ABOUT US.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide a space for the contemporary dance community on campus.

For styles such as ballet, modern, and others that have specific techniques with correct and incorrect ways to move, dancers can train with the same teacher in the same class format for years in pursuit of perfecting that specific technique. Contemporary dance is different in that there are very few specifics; movement varies from individual to individual due to the explorative and emotional nature of the form. This group will also strive to provide dancers with a space to grow, explore dance, and find their personal “voice” in new ways through improvisation, choreography, phrases, guest teachers, and more.

We want to give acknowledgement to the Shakori, Eno and Tuscarora people of whose land we gather on at Duke. We know that decolonization is an ongoing, ever present, and always changing action and we will commit to always learning how we can act better. We hope to understand how we can be allies towards a more equitable future for dancers, students, and to those around us.

Embodiment is guided by four pillars— The 4 C's— which are described in more detail below.

The 4 C's

CONTEMPORARY

Contemporary dance is the focus of ECD. Dancers with experience or training in any style are welcome, however, contemporary remains the essential focus and is the core foundation of this dance group

CONNECTIVITY

The purpose of ECD is not only to facilitate contemporary dance, but also, to create strong connections between members both inside and outside of our rehearsals. We aim to do so by having thoughtful events which bring the group together

COMMUNITY

ECD strives to reach out to the contemporary dance community within the Triangle Area. We will work with local studios, teachers, and community members to better understand the surrounding area

COLLABORATION

We will establish further community within Duke by collaborating with the Duke Dance Department and other groups on campus including acapella, musical, other dance groups.

Embodiment Contemporary Dance was founded in Spring of 2020 by Joey Rauch, Nicole Park, and Florence Wang— all Trinity '23. All current members can be found in the 'Members' tab, and the complete constitution can be found below.