ADF strives to provide resources and amenities for an enjoyable and safe student experience, assisting each unique situation to the best of our ability and supporting day-to-day life at the festival.
ARRIVAL
Check in 10am–2pm on Thursday, June 16
Early arrivals are not allowed into the dorms, with exceptions for work-study students and stagecraft apprentices who are required to arrive early.
DEPARTURE
Depart on Monday, July 18
The last day of classes is Friday, July 15. Final student class showings and performances will take place on Saturday and Sunday, July 16–17.
Participants staying in the dorms will check out and return their key to ADF by 11am on departure day.
Late arrival/early departure is not recommended and permitted only on a case-by-case basis. Fees are not prorated for missed program days. Contact the school office at school@americandancefestival.org if arriving late or departing early.
OPENING WEEKEND
Thursday, June 16
Check-in 10am–2pm
Student orientations
Opening night performance
Friday, June 17–Sunday, June 19
Meet your faculty & classes
Open Masterclasses
Campus tours
Class add/drop
International Choreographers Residency (ICR) auditions
Community events & Performances
TRAVELING TO ADF
Interactive Map of Duke University’s campus and important ADF locations including studios and performance spaces.
Travel Options
- Car: The ADF summer office is located in the Wilson Residence Hall on Duke University’s East Campus:
1320 Campus Dr., Durham, NC 27708 Driving directions - Air: The closest airport is the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). It is approximately 18 miles from Duke University.
- Bus: Greyhound and Megabus buses arrive and depart from the downtown Durham station at 515 W Pettigrew St.
- Train: The Amtrak station is located in downtown Durham at 601 W Main St.
- Car Service: Lyft and Uber provide easy transportation to and from the airport and around Durham.
- Shuttle Service: Charlene Safe Ride (Brier Creek Taxi & Car Service) is a trusted and economical company that provides a shuttle service to/from the airport and around Durham.
ON CAMPUS
The below On-Campus Housing information will be updated in spring of 2022.
Duke University offers a limited number of apartment style dormitory rooms for ADF participants at 300 Swift on Central Campus. 300 Swift is conveniently located between East and West Campus of Duke University and within walking distance of several ADF studios, including the Rubenstein Arts Center. It is within walking distance of grocery stores and several restaurants.
300 Swift offers apartment-style living with a variety of amenities such as washer/dryer and kitchen in each apartment. Other community amenities include: 24-hour fitness center with yoga studio, dual private conference/study rooms, game room, saltwater pool, bike storage, outdoor grilling kitchen, gas and charcoal grills, and a parking garage. Each apartment comes equipped with the following:
- Bedroom: XL twin or full mattress bed, two 2-drawer dressers per person, one desk/table.
- Living room: couch, chair, coffee table, and entertainment center piece. Most apartments feature a kitchen island with barstools. Studio apartments generally offer a table and four chairs.
- Kitchen: fully equipped kitchen with stove, oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Students must provide their own cooking supplies.
- Each apartment comes with an in-unit stackable washer/dryer.
Students that select a double dorm will be placed in either a 2-bedroom apartment with four beds or a 1-bedroom apartment with two beds. Students that select a single dorm will be placed in a studio apartment (limited availability).
Important: Apartment dorms do not have supplies. Students living in the apartments must provide their own bedding (pillows, sheets, blankets, etc), linens (towels, etc), and other living supplies.
OFF CAMPUS
SDI students may choose to find their own off-campus housing. Off-campus housing is a cost-effective way to live at ADF for four weeks.
Many ADF students use the ADF School Housing Collective Facebook page to find roommates to keep expenses low. Students are advised to look for places near Duke’s East or Central Campus, where a majority of classes will be held. Parts of the Trinity Park neighborhood is also walkable to ADF studios. Review this map of summer locations as you research options. ADF is not responsible for off-campus arrangements or agreements.
Additional off-campus housing resources: Craigslist | Off-Campus Duke Housing Resource | Airbnb
Duke University requires all students with on-campus housing to purchase a meal plan, which is included in the cost of Housing & Meals.
