Eclectic Weekend Of Performance At Mary Sano Studio

To celebrate the 129th birthday of Isadora Duncan (a third-generation Irish San Franciscan, born near the site of the celebratory performances), Duncan Dance acolyte Mary Sano has announced the annual Dionysian Festival Fri and Sat, May 26-27, at 8 p. m. & Sun. at 3 p. m. at her Mary Sano Studio of Duncan Dance, 245 Fifth St. #314 (between Howard & Folsom), $14 reserved, $16 at door. (415) 357-1817; duncandance.org

One of the most creative, yet least-known, performance venues in the Bay Area, Mary's studio features the maximum in eclecticism of the performing arts. This program features her own exquisite dancing with her Duncan Dancers to Isadora's and her own choreography; G. Hoffman Soto, long associated with Anna Halprin & a unique "mover," with sensitivity & humorous flair, with his troupe Sotomotion; Hiroko Tamano (a pioneer in Butoh in America) performing her own special style of intensity; koto innovator Shoko Hikage with Nami Sagara; and Misao Mizuno with the ancient Hula dance company, Na Manu Lani O Anuenue.

Isadora broke with both classical & Romantic ballet to pioneer modern dance, & incidentally inspire many in the other arts & in fashion. Mary Sano--one of her foremost interpreters internationally today--follows in her footsteps with the great diversity of the artists she hosts at her studio, a place where surprises are the daily fare.