Bay Area National Dance Week

The festival runs for 10 days April 22-May 1 and this year is bigger than ever with over 400 free dance events, a huge opening celebration, and dance events as diverse as Scottish dancing, salsa, tango, hip-hop, clogging, fire dance, Samba, aerial dance, hula – you name it and it’s probably happening at Bay Area National Dance Week and it’s free.

San Francisco Highlights

Friday, April 22, 12noon-1pm
Kick-off event: One Dance
BANDW’s kick-off event. One Dance is an all-inclusive flash mob of dancers and non-dancers, schools, companies, and artists, all dancing in unison to the same piece of music. Everyone is welcome to join the celebration
– Union Square Park, San Francisco

Sunday, April 24, 5pm-8pm
Metronome Dance Collective
A Ballroom Social
Both beginners’ and intermediate/advanced classes will be conducted from 5pm to 6pm in such styles as the elegant Waltz, the classic Foxtrot, and the passionate Tango. After class, resident dancers of the Metronome Dance Collective will perform.
– 1830 17th Street , San Francisco

Monday, April 25, 4pm-6pm
City College San Francisco PE & Dance Department
Beginning Hip Hop
Instructor Paula Plessas breaks down various hip hop moves so students can successfully learn the final dance routine. Plessas’ hip hop style is hyper-rhythmical with fast foot work and sharp isolations. She also utilizes old school moves like the Fillmore and Shamrock to show the roots of hip hop.
– CCSF Health and Wellness Center, 50 Phelan Avenue, San Francisco

Tuesday, April 26, 7:30pm-8:30pm
Hot Pink Feathers
Carnaval Burlesque Technique
Learn saucy movements from the crossroads of World Carnaval Dance and Cabaret & Burlesque! Feel delicious in a community of delightful women as we articulate our bodies to best express our delectable spirits with isolations of hips and chest, and long gorgeous lines!
– Hot Pink Feathers Showgirl Academy, 128 10th Street, 3rd floor, San Francisco

Thursday, April 28, 7pm-8:30pm
ODC and Rhythm & Motion
Bhangra
Bhangra is a harvest dance originally from the state of Punjab in the northwest corner of India and Pakistan. As people continue to cross oceans and cultures, bhangra music and dance ceaselessly evolve with hip hop, reggae and other global influences.
– ODC Commons, 351 Shotwell Street, San Francisco

Friday, April 29, 9pm-1am
Duniya Dance and Drum Company
International Dance Show & Party
Enjoy an evening with Duniya Dance and Drum Company performing Bhangra, Bollywood, and West African dance. A bhangra dance lesson will be offered at 9:30pm. Special guests, Wontanara, playing live Afro-Roots, Reggae, Rude Manding, and Afrobeat will lead guests on the dance floor, with DJ Juan Data to keep the party going.
– Bollyhood Café, 3372 19th Street, San Francisco

East Bay Highlights

Sunday, April 24, 12:30pm-3pm
Batucada do Leste
Open Carnaval Dance Jam Rehearsal
Nives Wetzel de Cediel offers an exciting Afro Brazilian, Samba Reggae Carnaval Dance Jam. Attendees will learn Samba-Reggae, Samba and Afoxe dance moves to the accompaniment of live percussion. All levels are welcomed and no prior dance experience is necessary. The vibe is fun, friendly and high-energy.
– Emery Secondary School Gymnasium, 1100 47th Street, Emeryville

Monday, April 25, 6:30pm-7:30pm
Jubilee American Dance Theatre
American Folk Dance & Clogging
Appalachian clogging is an infectious way to get moving to the rhythms of old-time and bluegrass music. As seen in last year’s motion picture release, Songcatcher, this rhythmic and percussive dance style (an American fusion built on Anglo-Celtic and African roots) isn’t just for large, precision ensembles — it’s a way to express one’s own style.
– Ashkenaz Community Center, 1317 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley

Friday, April 29, 7-7:45pm
Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance
Hawaiian Hula
Hula is the soul of Hawaii, expressed in motion of hands and hips. Join the members of the Ka Ua Tuahine Polynesian Dance Company for this introduction to Hawaiian Hula dance. Learn hula steps and hand movements that are commonly used to form a simple hula dance.
– 729 Heinz Avenue, Suite 4, Berkeley

Saturday, April 30, 11:30am to 12:30pm
Flamenco Fusion
Flamenco Fusion with Rachael Terada
Learn the art of flamenco in a fun and supportive environment. Traditional flamenco dance is at the heart of Flamenco Fusion, bringing together music and dance styles from around the world. Beginning and experienced dancers welcome.
– Ashkenaz Community Center, 1317 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley

Saturday, April 30, 3:30pm-4:45pm
The Crucible
Intro to Rope Dart
Rope dart is an ancient Chinese martial art form embraced by performers for its quickness and grace. The simple tool is a long rope with a wick at one end, but it demands complex movements that call on your entire bod. Participants may either bring their own dart or borrow one from the presenter. (This is a non-fire event.)
– The Crucible, 1260 7th St., Oakland

Sunday, May 1, 1pm-5pm
Terrain’s Dance-A-Rama
Come join 15 of the Bay Area’s most exciting choreographers, in three beautiful studios at the vibrant 8th Street Studio Complex, for an informal performance marathon. Contemporary Dance, Belly Dance, Aerial Dance and more. There will be a different show every hour in the Western Sky Studio, the 8th Street Studio, and Studio 12.
– 2525 8th Street, Berkeley

South Bay Highlights

Friday, April 22, 7pm-8pm
Cassand Ballet Dance Showcase
Take a sneak preview of Rodolphe Cassand’s story ballet, The Fairies, based on a fairy tale by Charles Perrault. Cassand Ballet School and Company presents several scenes from The Fairies ballet in their home studio. Works from other dance schools and companies in the South Bay will also be featured.
– 223 Moffett Blvd, Mountain View

Tuesday, April 25, 9am to 10pm
Halanda Studio
Egyptian Bellydance
Learn an ancient and beautiful art from a native pro. Develop a stronger core, improved posture & leaner muscles. The instructor, Hala, grew up in Egypt and has been dancing her entire life. All ages, genders, and levels are invited. Plus Nia w/Terre & Kids Middle Eastern dances w/Farima.
– 1062 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose

Bay Area National Dance Week 2011: 400+ Free Dance Classes & Performances: Complete Schedule