Durham, NC - Elizabeth Amend has a list of performances she will attend during the American Dance Festival, which opens its 79th season in June.

She's buying some tickets using a bulk discount through the festival but will use a 20 percent discount offered through PERQS, the Duke staff and faculty discount program, to purchase tickets for two or three other performances. 

"It's an incredible six weeks of modern dance, and the discounts make it very affordable," said Amend, a staff assistant for the Office for Institutional Equity who has attended the festival for nearly a decade. "I'm particularly looking forward to seeing Larry Keigwin dance solo in 'Panic,' his newest work, and figuring out the story being told."

Tickets are now on sale for the American Dance Festival, which runs June 14 through July 28. Duke staff and faculty receive the 20 percent discount by redeeming the savings online, by phone or in person at the box offices at Duke and the Durham Performing Arts Center.  

The 2012 season, which will be the festival's 35th season in Durham, will feature seven ADF commissions, seven company debuts, six world premieres and two U.S. premieres. Performances are at the Durham Performing Arts Center, the Reynolds Industries Theater on Duke's West Campus and the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh.

"With companies that encompass the unbelievable breadth of the modern dance field, there is undoubtedly something for everyone this season," said ADF Director Jodee Nimerichter. "We invite you to join us for a summer of beautiful dancing and inspiring choreography." 

For Amend, the lure of each summer's performances is the accessibility and surprise of modern dance. 

"With modern dance, you don't have to study before hand to appreciate it," she said. "You just go with what is up there on the stage and enjoy the color and athleticism and talent of the dancers."

Over the years, Amend has taken her nieces and nephews to the children's matinees "because they explain dance in a way that anyone can understand," she said. 

This year, Amend plans to attend one of the free weekly tours that offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the American Dance Festival school to experience faculty and dancers at work. 

"I've seen so many ADF shows, but I've never taken the opportunity to do the tour," Amend said. "I think it's about time."

For tickets and more information, visit americandancefestival.org. 

Photo credit for the feature art: Matt Murphy