Ho, Ho, Ho, it’s only November – but time for early shoppers to start their gift purchasing, and arts and craft fairs are the way to go. To get out and enjoy the holiday time, there are some dance performances that will light you up. Didn’t make it to Burning Man this year? No big deal experience the art in Oakland. And listen to my Happy Hour Podcast with the feisty and audacious, Eileen Williams.

Nov. 22-24. SF International Hip Hop DanceFest

The first festival of its kind that honors the artistry of hip-hop dance in a theatre setting. The SFIHHDF features groundbreaking performances by professional hip hop dance companies from around the globe. You are guaranteed electrifying and heart racing routines.It’s been 21 years since the Hip Hop festival began in Sf. Choreographer Micaya, now a Tomato, started this festival to share the diversity of Hip Hop dance with audiences.

Now a part of the mainstream, Hip Hop has evolved and is inclusive of all forms of dance. If you haven’t seen it lately, you are in for a surprise. The talent, strength and diversity of dancers make for an incredible show. Hip Hop groups from Norway, Paris, Austria, Montreal and of course our Bay Area, will be performing in our beautiful Palace of Fine Arts Theatre. Get tickets.

The Christmas Ballet

SMUIN Ballet is one of my favorite dance troupes in our area. Not your typical ballet dancers, the SMUIN Company is inclusive and you will find incredible dancers of all shapes and sizes performing. Unlike traditional ballet companies (I love them too!), SMUIN pushes the boundaries of contemporary ballet within a distinctly American style.  They combine classical ballet training technique and artistry with uncommon physicality and expression. Their ballets are entertaining, evocative and original. Light up your holiday season with The Christmas Ballet.

You will find classical selections set to cherished carols in Act 1. Then Act 2 brings a dazzling collection of ballet, tap and jazz with hot contemporary numbers. You will be dreaming of a White Christmas and dancing out of the theater full of festive cheer. In San Francisco, Walnut Creek, Mountain View and Carmel. Later this month and into December. Get tickets.

In today’s podcast I dive deep with Eileen Williams, creator of the radio show and website, The Feisty Side of Fifty. Listen in as these two audacious and feisty women talk about everything from searching for a career after midlife, how important it is to celebrate women, and yes even Florence Henderson and her wisdom. Listen in here or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Craft Fairs

Renegade Craft brings together incredible Makers and Designers, interactive features, creative installations, small batch food and drinks and good vibes. It all culminates in a lively modern marketplace showcasing the best in craft and design at Fort Mason Festival Pavilion. Don’t forget fab bayside views and a lively DJ. Tomorrow and Sunday. www.renegadecraftfair.com

November 23^rd and 24^th head on back to Fort Mason Center for the West Coast Craft Fair. This is for you if you are looking to purchase from local artisans. West Coast Craft features the best artist and designer craftspeople inspired by the cultural and natural histories of the West Coast. Many designers are focused on keeping the carbon footprint in check and creating art that is as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible. This fair makes being “green” a little bit easier. SCHOLALRSHIP???? www.westcoastcraft.com

Peninsula tomatoes, this one is for you. The San Mateo Harvest Festival takes place this weekend at the San Mateo County Event center. This is a family-owned and operated business and they are billed as the west coast’s largest and most prestigious indoor showcase. Over 24,000 hand made creations will be available (whew!) The Nation’s top trend-setting artisans are culled from the thousands of entries, so know in advance you will definitely find what you didn’t know you needed! www.harvestfestival.com

Burning Man at the Oakland Museum

Didn’t get your gear ready or your RV stocked in time to head to the desert this year? No big deal – head to the Oakland Museum of California to see what all the buzz is about. Their newest exhibit No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man celebrates one of the world’s iconic cultural events.

For the uninitiated, Burning Man attracts over 70,000 people to Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. Participants create and build Black Rock City, a temporary metropolis where experimental art installations – some ritually burned to the ground- are the centerpiece for innovators, makers, and a burgeoning artistic community. The exhibit illuminates the values of Burning Man and is an immersive and multi-sensory experience. You can marvel at the spectacular artwork and large-scale installations found at the event. Explore works by Bay Area artists including jewelry, costumes, mutant vehicles, sculptures, photography, and paintings.

Learn about Burning Man’s origins, from its counterculture roots in the San Francisco Bay Area to the world-famous desert gathering it is today. In addition, this Sunday there is a Playa pop up where you can enjoy creative art making and inspiring projects that you might encounter in Black Rock City during the Burning Man event. This event is free! Let your creative spirit shine! Get the details.