(June 14 – July 28) The American Dance Festival began at Vermont’s Bennington College in 1934 as a collaborative effort between dance pioneers Martha Graham, Hanya Holm, Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman. Nearly eighty years later, the ADF has more than four hundred students from across the globe. Each year the ADF presents six and a half summer weeks of performances by both established and emerging dance companies, as well as offering an intensive training program.

ADF’s performance venues include Reynolds Industries Theater, The Bryan University Center, and Sheafer Theater (all located on Duke University’s West Campus), and Durham Performing Arts Center in downtown Durham.

American Dance Festival Information

• Venues: Reynolds Theater, Bryan Center, and Sheafer Theater (Duke University’s West Campus, 104 Bryan University Center); Durham Performing Arts Center (123 Vivian Street); The Ark and the Baldwin Auditorium (Duke University’s East Campus, 1304 Campus Drive)
• Public Transportation: Fair for Reynolds Theater, Bryan Center, and Sheafer Theater (bus 6 serves Duke University West Campus) and The Ark and the Baldwin Auditorium (buses 11 and BCC serve Duke University East Campus). Good for Durham Performing Arts Center (easily accessible from buses 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 16, and the Durham Amtrak Station)
• Handicapped Accessibility: Good for all venues
• Performances/Programs: Approximately 50 performances presented throughout the festival as well as several events
• Ticket Prices: Range from $23–$51 depending on venue, date, and seating selection. Many free events are offered. Discounts available if you buy 4+ tickets
• Donations: Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated.