Long-time friend of the ADF Vicky Patton tells the story of her part in helping to lure the ADF to its new of Durham in 1978.

ADF tours offer individuals, families, and community groups a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes of the ADF to witness modern dance in the making. Weekly tours begin with a short video about the ADF, followed by a walking tour of ADF School classes. Visitors of all ages can catch a glimpse of our world-renowned faculty and students hard at work.

On the first Friday of each month, Raleigh’s downtown art galleries stay open late for the First Friday Art Walk. All are welcome to experience art and explore the night life. There was a special treat on July’s First Friday in the form of a performance by TAO Dance Theater at ArtSpace, a three-story gallery in the heart of Raleigh’s downtown. Choreographer Tao and dancers Duan and Wang’s movement created texture and resonance in an informal, highly populated gallery space. Enjoy this excerpt from the performance!

Experience Pilobolus on July 2 and Paul Taylor on July 23, both at 1pm, for one fun-packed afternoon! ADF hosts Children’s Matinees throughout the summer for kids of all ages to enjoy dance performances in the afternoon. Concluding the shows, we are pleased to offer Kids Parties at the Durham Performing Arts Center where all are welcome to enjoy face painting, hoola-hooping, music, snacks and more. These parties are perfect for the rich cultural experiences in the Durham community.

After the EVIDENCE and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company Children’s Matinee on June 25th, the ADF Video Blog joined in on an afternoon of fun at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University! There was an African dance and drum workshop, a chance to chill with puppets from Paperhand Puppet Intervention, pictures taken with the one and only Wool E. Bull, super fun crafts with the Scrap Exchange, and much, much more!

In collaboration with the Durham Parks and Recreation Department, ADF developed Project Dance as a means to collaborate, dialogue, and expose the community to the art of dance. This summer, the ADF Video Blog joined Gaspard Louis, the Director of the Creative Movement Community Program, as he romped and jumped with local participating children through the Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh.

ADF and Durham’s Casbah are excited to offer people of all ages the opportunity to rock their socks off every Tuesday and Saturday following the evening’s ADF performance at DPAC or Reynold Theater. The goal: to keep the party going and experience the night life of Durham! Practice your knew-found knowledge of Gaga to Lady Gaga or drop your bows to the hot jams of Black Eyed Peas. All are welcome at the Casbah located at 1007 West Main Street in Durham.