Adult Drop-In Class – $15
Student Drop-In Class – $5
10-Class card – $120
Adult Enrollment (12 week series for 1 class) – $100*
*can only be redeemed by calling the studio
All adult classes are open to ages 13 and up.
FALL
Adult Classes
September 16–December 15, 2024
Modern Dance: The Joy of Movement
(Intermediate)
with Allie Pfeffer
Tuesdays at 6:00–7:30 pm
September 17th–December 10th
No class November 26
About the Class
Based on Modern Dance: The Joy of Movement classes by Gerri Houlihan, this class is offered to dancers of intermediate 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.
Contemporary dance practice: Roots and Wings (Intermediate)
with Ray Eliot Schwartz
Tuesdays at 6:15–7:45 pm
class capacity: 12 students
September 17th–December 10th
No class October 1, November 26, & December 3rd
About the Class
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)
with Tony C. Johnson
Wednesdays at 6:00–7:30 pm
September 18th–December 11th
No class November 27
About the Class
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 Dance: The Joy of Movement
(Beginner)
with Gerri Houlihan
Thursdays at 10:30 am–12:00 pm
September 19th–December 12th
No class November 28
About the Class
In this class, we will look at basic movement fundamentals and explore modern dance technique 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.
Modern/Contemporary Dance (Intermediate/Advanced)
with Killian Manning
Thursdays at 6:00–7:30 pm
September 19th–December 12th
No class November 28
About the Class
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 Level)
with Alexandra Burchette
Saturdays at 10:30 am–12:00 pm
September 21st–December 21st
No class September 28, October 19, & November 30
About the Class
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.
Modern Jazz for Teens
(ages 13–17)
with Tracey Durbin
Saturdays at 10:30–11:45 am
September 21st–December 14th
No class November 30
About the Class
Tracey’s soulful Luigi-based modern jazz class encourages students to take risks and connect to movement in a fun, supportive, and non-judgmental way. This modern jazz class blends Latin, jazz, ballet, and modern styles to challenge students to move big with full expression. Set to eclectic, atmospheric, and heart-thumping music, Tracey’s class will build a technical foundation while keeping students engaged, energized, and inspired!
Modern Jazz
(Intermediate)
with Tracey Durbin
Saturdays at 12–1:30 pm
September 21st–December 14th
No class November 30
About the Class
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.
West African Dance Styles
(Open-level)
with Toya Chinfloo
Saturdays at 1:30–3:00 pm
September 21st–December 14th
No class November 30
About the Class
Immerse yourself in the vibrant and energetic world of West African dance! Our classes offer an enriching experience that combines rhythmic movement, cultural education, and joyous expression. Suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced dancers, this class provides an opportunity to connect with the powerful traditions and dynamic styles of West African dance. Celebrating community…Ago’… Ame’
About the Class
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!
Modern Dance: The Joy of Movement
(Intermediate/Advanced)
with Gerri Houlihan
Sundays at 1:00–2:30 pm
September 22nd–December 15th
No class December 1
About the Class
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 long-time ADF musician, John Hanks.
Samuel H. Scripps Studios
721 Broad Street
Durham, NC 27705
919-797-2871
studios@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.