Some have studied dance abroad on scholarships. Others have university degrees in mathematics, psychology, anthropology, music, sociology or arts education. Upon arrival in Durham, N.C., these international choreographers are welcomed at the airport by representatives of community volunteer groups, including the North Carolina Friendship Force, who help them get settled. They take them on shopping and sight-seeing trips and host a picnic for them during their residency. Once at Duke and housed together on or near campus, the ICRs are thrust into the intensity of this dance environment.
Differences melt away and they form a bond that exceeds all expectations.
On his birthday a man from Estonia sits shaking with excitement that people from all over the world are in his room celebrating with him. Several orientation sessions acquaint them with everything from dining hall hours and general safety to program offerings. Along with all other ADF participants, they take preview classes to sample the techniques and teaching styles of the ADF faculty and choose the ones they wish to attend regularly. The class opportunities are terribly important to them. Some have never had the chance to take classes.