WED 8/3
Dentists, librarians, and statisticians have their own conferences, so it makes sense that professional sports dancers would also meet for an annual convention to learn the latest kicks of their trade. This year Miami is the lucky city to play host to more than 300 professional cheerleaders and dancers representing the NFL, NBA, and other leagues from around the world (including the sizzling Scottish Rockettes) for ProDance 2005. These beautiful and athletic dancers will be working with top national choreographers, including Tina Landon, Brian Friedman, Cris Judd, and Eddie Garcia, to learn 30 new routines to entertain fans throughout the season.
"This is the sixth annual conference, but the first time we've opened the showcase up to the public," says event coordinator Cheryl Lawson. Be the first to see the electrifying dance moves at the ProDance Showcase today at 9:00 a.m. at the James L. Knight Center, 400 SE Second Ave., Miami. Tickets cost $23, which will also score you entrance to the ProDance Expo (featuring booths from Capezio, Satin Stitches, and UFO Jeans) from 3:00 to 5:00 Monday and Tuesday in the Hyatt Regency Riverfront Hall. Call 305-372-4634, or visit www.prodance.net. --Lyssa Oberkreser
Sea of Rock
A reefer fundraiser
SAT 7/30
There was a time when a snorkel and fins opened up a world populated by dozens of spectacular species of sea flora and fauna. There also was a time when dinosaurs walked the earth. The Celebration of the Sea Foundation seeks to raise awareness about what's left in the South Florida brine and encourage more responsible human interaction with the ocean and the life therein. This festival will raise funds for the nonprofit organization from the $50 admission fee (half that for seniors; children under twelve get in free) and will feature music from Chuck Berry; Barry Goudreau and Fran Sheehan (Boston); Gary Cherone (Van Halen, Extreme); and Jeff "Skunk" Baxter. Superstars Steven Tyler and DMC, along with Miami native Sabrina Barnett, will perform "Walk This Way." There will also be fireworks, a giant dive pool, and a tent featuring hands-on activities from noon to 11:00 p.m. at Rowell's Marina, mile marker 104.5 in Key Largo. Call 1-866-468-7630, or visit www.celebrationofthesea.com. --Greg Baker
Coucou for Drum Circles
Find the roots of your rhythm
SUN 7/31
In the traditional music of Guinea, each dance communicates a feeling, story, or purpose through its signature rhythm and vocabulary of movements. Today you can join the circle of master percussionist Mohamed Camara and dancer Mouminatou Camara, a former member of Les Ballets Africains of Guinea. Take in African music and dance, be it the excitement of Coucou, the solemnness of Kakilambe, or the flirtatiousness of Yankadi. The drum class begins at 1:30 at FIU's Biscayne Bay Campus (3000 NE 151st St., Bldg. 2, Rm. 220, Miami), followed by the dance class at 3:30. Open to all ages and skill levels, the classes cost $15 for drums, and $10 for dance. Call 305-978-3866. --Makkada B. Selah
A Little Pitchy
FRI 7/29
Yo, yo, yo, dawg! The fourth season of American Idol is over. If you want to see more local talent than Afro-chic Nadia Turner, today's the finale of Miami Idol. Three contestants will perform before an audience we hope is more Paula Abdul than Simon Cowell. The winner receives $3000 and studio time. The show begins tonight at 7:00 at the Miami Children's Museum, 980 MacArthur Cswy., Miami. Admission is free. Call 305-795-2303, or visit www.miamigov.com. -- Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik
