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American Dance Festival

Life At ADF (SDI)

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

Arrival

Thursday, June 13
Early arrivals are not allowed into the dorms, with exceptions for work-study students who are required to arrive early.

 

Departure

Depart on Sunday, July 14
The last day of classes is Friday, July 12. Final student class showings and performances will take place on Saturday and Sunday, July 13-14.

 

Opening Weekend

Thursday, June 13
Welcome & Student Orientation
Community Building Activities
Opening Night Performance

Friday, June 14–Sunday, June 16
Preview  & Drop-in Classes
Repertory Auditions
Community Events & Performances

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

Summer Intensive students may choose to live on-campus in a dorm or, may find their own off-campus housing. Duke University offers a limited number of dormitory rooms for participants.

Due to limited availability, single rooms will not be a general housing option for 2024. If you have an accessibility need, please contact the ADF School about applying for a single room via email at school@americandancefestival.org

300 Swift

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.

Important: Students living in the dorms must provide their own bedding and linens (pillows, sheets, blankets, towels, etc)

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

Food

On Campus

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.

ADF Perks

Attend Performances

Attending an array of professional performances is an essential component of your ADF experience. The ADF performance season features an international roster of dance companies ranging from long-established to cutting edge. You will receive a complimentary ticket to most performances held during the intensive dates.

Studio Space

Full-time ADF students may reserve studio space for personal research, technical practice, or creative work.

ADF Archives and Scholarly Research

ADF students have access to Duke University’s Lily Library, which features a vast array of dance books, videos, and other resources. 
Health & Wellness

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 and it is free of charge.

Getting Around ADF

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 one bus 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!