34th Annual San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival Opens June 2 June 2, 2012

June 2nd at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and June 3rd at 4 p.m.

For the 34th Annual San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, "The World United Through Dance," Festival Artistic Directors Carlos Carvajal and CK Ladzekpo have curated a thrilling line-up featuring 30 veteran Bay Area dance companies performing both ancient and contemporary dances, including ground breaking cross-cultural collaborations and encore performances of some favorite dance pieces from past seasons.

The Festival, taking place June 2 through July 1, continues to bring dance to an ever-widening audience throughout San Francisco. It opens at Fort Mason Center, when Gamelan Sekar Jaya presents the thrilling world premiere of Bayangan Jiwa in collaboration with the Sundanese gamelan Pusaka Sunda on June 2 at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Created and led by I Dewa Putu Berata and Emiko Saraswati Susilo, Bayangan Jiwa evokes "the imagination of the spirit." This innovative choreography explores the depths of Balinese dance while showcasing shadow-light technology alongside the rich, melodic sounds of the traditional Semarandana. An Artist Dialogue with the renowned Lily Cai of the Lily Cai Chinese Dance Company at 4 p.m. on June 3rd completes the first weekend.

Official Website: http://www.worldartswest.org