Programs of Study at the Isadora Duncan International Institute
Programs listed below are held at the Tempio di danza, unless otherwise noted. A variety of lodging options are available nearby.
Certificate Program I in Isadora Duncan Studies: The Training I.D.M.A.
Directed by Jeanne Bresciani, B.A., Skidmore College; M.A. Kress Fellow in the History of Art & Museumship, Williams College/Clark Art Institute; I.M.A. in Laban Movement Analysis & Jungian Psychotherapy under the supervision of James Hillman; M.A. Fulbright Scholar in Dance, New York University; Ph.D. Faculty in Dance, New York University.
An accredited program held throughout the year in intensive sessions.
The Certificate Program I is a professional training program leading to the Certificate in Isadora Duncan Studies, entitled the I.D.M.A.degree and to the development of new Duncan programs internationally. In 1989 the first Certificate in Duncan Studies, implemented by Dr. Patricia A. Rowe, pioneer of dance in higher education, in conjunction with Kay Bardsley, was established at New York University’s graduate division as a Master of Arts degree program with Jeanne Bresciani as its founding director. Programs are now held at Tempio di Danza in High Falls, NY; the 92Y Harkness Dance Center in New York City; at Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY in the USA; at specially selected institutions in Europe annually and at the Apollo Institute in Beijing, China; and in live-streaming format worldwide.
It is intensive in format, requiring 7 one week periods of 30 hours each or any combination thereof, spanning a two to three-year time frame or longer. Fulfillment of requirements for graduation will be decided at the discretion of the Director in consideration of individual students’ needs and goals. Graduate or undergraduate academic credit from NYU or SUNY Empire State College has been available upon prior arrangement.
The purpose of Program I is to train individuals intensively and professionally for the teaching and performance of the Duncan technique. Three aspects of study and practice are emphasized: the aesthetic, the philosophical and the pedagogical. Each aspect is approached experientially through physical embodiment. The program is based on authentic Duncan technique and choreography, while developing a powerful access to students’ own creative resources for moving, teaching and the creation of new works.
Prerequisites for the Certificate Programs include a Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in professional or life experience. Admissions procedures involve the completion of an application, including personal essay, as well as a personal interview by phone.
The IDII is interested in mature, developed individuals seeking to enhance the integration of mind, body and spirit for themselves and for future generations within professional movement settings. Writing, speaking and movement skills are essential. Professional dance or movement training is not required. It is important that candidates be able to work openly and effectively with self-motivation and concentration in solo and group forms.
To register, please return the two attached registration forms to the IDII via mail or email.
View the wide range of Lodging options near the Tempio di Danza (High Falls Vicinity). Room sharing options can be arranged by contacting the Isadora Duncan International Institute.
Certificate Program II, Advanced Diploma in Isadora Duncan Studies: The Dances of Isadora Duncan Adv. Dipl.I.D.
An accredited program held throughout the year in intensive sessions.
For graduates of The Certificate Program I or for advanced students, a second sequence of study has been developed as a professional training program leading to The Advanced Diploma in Isadora Duncan Performance and Choreography. The program consists of intensive short courses of concentrated study and practice toward the definition and refinement of original Duncan choreographies for performance and reconstruction. The original Duncan choreographies descend in lineage from Isadora Duncan via the legacies of Maria – Theresa, Anna, Irma and Elizabeth Duncan to Jeanne Bresciani directly from Maria- Theresa Duncan, Hortense Kooluris, Julia Levien and Anita Zahn. Each session will focus on a particular thematic or musical body of master works. Sources and content of the works will be treated. Technical components of the dances will be practiced and mastered. The choreographic constructs of the pieces will be analyzed and executed. Performance aspects of the masterpieces of Duncan choreography will be brought forth and coalesced toward the goal of bringing to bear finished works of art. Both solo and group works will be considered.
Cumulative three-day intensive seminars, offered thrice annually, lead to The Advanced Diploma. The diploma will be granted at the discretion of the Educational Director upon completion of an individualized number of sessions. The dances will be determined prior to each session.
To register, please return the two attached registration forms to the IDII via mail or email.
View the wide range of Lodging options near the Tempio di Danza (High Falls Vicinity). Room sharing options can be arranged by contacting the Isadora Duncan International Institute.
Certificate Program in Myth, Movement and Metaphor
Program combining studies in movement and writing improvisation, choreography, archetypal psychology and mythology.
Myth, Movement & Metaphor: Alchemy
Designed for students from diverse fields of study, the goal of this training is to reanimate the place of myth and the mythic imagination through exploration, experimentation and immersion in expressive arts, studies in movement and relevant writings on myth and symbol. With an interdisciplinary approach to their research, and careful guidance from program faculty, graduates will be well poised to contribute to present day conversations on myth. Undergraduate and graduate credit available upon prior arrangement.
Program Components Include:
- Language and movement improvisation
- Supervised research and written course work on literary and movement studies
- Site-specific explorations in nature
- Choreographic research
- Parallels to contemporary studies in archetypal psychology
- Presentations by guest artists and lecturers