June almost slipped by without mention. Yes, it’s been a crazy busy month, however… I. Must. Blog. Especially since San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival’s 30th Anniversary was so fabulous. Read all about it here…um, one month later!

Na Lei Hulu (the group I dance with) joined a stellar line-up of Bay Area dance companies on opening weekend. We performed a world premiere production co-created and choreographed by Kumu Patrick Makuakane called Maui Turning Back the Sky. Check out critical reviews of the festival here and here.

While reviews offer insight into the audience experience, backstage is where you’ll find the pulse of the festival. Witness a vibrant community of dancers standing in the wings, clustering around a monitor and watching each other perform. Every fifteen minutes or so, they’ll rise to their feet, shaking hands in the air, in the sign language gesture of applause, as performers who’ve just completed their stint onstage, glide past. The buzz of opening weekend is a palpable mixture of excitement and nerves set to music. All flavors will be heard–voice, drums, strings, foot stomping, toe-tapping and more.

Minutes before final bow we posed with members of Abinaya Dance Company, Raices De Mi Tierra and Charya Burt Cambodian Dance Company (above photo). After the show, Ong Dance Company musicians and dancers, along with other groups, drummed up some impromptu fun (photo below).