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Photograph by Michael Amsler Movement pioneer Anna Halprin. Schedule Info National Dance Week By Marina Wolf The North Bay is ready for more dance. We've certainly got the room for it, which is one of the reasons why there aren't more North Bay names in the Izzy nominations: we don't yet have the cultural density to bring critics north of the Golden Gate Bridge. But there are still lots of ways to celebrate National Dance Week, which kicks off at noon on April 20 with an open-air extravaganza at the Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco. There you can pick up a complete schedule of open studios, rehearsals, discussions, and performances around the bay--(almost) all free and open to the public. Here are some highlights and local events: Chitresh Das Dance Company Master artist Chitresh Das teaches the basic sound and movement vocabulary of North India's Kathak dance. April 20 at 6:30. Dance with Sherry Studio, 4140 Redwood Hwy., San Rafael. 415/499-1601. . . . Das performs traditional solo works, accompanied by renowned tabla player Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri. April 21 at 8. Marin Center, Showcase Theater, Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $25/general, $22/seniors and students. 415/472-3500. The Izzies No red carpet or Joan Rivers here, just a big ol' party with Isadora Duncan Dance Awards, honoring excellence in Bay Area dance. April 23 at 6. Performing Arts Library and Museum, Green Room, War Memorial Building, 401 Van Ness Ave., fourth Floor (at Grove and McAllister streets), San Francisco. Free. 415/399-1809, ext. 303. Roco Dance & Fitness This popular Marin County dance studio opens its doors for a day of different dance styles. April 23: at 10:10 a.m., Afro-Brazilian dance with Anna Gottreich; at 4:30 p.m., modern dance with owner Annie Rosenthal; at 6 p.m., ballet with Gabrielle Thompson; and also at 6 (in an adjacent studio), hip-hop with Eric Fenn. 237 Shoreline Hwy., Mill Valley. 415/388-6786. Deborah Slater Dance Theater They're based out of San Francisco, but Slater is from Marin. Show your North Bay support at the preview of the company's May season, "The Sleepwatchers." April 28 at 1. Studio 210, 3435 Cesar Chavez (at Valencia), San Francisco. 415/267-7687. Planetary Dance Movement pioneer Anna Halprin (pictured above) leads this annual circle dance and ritual for healing, community, and celebration of life. April 29. Come at sunrise (that's around 6 a.m.) for a peak experience (literally!) at the top of Mt. Tam, or sleep in and join the Earth Run at Santos Meadow at 11 a.m. (dress in white or black). Potluck follows, so bring some to share. Take Stinson Beach exit off of Highway 101, turn left at Tam Junction and follow Highway 1 north towards Muir Beach. Turn right onto Muir Woods Road north of Pelican Inn. Santos Meadow is 1/2 mile east, on the left. 415/461-5362. [ North Bay | MetroActive Central | Archives ]