Contemporary Dance Oklahoma, founded as Modern Repertory Dance Theatre and directed until 1998 by Ko Yukihiro, is the resident modern dance company of the University of Oklahoma. An ensemble of 20 dancers, CDO offers the spectator an array of modern dance, dramatic and abstract works. For over 20 years, CDO has performed in OU’s Rupel Jones Theatre and frequently engages in regional, national and international tours (including a tour of five major cities in Japan and two tours of Paraguay). Appearances at regional festivals and conferences have led to invitations to perform at American College Dance Festival galas and at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Dancers from CDO have gone on to perform with the Alvin Ailey Dance Ensemble, Martha Graham Dance Ensemble, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dance Kaleidoscope, Hubbard Street Dance Company, Pearl Lang Dance Theatre and Jennifer Muller/The Works. Earl Mosley, international choreographer from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, Stuart Hodes and George White Jr. are among those who have contributed to the CDO repertoire.

Denise Vale directed the company from 1998 to 2003. Austin Hartel, associate director since 2001, became director in 2003.