Dancers' Group's Free Bay Area Dance Week To Begin 4/21-30

Dancers' Group is pleased to present Bay Area Dance Week, April 21-30, 2017. Now in it's 19th year, Bay Area Dance Week is one of the nation's largest, most joyful and inclusive celebrations of movement and dance. This year's festival features nearly 400 events, all are entirely free to the community.

BADW brings many opportunities to express oneself creatively, and to engage the body and mind. All bodies and backgrounds are welcome to attend workshops, performances, classes, open rehearsals and more. This 10-day festival, a gift from the dance community to the public, highlights the broad, all-embracing nature of the Bay Area dance community.

"Bay Area Dance Week feels more important than ever," said Wayne Hazzard, Executive Director of Dancers' Group. "It offers an opportunity to celebrate our differences by coming together in dance, regardless of cultural background, race, faith, or gender."

This year's festival kicks off with everyone's favorite flash mob, One Dance, led by Dancers' Group and Rhythm & Motion at San Francisco City Hall on Friday, April 21 at noon. One Dance is a flash mob created from crowd-sourced material and featuring dance "moves" from around the world. Participants can learn the dance online beginning mid-March at www.bayareadance.org, come to a rehearsal, or jump in the day of. No dance experience is required.

The recipients of the 2017 Dancers Choice Award and the Della Davidson Prize will also be honored at the City Hall kick-off.

This year's Dancers Choice Award goes to Mix'd Ingrdnts Dance Company, a diverse collective of female artists who work together as an all-styles Dance Company. Mix'd Ingrdnts is directed by Jennifer "Jenay" Anolin and Samara Atkins, who began the company in 2010 to empower women to express themselves, tell stories, and to ultimately evoke social change. Dancers' Group awards the Dancers Choice Award to individuals and organizations that are finding effective and creative models that impact dance in the Bay Area.

This year's Della Davidson Prize recipient is Deborah Vaughn, Artistic Director of Dimensions Dance Theater. Vaughn has traveled and studied traditional dance in West Africa, Zimbabwe, the Congo and throughout the Caribbean. She has strived to keep her company with one foot in each sphere - Africa and America, traditional and contemporary, past and present. Deborah's relationships in the arts community, developed through years of collaborative effort, bringing many artists together in creative partnerships and linking her choreography with the visual arts, theater, and music. The Della Davidson Prize honors the life and work of Bay Area dance luminary Della Davidson, who passed away in 2012. An annual prize is awarded to a choreographer/dance-maker producing work in the spirit of Ms. Davidson.

With nearly 400 events to choose from, there is something for everyone at Bay Area Dance Week. The public can pick up a free event guide in early April or visit www.bayareadance.org anytime to explore free events including dance classes, open rehearsals, performances and more. A few festival highlights include:

EVENTS FOR FIRST-TIMERS

Beginning Tap - warm up with basic tap vocabulary and learn a rhythmic phrase or two, hosted by City College of San Francisco; Saturday, April 22 in San Francisco

Intro to Aerial Dance - come try a class with UpSwing and see why it has been said to be the most fun, creative workout, hosted by UpSwing Aerial Dance Company; Monday, April 24 in Berkeley

Jazz Funk - get a workout, acquire jazz dance technique and flexibility, and learn a variety of routines that incorporate jazz, hip hop and other styles, hosted by YWCA Berkeley/Oakland; Tuesday, April 25 in Berkeley

Capoeira Basics - warm up using capoeira movements, training capoeira movement sequences both individually and in partners, general physical conditioning exercises to build necessary strength, balance, and agility, hosted by ABADÁ-Capoeira San Francisco, Tuesday, April 25 in San Francisco

World Music Dance Floor - come see local fusion bellydance artists, then dance to the beats of DJ Amar and Suresh, hosted by Underground Nomads; Tuesday, April 25 in San Francisco

Pre-Beginner Level Argentine Tango Dance - using somatic exercises, we will explore our body's ability to listen and respond to another's presence in preparation for partner dancing, no dance experience or partner necessary, hosted by Intimate Embrace Tango; Saturday, April 29 in San Francisco

FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS

Pre-Teen/Teen Family Creative Dance - families will share the studio for this combo class that combines free exploration, guided gross motor and sensory activities, and exploration of rhythm and dance, hosted by Projecting Commotion; Monday, April 24 in San Francisco