There are various dining options across Duke’s East and West Campus. Duke University Dining Services in the East Union Marketplace on East Campus offers on-campus food services for ADF participants and offers a wide range of open hours. The cafeteria features an open-style buffet that focuses on healthy options including a full salad bar, grill items, and rotating international entrees. Students with allergies or food restrictions have adequate meal options. The East Campus Union also features the Trinity Cafe, open for select hours during the summer and serving coffee shop-style food and beverage items.
Read more about Duke University’s dining: options/locations | menus/hours
PAY-PER-MEAL DINING AT EAST CAMPUS UNION MARKETPLACE
2022 rates
Breakfast: $12.00
Lunch: $15.00
Dinner: $18.00
Credit/debit cards and cash accepted. There is an ATM in the building. All meals at the Duke University Marketplace will be taxed at the current local rate of 7.5%.
OFF-CAMPUS
Whole Foods grocery store is directly across the street from East Campus with a salad/hot bar and to-go section.
9th Street is approximately 2 blocks from East Campus and features a number of local cafes and restaurants.
Downtown Durham features an extensive array of dining options.
Harris Teeter, Food Lion, and Kroger grocery stores are also located near campus. ADF provides van trips on weekends to grocery stores for students without transportation.
ATTEND PERFORMANCES
STUDIO SPACE
STUDENT-LED INITIATIVES AND MENTORSHIP
ADF develops the next generation of leaders in the field by providing opportunities for students to propose, develop, and lead classes/discussions. Focused mentorship is available for student choreographers.
ADF ARCHIVES AND SCHOLARLY RESEARCH
DUKE UNIVERSITY STUDENT HEALTH CENTER
For basic health needs, Duke University allows ADF students the option to pay a Student Health Center Fee and take advantage of the campus outpatient services. Clinic service examples:
- medical care for illnesses and minor injuries
- medication dispensed by the Center’s pharmacy for short-term treatment of acute problems
- basic laboratory services
This fee does NOT COVER emergency room or hospital visits. Please refer to Duke University’s Student Health Center to see all services covered and not covered. It’s important to reference these pages before pursuing services at the center.
Purchasing the Student Health Center Fee DOES NOT take the place of health insurance.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
ADF students have access to a Duke University physical therapy walk-in clinic for the duration of the festival. The clinic is located in the same building as the ADF summer offices and is free of charge. Physical therapy is open three days a week for a limited number of hours.
MASSAGE AND ACUPUNCTURE
A resident massage therapist and acupuncturist specializing in dancer treatment is available to the ADF community at an affordable rate.
GYM ACCESS
ADF students have access to Duke University’s Brodie Gym which features a pool, sauna, and full array of cardiovascular equipment and weights.
PARKING ON CAMPUS
For students bringing a car to campus, a four-week parking pass can be purchased upon arrival. Note the parking pass only allows students to park on East Campus in designated spots. The parking pass does not cover off-campus paid parking. Parking passes can be obtained on check-in day. ADF is not responsible for parking violations, fines, or vehicle damage incurred while on Duke University’s campus.
TRANSPORTATION AROUND CAMPUS
Buses
ADF provides two buses that transport students between classes, performances, and select events. A detailed ADF bus schedule will be provided prior to your arrival. In addition to the ADF buses, the Duke Bus is free and runs regularly around campus. The GoDurham Bus provides transit throughout Durham.
Bike & E-Scooter Resources
There are a number of bike shops around town that offer bike rentals or bike sales. We recommend the Bike Co-Op or looking on Craigslist/Facebook for the most affordable options. Durham is also host to three electric scooter brands: Lime (green), Bird (black), and Spin (orange). Use these services at your own risk and bring a helmet!
- Durham Bike Co-Op: Buy a bike and fix it up or fix your own bike for very cheap
- Craigslist: Buy a used bike and resell it at the end of the summer
- Facebook Marketplace: Buy a used bike and resell it at the end of the summer
- Durham Cycles: Bike rentals
- Bullseye Bicycle: New/used bikes to buy/rent
- Seven Stars Cycles: Bikes to buy
- The Bicycle Chain: Bikes to buy