As part of the African American Celebration, the internationally known Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) will be in residence at Oakland University February 7-19.

The company will be teaching technical classes for two weeks to Oakland’s dance students, as well as performing in a concert on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. in Varner Recital Hall.

“These dances are extremely professional,” said Gregory Patterson, Oakland’s Dance program director. “They came three or four years ago, maybe even five, and presented at the Opera house. We’re very fortunate to have them come to Oakland.” 

DCDC is rooted in the African American experience.

Their mission statement is to deliver contemporary dance of the highest quality to the broadest audience possible.

Oakland students, along with the public, will have a chance to witness the company perform their contemporary dance works. 

Patterson hopes that students will come to the performances and realize the artistic value of dancing.

“It’s a lot of work and an art form just like painting or singing,” said Patterson.

 He also hopes DCDC will help students see the historical value in dancing since they’ve been around for a little over 40 years.

Tickets are $11 for students and $21 for the general public.

Tickets are available at the Varner Box Office, which is open Tuesday-Saturday 3-6 p.m. and one hour before performances.

DCDC will also host an?Open Dress Rehearsal Friday, Feb. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon for those unable to attend due to ticket prices.

Everyone is welcome to come and the rehearsal is free. 

DCDC artistic director, Debbie Blunden-Diggs, will be at the rehearsal and be available for questions.

Separate from the DCDC program are Oakland University’s senior dancers, who will also be performing this weekend in part of the African American Celebration as well.

The senior recital will be held Sunday, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. in the Varner Recital Hall.

“Those are our dance majors that choreograph and perform their own works,” said Joni Hubred-Golden, publicist of the department of music, theatre and dance.

An annual event and capstone requirement for senior dance majors, dancers will have a chance to showcase their talents and program education.

Tickets can be purchased for $7 per person.

General admission tickets may be purchased online without a fee.

Discounted tickets must be purchased in person at the Varner Box Office.

For tickets and more information, visit http://www.oakland.edu/mtd. 

For more information on the upcoming performances, contact Dance program director Gregory Patterson by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 248-370-3009.