American Dance Festival - ADF

For residents of Durham, North Carolina, and across the thriving Research Triangle region, the American Dance Festival (ADF) stands as a monumental and globally recognized institution in the world of modern dance. Heralded by publications like The New York Times and The New York Post as "One of the nation's most important institutions" and "The world's greatest dance festival," ADF is far more than just a local point of interest; it's a dynamic international magnet for dancers, choreographers, teachers, critics, musicians, and scholars. Since its inception in 1934, and its move to Durham in 1978, ADF has been a driving force in preserving, creating, and presenting new modern dance work, making it an invaluable cultural asset for North Carolina.

At its core, ADF is dedicated to nurturing and sustaining modern dance, offering an unparalleled environment for experimentation, exploration, and collaboration. It's a place where dance enthusiasts of all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned professionals, can immerse themselves in diverse programs. As one recent visitor enthusiastically noted, "Beautiful large studios! I visited for the first time recently and took class with Tracey Durbin, she had great energy and emphasized dynamics and musicality which I appreciated as a student. Her instruction was very clear and she provided helpful feedback to not just me but many other students in class which is hard to find nowadays in open adult classes. Highly recommend checking out ADF and Tracey’s classes if you’re looking for a place to explore and grow as a dancer!" Another student highlighted the welcoming community and incredible value, stating, "ADF is an amazing studio -- I moved to town for grad school and was so happy to find such a welcoming dance community. I've enjoyed taking Tony's modern dance class, as well as Beth's. And, the $5/class student rate can't be beat! 10/10 would highly recommend." These testimonials perfectly capture the spirit of ADF: a world-class institution with a profoundly supportive and accessible local presence.

The main offices and year-round studios of the American Dance Festival (ADF) are conveniently located at 715 Broad St, Durham, NC 27705, USA. This central Durham address places ADF in a highly accessible and vibrant part of the city, making it easy for residents across the Research Triangle area to engage with its diverse offerings. Broad Street is a well-trafficked thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation by car for visitors from various neighborhoods and surrounding communities.

While the main summer festival performances often utilize venues like Duke University and the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC), the 715 Broad Street location serves as the year-round hub for many of ADF's educational and community programs. Accessibility features at their Samuel H. Scripps Studios (located nearby, and often considered part of the same operational entity) are designed to accommodate all participants, typically including elevator access and ample free parking. This strategic placement within Durham reinforces ADF's commitment to being an integral and readily available resource for dance education and appreciation within the North Carolina community, inviting broad participation from locals.

• World-Class Dance Performances: During its renowned six-week summer festival, ADF presents a diverse array of modern dance performances by national and international companies, choreographers, and artists. These performances often include world premieres and ADF commissions, showcasing the cutting edge of contemporary dance.
• Year-Round Dance Classes (Samuel H. Scripps Studios): ADF offers a comprehensive schedule of dance classes throughout the year at its Samuel H. Scripps Studios. These classes cater to all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced dancers, covering styles such as modern, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, African dance forms, and more.
• Intensive Training Programs: ADF hosts several prestigious summer intensives, including the Summer Dance Intensive (SDI), Pre-Professional Dance Intensive (PDI), and Dance Professional Workshops (DPW). These programs attract dancers from around the globe, providing immersive and career-defining training opportunities.
• Community Engagement and Outreach (Project Dance): Through programs like ADF Project Dance, the festival offers free, year-round creative movement workshops and complimentary tickets to performances, aiming to expose the broader Triangle community to dance. These workshops are available for schools, colleges, adults, and seniors.
• Support for Choreographers: ADF plays a critical role in supporting the creation of new modern dance works. It has commissioned hundreds of new pieces and provided a platform for both established and emerging choreographers, including through its International Choreographers Residency and Commissioning Programs.
• Preservation of Dance Heritage: ADF is committed to preserving modern dance heritage through the continued presentation of classic works and extensive archival efforts, including projects like "The Black Tradition in American Modern Dance."
• Humanities and Public Education Programs: ADF offers programs that enhance public understanding and appreciation of dance, exploring its cultural and historical significance through discussions, lectures, and interdisciplinary explorations.
• Studio Space Rentals: The well-equipped studios are available for rent, providing valuable rehearsal and event space for local dance artists and the community.

• Global Recognition and Influence: ADF is globally recognized as a leader in modern dance, with a profound impact on the art form's history and future. Its reputation attracts top talent and offers locals access to world-class dance.
• Rich History and Legacy: Founded in 1934, ADF has been the site of over 640 premieres and 340 commissions by legendary artists like Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, Paul Taylor, and Alvin Ailey, solidifying its place in dance history.
• Inclusive and Welcoming Community: Despite its international stature, ADF fosters a remarkably welcoming and non-competitive environment in its classes and programs. Reviews highlight the supportive and encouraging atmosphere, making it ideal for dancers of all levels.
• Exceptional Faculty: Students consistently praise the expert faculty, who are not only accomplished dancers but also dedicated educators, providing clear instruction, personalized feedback, and a passion for teaching.
• Accessible Pricing: ADF offers competitive pricing for classes, including discounted student rates, making high-quality dance education more accessible to the local community.
• Diverse Performance Offerings: The summer festival showcases a wide array of performances, from pure artistic beauty to thought-provoking works addressing contemporary issues, often featuring immersive experiences and unconventional stagecraft.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: ADF actively presents works and supports artists from diverse cultural backgrounds, including a significant focus on African American dance traditions through its humanities projects.

For detailed information about performances, class schedules, registration, or other inquiries regarding the American Dance Festival (ADF), please use the following contact details:

Address: 715 Broad St, Durham, NC 27705, USA

Main Office Phone: (919) 684-6402

Scripps Studios Phone: (919) 797-2871 (This number is specifically for inquiries about the studios and rentals.)

Email: You can find specific department emails on their official website for various inquiries (e.g., school@americandancefestival.org for school-related questions).

For residents across Durham and the entire North Carolina region, the American Dance Festival (ADF) offers an unparalleled and truly enriching cultural and educational experience. Its suitability for locals is rooted in its extraordinary blend of world-class artistry and deeply embedded community spirit. Being home to such a globally renowned institution means North Carolinians have direct access to cutting-edge performances by leading dance companies, an opportunity that is rare and invaluable for any arts enthusiast.

Beyond the captivating performances, ADF's year-round classes at the Samuel H. Scripps Studios provide accessible, high-quality dance education for all ages and skill levels. The welcoming, non-competitive environment, coupled with instruction from an exceptional faculty, makes it an ideal place for individuals to explore dance, refine techniques, and build confidence, whether for recreation or professional pursuit. The student-friendly rates, particularly noted by local attendees, further enhance its accessibility. Moreover, ADF's commitment to community outreach, preserving dance history, and supporting new choreography ensures that it remains a vibrant, relevant, and inspirational force. For anyone in North Carolina seeking to immerse themselves in dance, grow as an artist, or simply enjoy transformative performances, ADF is a beacon of artistic excellence and a true local treasure.

American Dance Festival - ADF

715 Broad St, Durham, NC 27705, USA