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.

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