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It's Feet Week! National Dance Week, actually — and across the nation, troupes, groups and

studios of every stripe are gearing up for a

celebration of all things dance.

Montgomery County gets into the act, too, with Dance/MetroDC's "Dance Is The Answer 2009," a

program of performances, open rehearsals, classes,

lectures and events throughout the metro region. The celebration stretches across the city and into the suburbs,

with an opening reception at Strathmore on Thursday and a closing performance at the Atlas Arts Center in D.C.; it reaches out to 70 "dance partners" or dance organizations with plans to participate. With events happening in just about every neighborhood, it's a fun — and mostly free — way for local dancers to strut their stuff and reach out to the community.

"We were doing events here in celebration of National Dance Week," says Pam Bjerknes, artistic director of American Dance Institute in Rockville. "Dance is the Answer is in conjunction with National Dance Week. Everything's inclusive, and people can enjoy each event whether they're a dancer or not."

On Sunday, ADI will have an open house at its Rockville studio with dance, crafts and an exhibit of the winning entries in its "Dance is Art in Motion" photo contest. Visitors can try on a tutu and belly up to the barre, and "meet and greet" Angelina Ballerina, the National Dance Week spokesmouse who also will perform. The event is free and open to the public, and Bjerknes hopes that reaching out to the community with a bit of hoopla will inspire would-be dancers to get moving.

"It's important to let people know that the opportunity to experience the arts is right here," she says. "It's family-friendly and affordable."

National Dance Week is an idea that has been kicking around since 1981. That's when a group of dance-related organizations formed a coalition in the hopes of boosting the idea of dance as an American art form. Over the years, it has become popular with dance devotees across the country — people who consider dance an integral part of a healthy, balanced life.

Vicki Moss, artistic director of the Knock on Wood Dance Studio in Silver Spring, envisions a world where kids get an "A" for agility: reading, writing, 'rithmetic and rhythm.

"Learning dance is like learning a language," she notes. "It helps with basic math skills, with history, geography. Dance can be supportive of every school curriculum, and it's fun, great exercise and very social."

Getting enough exercise is problematic for kids, she observes, and dance trains the ear and hones the large motor skills.

"Anyone can tap," she says. "There's no ‘body type.' As long as you have the willingness to get up on your feet, sweat a bit and have fun, dance is accessible all across the spectrum."

Moss, who has taught dance for 28 years, says Knock on Wood offers dance classes for children as young as 3, and there's no age limit for adults who want to get their feet moving.

"We're an all-percussive jazz tap studio," she explains. "We do not do complicated show tap or Broadway-style tap — no sequins, no top hats and canes.

"We're about making music with your feet and expressing what's inside of you."

The Knock on Wood students, and even their award-winning performance troupe Tappers with Attitude, dress simply, Moss says, so their footwork draws the attention.

"They don't wear frilly, fussy costumes and all that. The emphasis is on the dancers," she says. "We're hoping the audience will listen to their feet."

The audience will have ample opportunities to do just that. To celebrate National Dance Week, Knock on Wood is participating in the Dance is the Answer program, hosting an open rehearsal the evening of Wednesday, April 29, "for the first time in 18 years.

"We're also performing in the Dance is the Answer show at the Atlas Performing Arts Center," says Moss, who adds that classes will be open for observation all week long.

"It's an opportunity for us to give the community free classes, which we can't always do," she says. "It's a way we can involve the community in dance, let them try something new."

To kick off Dance is the Answer in Montgomery County, Dance/MetroDC asked CityDance Ensemble to co-host a reception in the CityDance studios in the Music Center at Strathmore.

"We'll be joined by Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh Dance Company, the Washington Ballet and Brian Williams of Step Afrika!," says Betsy Lundgren of CityDance, who notes that the event is a kickoff for Dance is the Answer and a sendoff for the CityDance troupe, headed to the Middle East on April 25 for a three-week tour.

Open classes will be held throughout the week, however, and Lundgren says the CityDance organization is excited to have an opportunity to reach out to anyone interested in dance.

"Last spring, we had close to 60 students come and try our classes, which is really remarkable," she says. "We view this as a great opportunity to open the doors, to create a point of opportunity where there's really no barrier to entering."

It's a win-win situation, says Lundgren. The studio gains exposure to potential students, and the community gets to know more about an arts organization right in their midst.

"Dance is the Answer truly does bring together dancers in the area," she says. "We love it."

Dance Is the Answer 2009 starts Thursday and runs through May 3 throughout the metropolitan DC/VA/MD region. Most events are free; ticketed events can be accessed with a DancePass which can be purchased for $10 to $15 through Dance/MetroDC. Call 202-778-1190 or visit www.dancemetrodc.org.

The Dance/MetroDC — Opening World Reception: "Mumbai, the Middle East, Madagascar, the Moon!?!" takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the CityDance Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. Admission is free, but reservations are requested; e-mail info@dancemetrodc.org.

The ADI Open House with Angelina Ballerina is set for noon to 2 p.m. Sunday at American Dance Institute, 1570 East Jefferson St., Rockville. Admission is free. Call 301-984-3003 or visit www.americandance.org.

The Knock on Wood Tap Studio hosts a Tap Party from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, and an open rehearsal from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, at Knock on Wood Tap Studio, 700 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring. Admission is free. Call 301-495-0395.