Ready, Set, Dance!

ADF starts another season at Duke

By David L. Fitts, Jr.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Note to Editors: David L. Fitts, Jr. is a student at N.C. Central University who is a summer intern with the Duke Office of News and Communications.

Durham, NC -- For the next six weeks, several hundred students from around the world will dance the day away at Duke.

American Dance Festival (ADF) started its 76^th season Thursday with class registration in the Ark on East Campus. During the summer, students from all over the world will descend to Durham to learn and improve on their dancing skills. Performances from the international collection of companies begin with the Shen Wei Dance Company June 18.

Walking through the Ark Thursday, ADF students talked with excitement about the upcoming season. Maungsai Somboon who is from Thailand, is returning to ADF for his third time, his second as a dorm counselor. “I was in college the first time I attended ADF. Being here, my eyes were opened to the different types of dance and the different possibilities that could come from dancing,” Somboon said.

Just having finished his first year of graduate school, Somboon wanted to return to the ADF to work toward his goal of performing and choreographing with a big city dance company or school.

First-time ADF students said they were eager to start the experience. “I am looking forward to working with the students and dancing alongside them,” said Mika Banks of Chicago, who said she has already decided to return next year. “I love to dance as well as being a mentor to others. I am hoping to learn a lot from the students and also pass some knowledge on to them,” Banks said.

“I want to gain experience dancing from great teachers,” said Denisse Cardenas, another first year ADF student who plans to open her own fine arts center in Mexico.

Shawn Ahern, a second-year ADF student, said the festival gives him an opportunity to dance works composed by other choreographers. “I love being around all the amazingly talented people who present themselves well,” Ahern said. Last year’s highlight for him was performing “Jacose,” a work by Hanya Holm.

Registration day was also special for the ADF staff, many of whom have worked year-round to get ready for the next six weeks. Cayte Connell, marketing and communications associate with ADF, said the best part of working for the ADF is watching the students grow and develop their skills. “Each year I am able to enjoy the performances that the students put on that are open to the public,” Connell said.

More information about the program can be found on the ADF website. First the first time, some ADF performances will be held in the new Durham Performing Arts Center. For schedule of events, click here.

Photo below: ADF students collect materials and register for classes. Photo by Jon Gardiner