July 4th weekend is a quiet one for dance, but that doesn’t mean you have to sit in the backyard on your rump, sipping some homemade hibiscus tea while grilling some fresh corn on the grill. Actually, that sounds pretty swell, so do that, and also, get up and move!
Dance to the sweet sounds of DJ Dark Rum, watch Alyao Dance Company perform, and enter the raffle! This event benefits Alayo Dance Company, which will be one of two American dance companies to perform at next month’s 30th Annual Festival del Caribe in Cuba. All contributions will be put directly towards the company’s trip expenses to Cuba, including ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, and visa fees.
What: Alayo Dance Company Performance and Fundraiser
Where: Bollywood Cafe, 3372 19th Street (between Mission and Capp Streets), San Francisco
When: Thursday, July 1, 8PM
Tickets: $10
I’ve been on a closet hip hop trend lately, but it’s mighty hard to do so in a 2×3 space (thank goodness mine’s a walk-in). Luckily, City Dance has a handful of classes tailored to my (and possible your) secret needs. Emerson Aquino teaches a Thursday evening class in hip hop with an emphasis on waacking (a West Coast style sort of like vogue-ing, but smoother and with an urban style!) and a beginning hip hop class on Sundays.
What: Hip hop dance classes
Where: City Dance, 10 Colton Street, San Francisco
When: Check the schedule
Tickets: $12 drop-in (bulk class cards are available)
So you still think you can’t dance? How about changing that with some salsa classes? Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced student, DanceSF offers an array of opportunities to swivel your hips. Learn the basics, including feet movement, weight changes, arm placement, rhythm, and improvisation. Partners aren’t required!
What: Salsa Dance Lessons
Where & When: Variety of places, including El Valenciano, 1153 Valencia Street, San Francisco (starts July 1) and DSG Studios, 564 Monterey Boulevard, San Francisco (starts July 4th)
Cost: Depends on class package
