Two-Year Certification Program in the Advanced Studies
in the Dance of Isadora Duncan

General Information

The Isadora Duncan Foundation for Contemporary Dance, Inc. is now offering certification in Advanced Studies in the Dance of Isadora Duncan.

Lori Belilove, director of the program, has developed a program for the study of the dance of Isadora Duncan, which encompasses a large body of interdisciplinary studies. Duncan was an innovator in the field of dance, revolutionizing the concept worldwide of what it means to be a dancer. She was the first dancer to articulate the need for dancers to educate themselves, to be broad thinkers, to study history and question the norm.

The incentive for offering the Certification Program is to establish an advanced level for studies in Duncan's work for the purposes of teaching and, in some cases, performing. Designed as a 2-year program, the aim is to give students an opportunity to study at an advanced level and be recognized for such work. The program is designed so that those who have completed the Certification Program will maintain an on-going relationship with artistic director, Lori Belilove, the Isadora Duncan Foundation for Contemporary Dance, Inc. and members of Lori Belilove & Company. Candidates may perform with the Company, teach at the Duncan Foundation, and be asked to teach, on a referral basis, at other dance schools and institutions requesting Duncan Dance.

After 350 of the required class hours and 3 of the intensive workshops have been completed, each candidate can move into the Mentoring Program . Students will be assigned a mentor to outline their final project to be completed within 6 months. In establishing the project, students will work with their mentor to focus on their interests and create a working relationship, which may include practice teaching sessions and/or coaching for performance, depending on the project. Mentors will be drawn from the teaching faculty of the Foundation and senior members of Lori Belilove & Company.

Candidates are required to participate in the IDF Book Club held during the intensive workshops and after the evening classes periodically throughout the year. The Book Club meets with a focus on a given topic or book relating to the study of Duncan and may include guest speakers.

Requirements
A wealth of inter-related subjects become sources for understanding the dance of Isadora Duncan. Completion of the Certificate Program requires 4 intensive 10-day workshops (offered twice a year), 500 class hours, and a final project within the mentoring program.

The basics are outlined as:
1) Knowledge of Duncan's repertory - solo and group works, the different periods of her work…the early dances to the later tragic works.
2) The ability to teach the basic vocabulary, center, barre, across-the-floor movement phrases, improvisation.
3) Knowledge of the music she used and her unique musicality as a choreographer.
4) Completion of Required Reading List.
5) Screening from Required Video and Film List.
6) Completion of 10 Books on the Recommended Reading List.
7) Participation in the IDF Book Club held monthly and during workshops ( 5 Total).

Further, it is expected that students have an overview of the following subjects: (Seminars with Ms. Belilove held during the intensive workshops and advanced classes will cover the basic material in each subject.)
Greek mythology
Literature that relates to the choreographies
Concepts of education
Classical studies -- Greek philosophy, Greek drama
Costume design and construction of Duncan tunics
Overview of art history -- Greek, Renaissance, Baroque, Modern Art, etc.
Dance history- Ballet, Modern, Folk Dance, Social Dance
Classical music - musicality, phrasing, rhythm, dynamics
Acting principles/Concept of drama/Character development

To be a candidate for the Certificate Program, students must demonstrate commitment to teaching and/or performing the Duncandance.

Certification Program Application (please produce your application on separate paper and fax or mail to information below)

Please provide:
Name
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail

Please describe:
Previous and Current Dance Training
Interest and Involvement with the Dance of Isadora Duncan (why you would like to receive a certificate from the Isadora Duncan Dance Foundation)
Teaching Experience (ages of students, circumstances, institution, etc.)
Dancing Goals (as a teacher, performer, and/or choreographer)
Specialization for Final Project (as well as you can now select)

Topics for Final Project may include:
Teaching children, adults, seniors and/or special focus groups
Performing
Dance/ Movement therapy
Choreography / Dance Composition
Healing arts
Body releasing techniques
Yoga
Costuming
Music/sound
Staging of repertory/ researching versions
Researching programs/ thematic programs
Dalcroze Method
Drama
Health/ Fitness
Historical archival project

Please include:
Three (3) letters of recommendation from individuals who are in a related field or who know you and your background.

Application Fee: $35.
Mentoring Program Fee: $500.
Intensive Seminars: $700 - $800 each
Classes (approx.2 hours): $15 - $10 each
Book Club Meetings: $5 - $10 each

For more information, please contact info@isadoraduncan.org, or call (212)691-5040.

To submit your application, please fax to (212)627-0774 or mail to Isadora Duncan Foundation, 141 West 26th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10001