Developed in 1998 in collaboration with the Durham Parks and Recreation Department, ADF Project Dance is a special program designed to expose the Durham community to dance. Those involved experience a wide range of activities, which give them an opportunity to learn about dance, technical theatre, and the variety of skills and knowledge required to present the performing arts today.
Over the past eleven years, ADF Project Dance has expanded into a year-round program that now includes working with the public school system, senior centers, Duke Hospital, community centers, as well as the Durham Parks and Recreation Department. ADF Project Dance provides master classes with professional teaching artists and guest performers, behind-the-scenes tours of the ADF school and theatre production, and opportunities to attend live dress rehearsals and performances.
In 2009 the ADF partnered with El Centro Hispano in downtown Durham by offering dance classes taught by ADF faculty as part of the center’s two week-long summer camps for children. Meeting four times per week, children aged 5-10 participated in classes that focused on creative movement, including elements of composition and improvisation. These hands-on learning experiences were designed to help build self-esteem and confidence, improve cooperation, sharing, leadership skills, and create an appreciation of modern dance.
The 2009 season of Project Dance was made possible through the generous contribution of Duke University Spanish Service-Learning, Duke Latino/a Studies, the City of Durham, the Durham Cultural Master Plan, the Duke Energy Foundation, the Durham Merchants Association Charitable Foundation, and the SHS Foundation.
Photos by Sara D. Daivs/ADF 2009 at El Centro Hispano in the summer of 2009.
