Six Week School students at the ADF take 3 two-hour classes a day, four days a week; two of these classes can be technique and the third a composition or repertory class. Students audition for the repertory classes with ADF faculty the first weekend they arrive, and work intensely for the next six weeks in creating a new work with the faculty or in learning a past repertory. In this video, you will catch a glimpse of the Leah Cox and Trebien Pollard repertory showings.

At the end of the summer, students of the ADF Three Week School have the opportunity to share their achievements with the rest of the ADF community. Enjoy an excerpt of the their showing at Baldwin Auditorium.

Meet Shaleigh and Jason. Shaleigh is a scholarship student who drives the legendary ADF School Bus several times a day to the various ADF studios around Durham. Jason is also a scholarship student who assists the Food and Housing Department with its various needs involving event set-ups and housing needs. Amidst both of their hectic work schedules, they also have the opportunity to take classes themselves,work with renowned choreographers, and attend the all performances ADF has to offer. Since ADF would not thrive without the generous donations of patrons and businesses, the students say a huge “thanks.”

Click here to make a donation to the Charles L. and Stephanie Reinhart Fund.

An evening that showcases both new and classic modern dance works, the PAST/FORWARD program will include pieces by three diverse artists utilizing the immense talents of the ADF students. Former ADF International Choreographer in Residence Bulareyaung Pagarlava speaks about his first ADF-commissioned world premiere.

An evening that showcases both new and classic modern dance works, the PAST/FORWARD program will include pieces by three diverse artists utilizing the immense talents of the ADF students. We can’t wait to see these works, including the ADF-commissioned “Etudes for Italy” by acclaimed director and choreographer Martha Clarke.

An evening that showcases both new and classic modern dance works, the PAST/FORWARD program will include pieces by three diverse artists utilizing the immense talents of the ADF students. Rika Okamota and Alex Brady set the reconstruction of Twyla Tharp’s Sweet Fields from 1996. Noted as one of her highest achievements, this playful yet poignantly spiritual work was inspired by Tharp’s Quaker upbringing.

During the 2011 ADF season, the Dance Professionals Workshop (DPW) is a nine-day forum for professionals and educators to study and observe dance, exchange ideas, attend panels and discussions, and view performances at the ADF. Participants choose from available classes at the festival in addition to attending specific classes designed to address their needs and interests. This workshop provides a unique opportunity to experience the breadth of dance training at the ADF while building connections with other artists and educators in the field. We talked to DPW participant Julia Edwards about what she hopes to gain from her time at ADF’s Dance Professionals Workshop.