We just recently discussed dancing here–particularly as it relates to fountains.
I’ll readily admit that I’m not much of the dancing-type. Sure, I can do the cabbage-patch, moonwalk, that sprinkler move, and of course the funky chicken dance, but when it comes to moving with rhythm and grace, I’m definitely not your ticket to quality entertainment–the fountains of the Belagio have a lot more soul than I do.
But if you do enjoy a wide variety of choreographed moves performed by professional artists, look no further than the American Dance Festival (ADF). In fact, go ahead and plan a North Carolina vacation around it–you’ve got plenty of time, as this six-and-a-half-week series of performances–heralded by the New York Times as one of the most important institutions–begins June 18 and runs until July 25. There’s no asking, “So you think you can dance?” here… these guys are as good as it gets.
Hosted at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, different performances will be held each week, including an inventive new take on The Sound of Music by Doug Elkins and Friends; the site-specific dance work by Mark Dendy entitled “Location, Location, Location;” Shen Wei’s complete “Re-I, II, III” program; the revolutionary Emanuel Gat Dance; Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet’s “Decadance;” Japan’s H. Art Chaos’s rendition of “The Rite of Spring;” the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, perennial festival favorite Pilobolus; the Paul Taylor Dance Company; and the Mark Morris Dance Group. Other creative and interactive performances are featured as well by musicians, vocalists, and dancers comprised of ADF faculty and over 400 students from around the world. There is also a Children’s Saturday Matinee Series held in the afternoon just for families.
It’s a highly prestigious event, as the ADF has premiered a total of 613 different works in its 76-year history. Aside from audiences getting to witness showstopping dancing with the stars of the dance world, students and community members also have the opportunity to interact daily and learn first-hand with the brightest luminaries in the field of modern dance. Betty Ford was even once a student here, and later served as an honorary ADF chairperson–an honor also shared by fellow first ladies Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan, Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush.
With so many different styles of dance on display, there’s a little something for everyone. The casual dance fans who enjoy Dancing with the Stars will certainly be entertained, as will the performance arts season ticket holder. About the only genre not represented is this style, though I’m sure certain elements of it will be incorporated into the many moves that will grace the stage.
Tickets are required for most shows, but the Hollins University/American Dance Festival Master of Fine Arts Performance that closes the series of summer shows on July 24 and 25 at 8 p.m is free to the public. If you would like to attend, book your stay far enough in advance to find a cheap hotel deal.
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