Greek Feet - Step into Greek Dance! - here's your chance to step into the world of Greek dance by learning fundamental steps and distinctive rhythms in this introductory class, hosted by Greek Feet; Monday, April 24 in San Francisco

Norwegian Folk Dance Party - an event highlighting traditional Norwegian dance and music, plus occasional dances from other Scandinavian countries or North America, hosted by Nordahl Grieg Leikarring; Wednesday, April 26 in Mountain View

Dance to Music From Around the World - lots of fun, easy-to-follow dances for all ages with music from all over the world - from Japan to Bulgaria, from Brazil to Serbia, from Poland to Turkey, hosted by Saratoga International Dance Family; Thursday, April 27 in Saratoga

Family Art Day - families and youth of all ages are welcome for celebration of art and culture from the Latin American diaspora, an afternoon of engaging visual art activities and more, hosted by MACLA; Saturday April 29 in San Jose

Sayawan Dance-a-thon - sample dance classes from Philippine Folk Dance, Hip Hop, Tahitian, Latin Ballroom (Salsa & Rumba) traditions for an afternoon Dance-a-thon the whole family will love, hosted by Sama Sama Cooperative; Sunday, April 30 in Oakland

YOUNG MOVERS

Chinese Dance for Children - Students from all over the Bay Area are invited to experience joy and beauty through Chinese dance, hosted by Lily Cai Dance Company; Saturday, April 22 in San Francisco

Youth Ballroom Program - a ballroom classes for youth aged 8-18 taught by champion dancers Olga & Dima Sukachov, hosted by Allegro Ballroom; Saturday, April 22 in Emeryville

Pre-Ballet for Kids - introduction to ballet for children aged 6-7, hosted by Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts; Tuesday, April 25 in San Francisco

Creative Movement for Children using Ballet and Jazz - using ballet and jazz moves, children ages 3-6 will learn to dance in a controlled but fun environment, hosted by Westlake School for the Performing Arts; Saturday, April 29 in Daly City

Junior & Parent Creative Dance - families will share the studio for this combo class that combines free exploration, guided gross motor and sensory activities, and exploration of rhythm and dance, hosted by Project Commotion; Saturday, April 29 in San Francisco

Hula for Kids - a fun introduction to the hula tradition where kids will learn a simple hula accompanied by live music, hosted by The Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance; Wednesday, April 30 in Berkeley

INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE

Ethnic Dances from the Balkans and Beyond - discover your inner rhythm, timing and love of learning new, sometimes intricate, often mesmerizing dances from Bulgaria, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Turkey, Greece and beyond, hosted by Kopachka Folk Dancers; Friday, Apr 21 in Mill Valley

Flamenco Class - explore the foundations of this dynamic art form of multicultural Southern Spain known for its intricate rhythms, percussive footwork with an emphasis on a strong, grounded and expressive upper body, hosted by YWCA Berkeley/Oakland; Monday, Apr 24 in Berkeley

Sacred Dance of the Silk Road with Miriam Peretz - this unique class offers a full range of expression from traditional Silk Road dances, to devotional, contemporary, and improvisational movement, beginning with an invocation, onto an intensive contemporary inspired warm-up, then traditional dance techniques, hosted by The Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance; Monday, Apr 24 in Berkeley

Tahitian Drumming and Dance Introduction - an introduction to the rhythm and dance from the Islands of Tahiti, beginners welcome, hosted by Kumu Hula; Thursday, Apr 27 in Alameda

Maori Dance & Traditions Introduction - from the "Land of the Long White Clouds," (New Zealand) the Maori people dance and sing about their love of land and her inhabitants, hosted by HÄ lau Makana Poynesian Cultural Arts Center, Inc; Thursday, Apr 27 in Alameda

Afro-Haitian Dance with Laure Fleurentine - a class steeped in the African Diaspora from Haiti with elements of traditional West African Dance that breaks down the movements and explains what the dance and its accompanying rhythm mean, hosted by Alonzo King LINES Dance Center; Sunday, Apr 30 in San Francisco

DANCE FOR HEALTH AND FITNESS

Energy in Movement - in this non-violent martial arts class, you will collaborate and blend with your partner's energy and the present situation, learning the basics of Aikido including alignment, mind body practice, flexibility, rhythm, extension, and flow. Includes a class, demonstration, and refreshments, hosted by City Aikido; Tuesday, April 25 in San Francisco

