(Courtesy of Sandi Ball)
6 Exotic (and Free) Classes to Take During Bay Area Dance Week
26 April 2017
American Tribal-Style Belly Dancing
Hips don't lie. Join Sandi Ball and the hipnotic ladies of American Tribal Style (ATS) belly dancing to learn how body awareness and posturing can help loosen up your pelvic stresses. Make Shakira proud.
When: Wednesday, April 26 (7-8pm)
Where: Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave. (Alameda), bayareadance.org
What Else: This is a no-shoe zone—being barefoot helps you be more present with your body.
Beginner - Intermediate Ballet
Unleash your inner ballerinx. Berkeley Ballet Theatre is hosting a few classes geared toward the adult novice. Establish good foot points and board-straight posture, and be introduced to technical terms that'll help you better communicate your newfound artistic fondness.
When: Friday, April 28 (11:30am to 1pm)
Where: Berkeley Ballet Theater, 2640 College Ave. (Berkeley), bayareadance.org
What Else: These classes tend fill up fast, so reserve your spot soon. Ballet slippers not included.
Argentine Tango
Ignite the dance floor. The Allegro Ballroom is the largest ballroom in the Bay Area, and this Saturday its floor will open to smokin' hot Argentinian tango and salsa moves. Don't have a partner? Just bring your curious self.
When: Saturday, April 29 (4-5pm)
Where: Allegro Ballroom, 5855 Christie Ave. (Emeryville), bayareadance.org
What Else: Bring your flats—your feet will thank you.
Bollywood Cardio
An explosive fusion of high-intensity cardio married with traditional Bollywood dance moves. Burn calories while moving to the beat of the latest Bollywood and Bhangra tracks. Work it.
When: Saturday, April 29 (2-3pm)
Where: Danzhaus, 1275 Connecticut St. (Dogpatch), bayareadance.org
What Else:Wear shorts and bring water—lots of water.
Hawaiian Hula
Learn the national dance of the Hawaiian people in this introduction to hula. Let the live drumming carry you away.
When: Sunday, April 30 (2-3pm)
Where: Mahea Uchiyama Center for Intʻl Dance, 729 Heinz Ave. (Berkeley), bayareadance.org
What Else: BYO grass skirt.
Traditional Korean Drum Dancing
Partake in this enchanting display of ancient dance in an hour-long workshop that covers the fundamental moves of Samgomu (three-drum dance) and Janggu (hour-glass drum dance).
When: Sunday, April 30 (4:30-5:30pm)
Where: Korean American Community Center, 745 Buchanan St. (Hayes Valley), bayareadance.org
What Else:It's first come, first serve. Wear flip-flops or sandals.
Cap off the week of dancing by resting your feet in the audience at "Resist: Conversation With Artists About Activism," hosted by the Margaret Jenkins Dance Company. // 301 8th St., Studio 200, (SoMa), bayareadance.org