Duncan Dance Research Center

Melding dance practice with theory and research, DDRC Athens provides space for inspiration, experimentation and creativity to artists of the Greek and international dance community. Promoting new physical and verbal dialogues, exploring the choreographic, philosophical, scientific, technological and educational strands of dance, DDRC accompanies and provides coaching, practical support and services to emerging choreographers, while they are seeking and articulating their own choreographic voice.

DDRC is:

• an international residency center for individual artists or dance companies elaborating experimental and research projects.
• a platform for the presentation of small-scale works (indoor and outdoor venue).
• a field of exploration and technical as well as artistic development in dance for kids and amateurs.
• a forum for the exchange of critical discourse and ideas among artists, the public and members of the local community.
• a point of reference and source of inspiration for all the dance community and researchers of the Isadora & Raymond Duncan legacy.
• an environmental frame for installations, site-specific works and other interdisciplinary projects.

DDRC is housed in a unique building of historic value and architectural interest, designed and built in 1903 by Isadora Duncan’s brother Raymond Duncan.
 The building, designed according to the specifications of the ancient Mycenaean mansion, is one of the very few venues worldwide that have been created specifically for dance and that, a hundred years later, are still serving this purpose. It is the realization of the Duncans’ utopian vision of a space where dance is in a constant, fluid relationship with day-to-day life. This first House of Dance is the foundation of today’s Duncan Center.

In 1980, the Municipality of Vyronas responding to the call of international organizations, and honoring Isadora Duncan’s work and legacy, undertook the renovation of the building. The relevant work was completed in 1992. It has been characterized by the Ministry of Culture as a Modern Monument.

DDRC Athens is operating with 2 studios and 2 meeting rooms. It hosts afternoon classes for kids and amateurs, workshops for professional dancers, research projects and residencies (lack of accommodation rooms), informal showings, lectures and reflection platforms. The outer space and the architectural specifications of the house provide an appropriate frame for cross disciplinary projects, installations, site specific works and community dance productions. The audience capacity reaches the 100-120 people. During the summer months, performances can be hosted in the 2 open theatres (600 and 2.500 capacity) of the City of Byronas.

Duncan Center collaborates with local dance companies and other cultural institutions such as with Kalamata Dance International Festival, Stegi, Athens and Epidaurus Festival, etc.

Photo: Prokopis Papagergiou