Tao Ye of the TAO Dance Theater talks with the ADF Video Blog about the premiere of “2” which will be performed at Reynolds Industries Theater June 20-22! Translation by Alison Friedman from Ping Pong Productions.

Having performed in every modern dance festival throughout China since its founding in 2008, TAO has rapidly become the country’s most sought after dance company. With the highest level of technical virtuosity, these dancers challenge all previous conceptions of modern dance. They make their US debut at the ADF this summer with the premiere of “2.” This work is set to a score developed from the rhythms of spoken and written word and investigates the natural progression of movement as it abounds without limitations.

TAO Dance Theater’s residency at the ADF is supported by the Asian Cultural Council and the Asian/Pacific Studies Institute at Duke University.

David Beischer of the Fox Family Foundation, along with our very own Jodee Nimerichter talk to us about the $43,000 Challenge. To mark Charles Reinhart’s 43 years as ADF Director, ADF lovers are challenged to help raise $43,000 dollars for the the Charles L./Stephanie Reinhart Fund, which supports scholarships for students, commissions of new work, and other special projects. If this amount can be raised by the dance-loving community, a special group of ADF supporters will match the funds dollar for dollar, totaling $86,000! The challenge is made possible by the Fox Family Foundation, Thomas S. Kenan, III, the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, Duke University, RBC Wealth Management, DMA Charitable Foundation, and John W. Claghorn, III. Make your contribution to the ADF now by clicking here!

During the first five days of the ADF, students have the opportunity to audition for 10 different projects. Out of 300 plus dancers, the choreographers find a group of people who will best represent each individual dance. It’s a great opportunity for auditionees to learn about this process of selection and to experience different styles of movement.

Dancers are trendsetters. And the best way to show off your wonderful fashion sense is to stop by the ADF Merchandise store located in the Epworth dormitory’s main hallway. What better way to compliment your authentic ADF t-shirt than with an ADF water bottle, flashlight/keychain, pants and tube-socks!! And if being fashionable wasn’t enough to get you running to the Merchandise store, all proceeds from each purchase goes towards the ADF scholarship fund. It’s a win-win situation! ADF merchandise will also be on sale at all ADF performances at the Durham Performing Arts Center and at the Reynolds Industries Theater.

The first in a series of three posts, this video is all about the life and wisdom of the one and only Charles L. Reinhart. For the next three Fridays, we will share excerpts from an interview with him where he talked about his life, the future of the ADF, and gives his advice to budding choreographers. Listen as he shares the incredible story of his background from growing up during the Great Depression to his years building the ADF as we know it today. We present to you: Fridays with Charles!



“Fridays with Charles” theme song by Dave Yarwood.

The ADF Video Blog talks with Yossi and Oded about the ADF/US premiere of “Animal Lost” at Reynolds Theater June 14-15!