Certificate Program I: The Training

The Certificate Program I is a professional training program leading to the Certificate in Isadora Duncan Studies 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 within the New York University Graduate School of Education, Department of Dance and Dance Education Master of Arts degree program. Jeanne Bresciani was chosen as the founding director of this Duncan specialization and continues this role today within the program in Dance and Dance Education, directed by Miriam Roskin Berger, as part of the Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions at New York University.

In order to serve candidates from a vast range of academic backgrounds and individuals from other geographical locations, a separate Certificate Program was established in 1997. It is intensive in format, held over 7 to 10 one week periods, spanning a two to three-year time frame. It includes all components of the NYU based Certificate Program. Fulfillment of requirements for graduation will be decided to the discretion of the Director in consideration of individual students' needs. Graduate or undergraduate academic credit from NYU or SUNY Empire State College is available upon prior arrangement.

The purpose of Program I is to train individuals intensively and professionally for the teaching and performance of the Duncan work. Three aspects of study and practice are emphasized: the aesthetic in the June week, the philosophical in the August week and the pedagogical in the February week. 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. Both June and February weeks culminate in performance before the public; in summer, within an outdoor amphitheater setting beneath a festive tent and in winter before a roaring fireplace in a Salon evening at Tempio didanza. In each case, the art of the dance, the confraternity of dancers and the community at large are served.

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, professional references, educational transcripts and a medical form as well as a personal interview, either by phone or in person.

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 in group process and with self-motivation and concentration independently.

Announcing January Week in New York City
at the
Historic Harkness Dance Center of The 92nd Street

Monday January 22 - Friday January 26, 2007
Isadora Duncan From East and West with Jeanne Bresciani, Ph.D. and Michiyo Sato, M.A., I.D.M.A.
Learn More

For graduates of the Certificate Program I or for advanced students, a second sequence has been developed as a professional training program leading to The Advanced Diploma in Isadora Ducan Performance and Choreography. The program consists of intensive three day courses of concentrated study and practice toward the definition and refinement of original Duncan choreographies for performance and reconstruction. 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 into finished works of art. Both solo and group works will be considered.

Annual Post-Graduate Offerings:
Cumulative three-day intensive seminars, offered each April and October, 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, selected from a minimum of six over a five-year period. The dances will be determined prior to each session.

Registration Forms