The Gateway to Being Present: Self-Breema - the simple, natural movements of Self-Breema support body, mind, and feelings to work together in the direction of increasing receptivity, balance, and openness to life, hosted by The Breema Center; Wednesday April 26 & Thursday April 27 in Oakland

Dance Conditioning - conditioning exercises that relate to the dance idiom, hosted by City College of San Francisco; Monday, April 24 in San Francisco

Body Tales & Authentic Movement for Women - a simple and profound, self-listening movement exploration done with eyes closed, Body Tales integrates intuitive movement, voice and spoken word for creative expression and healing, hosted by Body Tales With Olivia Corson & Lysa Castro; Wednesday, April 26 in Berkeley

Biodanza in Nature - a ritual of movement that gently facilitates deep personal transformation, Biodanza uses movement and inspirational music to reduce stress, awaken your zest for life and inspire a desire to embrace your authentic self, hosted by Biodanza; Sunday, April 23 in Larkspur

Movement Prep - this 1-hour class is a fusion of strength and conditioning, mobility and coordination, and restorative movements that will help you move with more ease, fluidity, and power in everything you do, hosted by Athletic Playground; Sundays, April 23 & 30 in Emeryville

LARGE-SCALE GATHERINGS

Bay Area Dance Week Kick Off - One Dance! - celebrate the first day of the festival with a flash mob at SF City Hall, a short dance sequence featuring crowdsourced moves. Learn the dance online, come to a rehearsal, or jump in the day of, hosted by Dancers' Group & Rhythm and Motion; Friday, April 21 in San Francisco

Outdoor Performance - dance performance at Golden Gate Park's Spreckels Lake featuring Aura Fischbeck, Christy Funsch, and special guests, hosted by Christy Funsch; Saturday, April 22 in San Francisco

15th sjDANCEco Festival @ Santana Row - during our all day festival, you will see performances representing the diversity of dance styles in the Bay Area and beyond, hosted by sjDANCEco; Sunday, April 23 in San Jose

LINES Dance Center at Union Square - come be part of this annual community performance event and see a diverse spectrum of local dance artists in an outdoor family performance designed for audiences of all ages, hosted by Alonzo King LINES Ballet; Wednesday, April 26 in San Francisco

Company Class Viewing at the War Memorial Opera House - go behind the scenes with the oldest professional ballet company in America and observe the dancers of SF Ballet in action in a company class led by one of the ballet masters, hosted by San Francisco Ballet; Saturday, April 29 in San Francisco

Blossom Festival International Dance Party - participate in a large program of dances from around the world with the first hour of instruction time for dancers of all ages and experience and a mixed program including requests to follow, hosted by Folk Dance Federation of Northern California; Sunday, April 30 in San Francisco

WALKING AWAY - Circumambulating Union Square - with this choreographic walk/work we will begin at sunset, walking, encircling, and disappearing body shifts in formation along the outer edges of the central public plaza, hosted by Tableau Stations/Isak Immanuael; Sunday, April 30 in San Francisco

INSIDE THE DANCER'S STUDIO

Studio Company Open Rehearsal - a view into the inner workings of a rehearsal featuring the Studio Company, this weekly series allows viewers an insight into the rehearsal process of a group of young dancers ages 17-24, hosted by Studio Company; Friday, April 21 in San Jose

Be A Choreographer For A Day - ever wondered how a dance is made, moment-to-moment in the studio? After a short introduction to choreographic ideas and tools, participants will have the opportunity to direct Quicksilver dancers. All levels are welcome! Hosted by Quicksilver Dance; Saturday, April 22 in Berkeley

Open Rehearsal and Discussion with UpSwing - watch UpSwing in rehearsal on newest work, ask questions of the dancers or director, and be the first to see the newest dance being created, hosted by UpSwing Aerial Dance Company; Wednesday, April 26 in Berkeley

ODC/Dance Open Rehearsal - join ODC/Dance, San Francisco's premier modern Dance Company, for an open rehearsal of "boulders and bones," choreographed by Brenda Way and KT Nelson, and stay for a Q&A with the dancers and choreographers, hosted by ODC; Wednesday, April 26 in San Francisco

