Duke Dance Program

- Rubenstein Arts Center, 2020 Campus Dr Suite 209, Durham, NC 27708

In the vibrant academic and cultural landscape of Durham, North Carolina, the Duke Dance Program stands out as a unique and intellectually stimulating hub for the study and practice of dance. More than just a series of movement classes, this academic department is a cornerstone of Duke University, offering a robust curriculum that treats dance as a profound medium for intellectual and creative expression. The program is designed to encourage students to unite their physical, intellectual, and expressive capabilities, fostering a deep understanding of dance in its historical and cultural contexts. For students in North Carolina and those considering a move to the region for their higher education, the Duke Dance Program offers a comprehensive and integrated approach to the art form. It provides a balanced blend of studio work and theoretical study, ensuring that students develop not only as skilled performers but also as critical thinkers and articulate communicators. The program welcomes all students, from those with extensive prior training to absolute beginners, providing a supportive and challenging environment for everyone to explore and grow. This inclusivity is a defining feature, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals within the North Carolina community. As an academic department, its offerings are fully integrated into the university's curriculum, meaning students can pursue a major or minor in dance while fulfilling other graduation requirements. The program's mission is to prepare individuals who are not only sensitive and articulate in their movement but who also understand how dance can serve as a transformative force for social action and cultural understanding. This progressive and thoughtful approach is what truly sets the Duke Dance Program apart from traditional dance studios and makes it an invaluable asset to the arts scene in the region.

The Duke Dance Program is housed within the prestigious Rubenstein Arts Center at 2020 Campus Dr Suite 209 in Durham, North Carolina. This location places it at the heart of Duke University's campus, providing students with access to world-class facilities and a dynamic academic environment. The address is a central point for students and faculty, and for local residents, it is a prominent landmark within the Durham community. An important and commendable feature of the program's location is its commitment to accessibility. Public information confirms that the Rubenstein Arts Center is equipped with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot. This ensures that the program is inclusive and welcoming to all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities. The ease of access for students, visitors, and performers is a testament to the program's dedication to creating an open and equitable space for the arts. For those in North Carolina and the wider region, knowing that a premier dance program is situated in a conveniently located and fully accessible building makes it an even more appealing choice. The modern facilities within the Rubenstein Arts Center are designed to support a high level of artistic and academic exploration, providing an ideal setting for learning and performance. This combination of a prestigious address and a thoughtful, accessible design makes the Duke Dance Program a truly outstanding point of interest in North Carolina's educational and cultural landscape.

Services Offered

• A major and a minor in Dance, encouraging a union of physical, intellectual, and expressive capabilities.
• Academic courses with a focus on choreography, performance, and the cultural context of dance.
• Studio classes in various dance forms, including modern, ballet, and African dance.
• Other rotating course offerings such as swing dance, capoeira, and tap.
• Performance opportunities through main-stage concerts, student-produced shows, and an outreach program.
• The opportunity to study abroad or participate in the American Dance Festival.
• Research and independent study options for students to explore specific topics in dance.
• A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Dance: Embodied Interdisciplinary Praxis for graduate students.

Features / Highlights

• Located within the Rubenstein Arts Center, providing state-of-the-art facilities.
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot for full inclusivity.
• A faculty of eight full-time dance professors and a full-time musician.
• Emphasis on the total union of human physical, intellectual, and expressive capabilities.
• Offers a balanced curriculum that integrates creative/performance and historical/theoretical aspects of dance.
• Provides a wide choice of classes for students of all experience levels, from absolute beginners to highly trained technicians.
• Numerous performance opportunities each semester, including main-stage concerts and student showcases.
• The American Dance Festival hosts six weeks of intensive study and performances on Duke's campus each summer.

Contact Information

Address: Rubenstein Arts Center, 2020 Campus Dr Suite 209, Durham, NC 27708, USA

Phone: (919) 660-3354

What is worth choosing

Choosing the Duke Dance Program is a decision that offers far more than a typical dance education. What makes it a top-tier choice for students in North Carolina is its unique blend of rigorous academic study and hands-on artistic practice. The program's core philosophy—that dance is a medium for intellectual creativity—sets it apart. Students don't just learn to dance; they learn to think and communicate through movement, to analyze dance in its cultural context, and to use their skills for personal and social transformation. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to be comprehensive, offering courses that fulfill university requirements while also providing deep, specialized training. With an emphasis on styles like modern, ballet, and African dance, and the addition of other rotating courses, students have a wide variety of ways to explore their interests. The performance opportunities are a major highlight, giving students the chance to showcase their work in professional settings like the Reynolds Theater. This practical experience is invaluable for those considering a career in the arts. Furthermore, the accessibility of the facilities is a testament to the program's commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that anyone with a passion for dance can participate. The faculty, with their diverse expertise, are another key reason to choose this program. They are not just teachers but mentors who guide students in developing a holistic understanding of dance. For high school students in North Carolina who are passionate about dance and want to pursue a college degree that honors their artistic passion while providing a rigorous academic education, the Duke Dance Program is an exceptional choice. It’s a place where talent is nurtured, intellect is challenged, and a love for dance is transformed into a powerful tool for life.

Duke Dance Program

Rubenstein Arts Center, 2020 Campus Dr Suite 209, Durham, NC 27708, USA