A Month-Long Ethnic Dance Festival in San Francisco
What:
37th Annual San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival
When:
Weekends in June
Celebrating the diverse cultures that make the Bay Area such a special place, The New York Times hails this special festival as "a glorious achievement." One of the most globally inspired events in San Francisco all year, the city's 37th Annual Ethnic Dance Festival takes place every weekend of June, themed around the Centennial of the Panama-Pacific Exposition. Since its inception in 1978, more than 14,000 dancers of all skill levels, representing over 600 Northern California companies, have graced festival stages throughout the region. Styles performed include Ballroom, Ragtime, Flamenco, Bollywood, Hip Hop, Martial Arts, Belly Dancing, and traditional folk, hailing nations as varied as Senegal and Uzbekistan. This year's line-up includes:
Opening Day
San Francisco City Hall
June 5th, Noon
FREE!
Inspired by Hawaiian culture and one of the first ‘ukulele performances on the mainland, this free event sets the stage for the month's festivities. Due to seating constraints, be sure to bring a chair!
Weekend 1
Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
June 6th (2pm, 8pm) & 7th (4pm)
$28-$48
This "classic" program features ten troupes, preceded by a lobby performance by Academy of Danse Libre, 45 minutes before curtain.
Weekend 2
Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
June 13th (2pm, 8pm) & 14th (4pm)
$28-$48
Nine different global groups dance through this "classic" program, also preceded by a lobby performance 45 minutes beforehand.
Weekend 3
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
June 21st, 8:30am-11:30am
FREE with RSVP!
You won't want to miss this International Day of Yoga Celebration from the Consulate General of India!
Weekend 4 Film Screening
Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
June 27th, 8pm
$16-$22
Live performances accompany clips from a documentary about the festival.