Hope Mohr Dance: Precarious Open Rehearsal - an open rehearsal and look into the choreographic process for "Precarious," Mohr's newest work, hosted by Hope Mohr Dance; Wednesday, April 26 in San Francisco

Smuin's Open Rehearsal of "Dance Series 02" - observe our 16 dancers during a typical day in the studio, working in conjunction with our ballet master and various choreographers to perfect the Company's new works for the stage, hosted by Smuin Ballet; Thursday, April 27 in San Francisco

Open Company Class & Open Rehearsal with Choreographer Amy Seiwert - all abilities welcome for this company class geared towards experienced adult dancers. After class, join or stay for a sneak peek of Amy Seiwert's new work "The Reflective Surface," hosted by AXIS Dance Company; Friday, April 28 in Oakland

Open Dress Rehearsal of Into the Heartwood - for this performance piece created on the redwood sculptures of Bruce Johnson, the audience will move with the dancers and singers through the sculpture garden site, hosted by SoCo Dance Theater; Saturday, April 29 in Santa Rosa

YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE

5Rhythms Based Creative Expression - Sylvie Minot will lead an introductory dance class using music and movement exercises to explore self-expression and creativity -- 5Rhythms movement releases the dancer in everybody! Hosted by Syzygy Dance Project; Monday, April 24 in Sausalito

The Art of Social Dance: African American Couple Dances - participants will explore African American Couple Dances from the 1920's-present, including Lindy, Chicago Stepping and Detroit Ballroom, hosted by Dimensions Dance Theater; Wednesday, April 26 in Oakland

Beginning Bachata - come learn this simple sexy dance from the Dominican Republic -- Rodney is a master teacher who passionately believes in and teaches the Authentic style. No partner required! Hosted by Allegro Ballroom; Wednesday, April 26 in Emeryville

Tarot as a Basis for Meaningful Choreography - craft an expressive dance using the Tarot as a guide, for the first time or in a new way, and evoke the healing power of dance/movement, hosted by Polarity Tarot; Thursday, April 27 & Friday, April 28 in Berkeley

Latin Hip Hop Mixtiso - modern Hip Hop fusing Latin dance moves, hosted by Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts; Friday, April 28 in San Francisco

Bodywerk Dance - a dynamic hip hop dance jam, good for all levels, blending a variety of contemporary urban styles, with the core of the class focused on building short sequences, hosted by Flying Studios; Saturday, April 29 in Oakland

CLOSING WEEKEND

Resist: A Conversation With Artists About Activism - Margaret Jenkins will facilitate a conversation between Larry Arrington and Bay Area artists about different forms of resistance and artists will discuss the intersection of their work and social justice, hosted by Margaret Jenkins Dance Company; Satursday, April 29 in San Francisco

K-pop - In this class you will learn the fun and easy to follow choreography of Korean pop music and learn the many varieties of the key point choreography for K-pop dance, hosted by OngDance; Saturday, April 29 in San Francisco

Bhangra Dance - a one of a kind class that will get your feet stomping, shoulders bouncing, and hips shaking. Bhangra is one of the happiest and most exuberant form of movements from Punjab, India, hosted Dholrhythms Dance Company; Saturday, April 29in Berkeley

Bharatanatyam: Tradition to Trends! - an interactive session learning the basics of the ancient art form, Bharatanatyam, followed by a presentation of traditional and contemporary pieces by students of Ushanjali School of Dance, hosted by Naina Shastri and SAFEhouse Arts; Saturday, April 29 in San Francisco

Kathy Mata Ballet Presents Bay Area Dance Week Celebration - a performance of various ballet pieces with live accompaniment in which Company members and guests will perform musical theater, modern, lyrical fusion, contemporary, and much more, hosted by Kathy Mata Ballet; Sunday, April 30 in San Francisco

An Evening of Dance - an evening of dance curated by Molissa Fenley including Mills alumnae, visiting New Yorkers, and locals Garth Grimball, Cuauhtemoc Peranda and more, hosted by Molissa Fenley and Friends; Sunday, April 30 in San Francisco

Freestyle Community Dance - dance to an irresistible, eclectic blend of funk, blues, positive hip hop, jazz, pop and more to free mind, body and soul, and support free expression, community, health, and generosity, hosted by Soul Sanctuary Dance; Sunday, April 30 in Berkeley

Full details, including exact times and locations are available online at www.bayareadance.org

The History of Bay Area Dance Week

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