance classes for ages 3 to 10, master classes, technical workshops, community outreach programs, and a free ticket program called Oyo Access. The company maintains a varied repertoire through work with guest choreographers and presents seasonal productions including children’s shows performed every spring.
Professional dancers, highly advanced dancers aspiring to be professional, children ages 3 to 10, Franklin County Ohio residents receiving WIC, SNAP, or Medicaid benefits, Columbus City School students, and nonprofit social service groups can participate in or attend company programs and performances.
The company offers children’s summer dance classes for ages 3 to 4, ages 5 to 7, and ages 7 to 10. The company seeks professional dancers and highly advanced dancers for its First Company and Oyo2 training company.
Yes, the company offers positions in its First Company with monthly stipends, shoes, professional development, performance opportunities, and teaching opportunities. Oyo2 is a training scholarship position offering training, performance opportunities, outreach performances, and classes.
Dancers train in ballet primarily using Vaganova method, modern dance primarily using Graham technique, ballroom and Latin dancing, and cross-train with Pilates. Dancers do not need to be proficient in all styles to audition.
Yes, the company presents seasonal performances including productions such as children’s shows performed every spring for school groups and the public, collaborative performances, and benefit showcases. The company maintains a varied repertoire through work with guest choreographers, master classes, and technical workshops.
Phone: (614) 253-6683 or (614) 253-MOVE (6683). Email: president@oyodancecompany.org