Mission Statement
National Dance Week was founded in 1981 to increase awareness of dance and its contributions to our national culture. The first Bay Area National Dance Week festival grew out of a public dialogue in 1998, when dance artists, administrators, and organizations came together to explore how best to spotlight Bay Area dance during National Dance Week. The festival that emerged took a national initiative and imbued it with the innovative and inclusive spirit of the Bay Area. As the largest per capita center for dance in the United States, the Bay Area's festivities have been the most extensive and best attended celebrations in the country since its inception. Each year, over 100 dance organizations and artists present events during Bay Area National Dance Week, involving over 2,500 artists. Come celebrate with us as teachers, dancers, choreographers, and dance artists invite the public to experience the art and practice of dance.
Description
We envision a Bay Area that celebrates dance in all its forms.
We envision a Bay Area that is passionate for, knowledgeable about, and participates in dance.
We envision a Bay Area that values dance as a cornerstone of civic pride and identity.
We envision a Bay Area that recognizes dance as a defining characteristic of our humanity.
The Bay Area has one of the largest, most active and thriving dance communities in the country. During Bay Area National Dance Week, participants and volunteers reaffirm our region's commitment to dance, offering hundreds of free events.
This year's festival once again will offer a diverse roster of programs--including free classes, performances, rehearsals, lecture demonstrations and studio open houses--giving a wide-angle view of the many and varied styles of dance practiced in the region. Ranging from established company programs to one-time events, Bay Area National Dance Week is an opportunity for dance-lovers of all ages and experiences to take a grand tour of the many movement styles, including Argentine tango, classical Indian, jazz, hip hop, ballet, traditional hula, fire dance, Samba, modern, Chinese classical, belly dance, aerial dance, West African, contact improvisation and more!
