Tag Archives: Miami-Dade County

Ballet Flamenco La Rosa: Passionate castanet moves

Ilisa Rosa, artistic director of Ballet Flamenco La Rosa. Photo by Ali.

One of Miami’s most beloved dance troupes Ballet Flamenco La Rosa, led by artistic director Ilisa Rosal, who formed the group in 1985. In their nearly three decades of existence, Rosal has developed more than 100 flamenco performances.

Serving as a choreographer and dancer as well, Rosal and her troupe take flamenco beyond the traditional well known dance and in their performances, present it in a theatrical setting. Their original numbers explore the connection between flamenco and other dance forms including Middle Eastern, Indian, jazz, tap, blues and Afro-Cuban.

They regularly collaborate with internationally renowned guest musicians and dancers who enhance the experience. In “Celtic Callings” they were joined by the Breffini Irish Dancers while productions like “Las Brujas de Salem” (“The Witches of Salem”) and “Rey Lear” were inspired by Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” and Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” respectively.

Ballet Flamenco La Rosa performs throughout the year at various venues around Miami and also host weekly classes at the Performing Arts Network, 13146-8 West Dixie Hwy., North Miami 305-899-7730, www.balletflamencolarosa.com, www.panmiami.org

Cape FL Lighthouse: Shining beacon of Key Biscayne

The island of Key Biscayne is a haven for nature lovers, beachgoers, hikers, bikers and explorers and one of the best spots to enjoy all of these is at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.

The park is comprised of nature and bike trails, a beach with picnic tables and barbecue grills and one of the most impressive sites on Key Biscayne, the Cape Florida Lighthouse.

Built in 1825 and reconstructed in 1846, guided tours of the regal white lighthouse that greets beachgoers at the tip of the park, as well as the lighthouse keeper’s cottage, are available twice daily Thursdays through Mondays. The lighthouse is the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County.

So, cook up some grub or eat at Lighthouse Cafe or Boater’s Grill, do some kayaking or snorkeling and by all means, be prepared to climb the lighthouse steps and be amazed by the view.

1200 S. Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, 305-361-5811, www.floridastateparks.org/capeflorida/

Wrestlin’ a gator is an art form to these guys

Alligator wrestling to the Miccosukee Tribe is a tradition that’s handed down from generation to generation. It is an important part of their history and one of the main attractions at the Miccosukee Indian Village.

Tribesmen perform several times throughout the day, putting themselves up against these ferocious animals in a pit. It’s more than just entertainment, they utilize skills that are mastered and perfected after years of practice and training.

It’s best to spend the day at the Village since the trek is far but there is plenty to do. Explore the grounds, shop for arts & crafts, watch the tribeswomen sewing intricate pieces and dine at the on-site restaurant.

Micocosukee Indian Village, Mile Marker 70, U.S. 41 Tamiami Trail, 305-552-8365, www.miccosukee.com

Sea creatures soar and delight at Seaquarium

Dolphins share the spotlight with a veteran killer whale soaring through the air and delighting audiences at their retro home on Biscayne Bay, the Miami Seaquarium. The golden dome that shades audiences where these creatures perform along with funny sea lions, is visible from the Rickenbacker Causeway that leads to Key Biscayne. It’s been a fixture in Miami’s landscape for more than three decades.

There are eight different animal shows to see here. Walking through the lushly landscaped park, it’s easy to spot pink flamingos and birds, along with ponds and tanks filled with turtles, moray eels, alligators, manatees and the meanest of them all, sharks. Dolphin interaction programs are great for getting up close and personal with these intelligent animals. A day at this attraction is a must on the list of any Miami visitor.

The Miami Seaquarium is located at 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne miami_seaquarium_medium

Florida Grand Opera’s Classics Hit a High Note

The vigor and passion in the voices of Florida Grand Opera performers is exactly what’s needed when presenting the classics this group puts on. For 69 years, this premier organization has been wowing audiences with works from Pavarotti, Placido Domingo and Beverly Sills, opera greats who have all performed with the company.

The Florida Grand Opera’s latest incarnation of Bizet’s Carmen garnered rave reviews and a packed house night after night. The company also presents other well known productions, like Barber of Seville, Pagliacci and La Traviata. By far, this is the place in Miami to catch a night of electrifying live opera; the combination of powerful singing, gorgeous sets and theater make for a great night out.