American Dance Festival Kicks Off 79th Season

Twenty years after starting at American Dance Festival (ADF) as an intern, Jodee Nimerichter launches the festival's 79th season this weekend as the festival's director. For the previous 43 years, the ADF was lead by Charles Reinhart who retired in 2011. Reinhart was in charge of the festival when it moved to Durham in 1977 at the invitation of then Duke University President Terry Sanford.

Under Nimerichter's leadership, the festival boasts an outstanding line-up of performances and activities including seven ADF commissioned world premieres, two US premieres and eight ADF  company and choreographer debuts.

The 2012 season opens tonight with a one-night-only performance of Doug Elkins & Friends' Fräulein Maria at DPAC - Durham Performing Arts Center. The Opening Night Fête will continue on to Parizäde for food, wine and more dancing. Proceeds from the party will benefit ADF Educational Programs. See the ADF web page for ticket information.

The 2012 American Dance Festival continues through July 28 with performances at DPAC and Reynolds Theater, Duke University. Go to ADF's calender online, and see the DPAC and Duke Ticket Office for tickets.