Class Schedule
COVID-19 Policies: Proof of COVID vaccine and boosters are not required at ADF’s Scripps Studios. Masks are at the discretion of the faculty.
All adult classes are open to ages 13 and up.
Fall Classes
Modern Dance: The Joy of Movement (Beginner)
Gerri Houlihan
Tuesdays at 10:30am-12pm
September 18 – December 17, 2023
12 Weeks
In this class, we will look at basic movement fundamentals and explore modern dance techniques through the lens of traditional concepts. The focus will be on building core strength, finding balance, developing correct alignment, and discovering ways to learn basic movement patterns. We will also explore how musicality can inform and enhance movement learning. The class will begin with floor barre exercises and progress to standing exercises followed by short phrases moving through space.
Because music and its relationship to movement is such an important focus for Gerri’s approach to dance, we are delighted to say that music for these classes will be provided by our wonderful long-time ADF musician, Jonathan Markow.
Contemporary Dance Practice: Roots and Wings
(Intermediate)
Ray Eliot Schwartz
Tuesdays at 6-7:30pm
September 18 – December 17, 2023
12 Weeks
Through the use of warm-ups, basic physical conditioning, repeatable movement sequences, and dynamic physical action through space we will gain experience and skills in coordination, alignment, and flexibility. Each class will consist of a series of exercises designed to thoroughly engage and articulate the moving body. The classes will focus on one or more of the following: momentum, alignment, free intelligent transfer of weight, flow, moving within a three-dimensional sphere, easily shifting in and out of the floor, suspension, balance, articulation, sensitivity to space and time, rhythmic exploration, movement memory, and phrasing of movement.
Modern Dance: Back to Basics
(Open Level)
Tony C. Johnson
Wednesdays at 6-7:30pm
September 18 – December 17, 2023
12 Weeks
This traditional modern dance class is inspired by the teachings of Tony’s mentor and friend, Betty Jones, one of the original members of the José Limón Dance Company. The Limón-based floor warm-up focuses on the foundations of body positions of dance. Students will learn classic Limón combinations. Students will experience the history and foundation of the modern dance practices explored.
Modern/Contemporary Dance (Intermediate)
Killian Manning
Thursdays at 6-7:30pm
September 18 – December 17, 2023
12 Weeks
This contemporary and modern dance class emphasizes full-body movement, lush musicality, and a strong sense of moving from the inside out. Killian creates movement that is challenging yet joyous, seeking to balance release with restraint, energy with stillness, and knowledge with exploration.
The Floor is Our Friend: Floor Barre
(Open)
Alexandra Burchette
Saturdays at 10:30am-12pm
September 18 – December 17, 2023
12 Weeks
While listening to gentle verbal queues and without the use of a mirror this class will concentrate on muscular sensation to guide us to our own body’s alignment. We will move from standing, through a series of positions on the floor and back to standing to reinforce correct alignment, strengthen our joints, and lengthen our muscles. This class is for movers of all kinds and is wonderful for injury prevention and rehabilitation. You will leave this class standing taller and with a deeper understanding of your own body and its potential.
ADULT Hip Hop (Open Level)
Jose Velasquez
Thursdays at 7-8:30pm
Saturdays at 12-1:30pm
September 18 – December 17, 2023
12 Weeks
Come learn how to get down! In this class, we will focus on learning the individual steps from the old school to the new. Get the tools and skills necessary to build your dance confidence all while feeling good and looking good.
Modern Jazz (Intermediate)
Tracey Durbin
Saturdays at 12-1:30pm
September 18 – December 17, 2023
12 Weeks
This soulful modern jazz class draws on the techniques and philosophies of Tracey Durbin’s mentor, Eugene Louis Faccuito, “Luigi,” one of the most famous international jazz teachers of his generation. It equips dancers with a strong, technical foundation while focusing on lowering the center of gravity and syncopating movement with a blend of Latin, modern, ballet, and jazz. This fun fluid class emphasizes the relationship between music and movement and inspires dancers to feel movement from the inside out.
Modern Dance (Intermediate) (13 & up)
Beth Desmond
Saturdays at 1:30-3pm
September 18 – December 17, 2023
12 Weeks
This class will be movement-based, focusing on short and long phrases that are musically driven. It will build upon the traditional ballet and modern vocabulary, playing with speed and freedom of movement. This class is designed for those with some familiarity with ballet and/or modern dance at an intermediate level (14+). Let’s Dance!
This adult class is also available to advanced teens ages 13–17.
Kinetic Awareness, the ball work (Open)
Jill Green
Sundays at 11:30am-1pm
September 18 – December 17, 2023
12 Weeks
Kinetic Awareness, developed by Elaine Summers, a dancer, choreographer, and filmmaker, is a somatic method that provides an opportunity to explore movement potential. This system of body-mind reeducation focuses on increased movement efficacy and ease through heightened awareness of movement. It enhances inner bodily communication. Because this system uses rubber balls to enhance body awareness and release excess muscular tension, Kinetic Awareness is often referred to as “the ball work.” Balls placed under various parts of the body provide contact with inner sensations, bringing awareness to inefficient patterns.
Modern Dance: The Joy of Movement (Int. to Adv.)
Gerri Houlihan
Sundays at 1:00-2:30pm
September 18 – December 17, 2023
12 Weeks
These classes are offered to dancers of intermediate/advanced skill levels to bring us together in an open and supportive way and connect us all to our love for dance and community. Grounded in the fundamentals of traditional modern technique, particularly the work of José Limón, the class focuses on concepts of alignment and core strength and the use of breath for efficiency of movement. The class will begin with simple floor exercises and develop into standing warm-up combinations and a center movement phrase.
Because music and its relationship to movement is such an important focus for Gerri’s approach to dance, we are delighted to say that music for these classes will be provided by our wonderful ADF musicians, John Hanks and Westin (Oxking) Portillo.
Samuel H. Scripps Studios
721 Broad Street
Durham, NC 27705
919-797-2871
jscullythurston@americandancefestival.org
We are located on the second floor, accessible by elevator or stairs. There is ample free parking (including two handicap parking spots) in the lot connected to our building.