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.

Meet Claire Alrich, Costume Shop intern. Claire stays busy finding, creating, and altering the costumes for the Past/Forward performances. She shares the details of her internship and some behind the scenes happenings with the ADF Video Blog.

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.

Hollins University/American Dance Festival MFA candidate Dana Ruttenburg spoke with us about her research and study for this program. HU/ADF MFA candidates host numerous shows each summer, in black box theaters and creative informal venues across Duke’s East and West Campus. Upcoming performances include the Mobile Tour on Duke’s East Campus on July 17 from 1-3pm and the Thesis Performances at Reynolds Industries Theater on July 22-23 at 8pm. See you all there!

The Hollins University/American Dance Festival MFA Program is an innovative 60-credit program that offers students an opportunity to immerse themselves for six weeks of the summer in the international, collaborative community of the American Dance Festival, followed by an intimate learning atmosphere at Hollins University and abroad. Few graduate programs can provide students with such imaginative approaches to thinking about dance, along with such a wide range of experiences and opportunities, mentorships, and exposure to others in the international dance field. The ADF Video Blog sat down with Jeffery Bullock, the new Director of the HU/ADF MFA Program to talk about what makes this program stand out from others. Don’t miss the HU/ADF MFA Performance at Reynolds Industries Theater, July 22-23!

Sara Procopio is a current dancer for Shen Wei Dance Arts and a faculty member for the ADF 3 Week School. She took time from her busy schedule to talk with the ADF Video Blog about her eleven years with the company and ADF’s impact on its development. Don’t miss Shen Wei Dance Arts at the Durham Center for the Performing Arts, July 14-16 at 8pm.

Acclaimed for his synthesis of Eastern and Western art forms, choreographer, designer, and director Shen Wei continues to awe audiences as he infuses his riveting and timeless movement vocabulary with the use of new artistic mediums. Since his company’s founding at the ADF in 2000 they have continued to perform yearly at the Festival and this summer, the company will perform an ADF commissioned world premiere that will show a new and undoubtedly captivating side of Shen Wei’s artistic skill.

New Work is commissioned by the ADF with support from the SHS Foundation.