I believe it was the great neo-contemporary philosopher and avant garde artist, Lady GaGa, who declared the ever-so-profound thought, “Just dance, gonna be OK, da da doo-doo mmm.” Well, I believe it would behoove us all to take this fine woman’s advice. And, if perchance you are someone who we would call “talent-free,” or “born with two left feet,” perhaps it would be more beneficial to you and society at large if you just watched others dance. If the latter applies to you more than the former, then read on, my friend. Read on.

This month, it is my goal to shed a little light on that crazy phenomenon that happens this time of year … dance recitals. I know what you’re thinking: gaudy sequins and fringed costumes, awkward poses in badly-lit photographs, and hours and hours of 2-year-old girls in leotards and tutus gracefully (or not so gracefully) “dancing” around the stage. Well, it’s out with the old and in with the new. Times have changed, and dance recitals have come a long way.

Weirdly, I used to teach dance. I know, I know, that’s a ridiculous thought. Please contain the laughter. But, it’s true. I did. I taught a semester of musical theater dance at Jeannie Zimbalatti’s School of Dance (located at Beech Daly and Ford roads). It was awesome. I had two students. One was my best friend, Mo (short for Melissia, not Mohammed), and the other was a cute, little, 12-year-old named Annabelle. She later went on to become this amazing high school (and now college) actor. She’s going to become famous one day. Mark my words. She’s brilliant. Mo, however, hung up her dancing shoes … I think asking her to do one too many pirouettes scared her off. ANYWAY …

Dearborn, I’m sending out a call to action: Go see a dance recital. I know what you’re thinking. “Mike, you’re a crazy person. You’ve gone too far, and we’re not going to put up with your ‘khara’ anymore.” Well, the first part might be true, but really, you should consider going. There are more than a dozen dance studios in the metro Detroit area. At the end of this column I’ve listed a few in and around Dearborn along with the appropriate Web site. Take a minute, peruse the sites, find a recital, and go see some dance … support the arts people, it’s all about supporting the arts!

Speaking of supporting the arts, now it’s time for a preview of what’s to come … THE 3rd ANNUAL ARAB AMERICAN COMEDY SHOW!! Yes, that’s right, from the producers of “CRIBZ: Arab American Style,” “The Neighborhood Nightly News” and “A Date,” the time will soon arrive for the third installment of this highly anticipated local event, brought to you by Mizna Entertainment (and directed by yours truly). Coming up in June, we will be hosting auditions for the show. So if you’ve ever wanted to be onstage or know someone who would be perfect, please let him or her know. The auditions are tentatively set for June 16 and 17, time and date to be determined. So stay tuned, and remember, no experience necessary.

Recap: Just dance. Or watch a recital. Check out the Web sites below. Spread the word about the auditions for the 3rd Annual Arab American Comedy Show (June 17 and 17).

Questions: Please feel free to email me some at MOSMIKE@aol.com.

EVENTS:

AUDITONS FOR THE 3rd ANNUAL ARAB AMERICAN COMEDY SHOW
(June 16 and 17, time and date TBD) – more info to come in the next month’s issue.

Check out one of these local dance studios sites for more information on upcoming dance recitals!

The Dancesport Academy of Michigan — www.dancesportacademy.com
Dearborn Dance Academy — dearborndanceacademy.com
Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy — www.detroitwindsordance.org
Dunworth Noretta School of Dance — www.norettadunworth.com
Janet’s School of Dance — janetsschoolofdance.tripod.com
Jan’s Dance Connection — jansdance.com
Jazz & Spirit Dance Theater of Detroit — www.jazzspiritdance.freehosting.net
Jeannie Zimbalatti School of Dance — www.jzdanceschool.com
Motor City Jam — www.motorcityjam.org
Sickle’s Dance Gallery Inc. — www.sicklesdance.com