fbpx
American Dance Festival

Life At ADF (DPW)

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 & Departure

Creative Process Workshop

Check in 10am–12pm on Sunday, June 18
Depart the morning of Sunday, June 25

Educators Workshop

Check in 10am–12pm on Sunday, June 25
Depart the morning of Sunday, July 2

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.

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 Gilbert-Addoms Residence Hall on Duke University’s East Campus:
    1368 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.
Housing

On Campus

Duke University offers a limited number of apartment style dormitory rooms, 300 Swift on Central Campus, for ADF participants. 300 Swift is conveniently located 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 in each apartment. Other community amenities include: 24-hour fitness center with yoga studio, private conference/study rooms, game room, bike storage, outdoor grills, and a parking garage. Each apartment comes equipped with the following:

  • Bedroom: XL twin or full mattress and bed, 2 2-drawer dressers per person, one desk/table.
  • Living room: couch, chair, coffee table, and entertainment center piece. Barstools will be provided for apartments with the kitchen islands (most apartments). For those apartments without kitchen islands (normally studios), a table and four chairs will be provided.
  • Kitchen: fully equipped kitchen (stove, oven, refrigerator, dishwasher).
  • Stackable washer/dryer included within each unit.

Double dorms: Students that select a double dorm will be placed in either a 2-bedroom apartment with 4-beds/students or a 1-bedroom apartment with 2-beds/students. 

Limited single dorms: Students that select a single dorm will be placed in a studio apartment. Single dorms are extremely limited and availability cannot be guaranteed by Duke. Please contact the ADF school for availability before selecting in your application.

Important: Students living in the apartments must provide their own bedding and linens (pillows, sheets, blankets, towels, etc), as well as all cooking supplies and utensils.

 

Off Campus

DPW students may find their own off-campus housing, a cost-effective way to live at ADF for 1–2 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

 

Hotel

Discount codes for ADF’s preferred hotel(s) and car rental service will be announced soon. Your Program Handbook will contain a direct link for hotel booking online with a special ADF discount. Additional local hotel information HERE.

Food

On Campus

Duke University does NOT require ADF students that live at 300 Swift Apts to purchase a Duke University meal plan. There are various optional dining options and locations across Duke’s Campus. Read more about Duke University’s dining menus/hours.

 

Pay-per-meal dining at East Campus Union Marketplace

2023 rates
Breakfast: $12.25
Lunch: $15.25
Dinner: $18.50

Credit/debit cards and cash accepted. There is an ATM in the building. All meals at the Duke University Marketplace are taxed at the 7.5% current local rate. 

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.

Health & Wellness

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

ADF partners with local massage therapists and acupuncturists to help make services available to the ADF community at an affordable rate.

Getting Around ADF

Parking

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!