The ADF video blog visited ADF Faculty Sherone Price’s African dance class to speak with Atiba Rorie, one of ADF’s talented musicians, about the relationship between music and dance and his experiences as a percussionist.

Each summer North Carolians have come to expect the excitement that resounds as some 400 students descend upon Durham for the ADF’s summer season. And now in it’s 16th year, the ADF’s January Intensive brings that same excitement to New York City, as students from all over the world come to study and share the art form, and experience all that the NYC dance scene has to offer.

Sixty students came from near, and as far as Jordan and South Korea, to immerse themselves in 11 days of classes, performances, panel discussions, and more. A wide array of dance techniques were taught by distinguished faculty including Monica Bill Barnes, Maria Bauman, Rodger Belman, Elisa Clark, Shani Collins, Elizabeth Corbett, Mark Haim, Gerri Houlihan, Ishmael Houston-Jones, Yangkeun Kim, Nicholas Leichter, Jennifer Nugent, Pamela Pietro, Christian Von Howard, Gwen Welliver, and Jesse Zarritt. Additionally, students had the opportunity to see performances by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Philippe Saire, and had an informal talk with Martha Myers, Dean Emeritus of the ADF, and Robert Battle, the new Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater about living and working as a dancer in NYC.

“I decided to come to the ADF intensive in order to get introduced to all the different styles and techniques that modern dance offers. I gained a very diverse knowledge of all the different techniques that current professional dancers use. The experience of dancing in NYC was another attraction, specifically because we had the chance to work with teachers and dancers that are professional in their own fields in dance.” – Sareen Hairabedian

ADF Director of School Administration and Student Affairs, Nicolle Wasserman, was on-hand to document the January Intensive and shot some awesome video. Make sure to check out the highlight video above, and for more information on the 2011 ADF School please visit our website at www.americandancefestival.org.

Are you looking for the perfect gift for that special someone in your life? Something that says you’ve put a lot of thought into their gift, and remember that one of their favorite pastimes is spending their summer at the ADF? Well, you are in luck!

The ADF Store has the perfect gift for anyone and everyone on your list. From baby onesies, to sweatshirts, to coffee mugs, to cookbooks- we have exactly what you are looking for to surprise your loved ones! Below is just a sampling of what we have to offer.

For a complete list of posters and books, please visit our website at http://www.americandancefestival.org/store.html. For more information on apparel and other accessories, please call Myra Scibetta at 919-684-6402. For guaranteed delivery before Christmas, orders must be made by December 15^th, or picked up at the ADF offices in Durham, NC. Standard shipping rates apply.

Photo by Jack Mitchell

As we are deep in the trenches of planning the 2011 season, each day we are reminded of the hard work and endless hours that many have put in to make the American Dance Festival the amazing institution it is today. ADF Director, Charles L. Reinhart has been a guiding force in every aspect of the ADF since 1968, and has been a visionary and ardent advocate for modern dance by supporting the careers of countless choreographers, preserving classic dance works, nurturing the development of modern dance in countries around the world, and providing educational opportunities for dancers, choreographers, critics, and audience members.

On January 14th at 7:30 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn, New York we will celebrate Reinhart’s 80th birthday while recognizing the innumerable contributions he has made to the field of modern dance. The evening will feature performances by companies and performers including:

• Paul Taylor Dance Company
• Pilobolus
• Eiko and Koma
• Mark Dendy
• Shen Wei
• Ariane Reinhart

Guest speakers include Ted Steeg, long-time friend and filmmaker, Former Chief Dance Critic for The New York Times, Anna Kisselgoff, son, Scott Reinhart, and ADF Co-Director, Jodee Nimerichter.

We hope you will join us for this incredible evening celebrating the life and legacy of Mr. Reinhart. This event is free of charge and open to the public, but reservations are requested by January 5, 2010.  For ticket information, please contact the ADF Office by emailing adfny@americandancefestival.org or by calling 212-586-1925. In lieu of personal gifts, donations may be made to the American Dance Festival’s Charles L. and Stephanie Reinhart Fund. The fund will support future tuition scholarships for students, commissions of new work, international programs, and other special projects.

You can view the entire press release, as well as the event invitation, on our website at www.americandancefestival.org.

In 2008 this video was produced to celebrate Charles’ 40th Anniversary with the American Dance Festival.

It’s that time of year again- the autumn air is crisp and invigorating, and the vibrantly colorful leaves are falling. Indeed, times of change are upon us all, even here at the ADF! On October 29, we were pleased to announce the new Co-Deans of the ADF School, Dr. James Frazier and Gerri Houlihan. Frazier and Houlihan will serve as Co-Deans for one to two years, after which Frazier will take over as Dean. “James and Gerri have both made incredible contributions to the art form, and the ADF is very grateful to have their passion and expertise on board to further the mission of the ADF School,” said Charles L. Reinhart, ADF Director.

Please join us in welcoming James and Gerri to the ADF family in their new roles. For their bios and the official press release, please visit http://www.americandancefestival.org/staff/dean.html.

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While the American Dance Festival prides itself on bringing you the best modern dance each season, there are many exciting happenings to share throughout the year. From the January Intensive in New York City, to scholarship auditions, to fun holiday gifts, to the upcoming season release, we here at the ADF want to keep you informed all year long. Beginning this month, May We Have This CyberDance? will post throughout the year on all the ADF buzz-worthy news. Be on the lookout for monthly features on ADF off-season happenings, and remember to check in daily once we kick off the 2011 season in June!

With at least one video post everyday this season, May we have this CyberDance? offered a behind-the-scenes sneak peek into what makes this Festival tick. From interviews with today’s top choreographers, to hearing stories from faculty members about the days of old, to interacting with the greater Durham community, this blog has served as both informative and entertaining segments. Be sure to check back in next summer to see what the ADF and its many facets are up to. Until then, eat, drink, dance and be merry!