Compiled by Kathy L. Collins, Arts and Entertainment Editor
If you are looking for something fun to do over the weekend, let this be your guide finding fun, creative and exciting things to do in the area. The Greater Brandon area and Tampa Bay have tons of activities going on every weekend. Get out and enjoy all that this area has to offer.
The Way 2 Dance studio is hosting free dance classes for non-students the First Friday of the month. Come out and learn some Ballroom, Latin and Swing dance steps and then stay on for the Dance Party. Group class (Salsa, Merengue and Bachata) are at 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. The Dance Party goes until 10 p.m. The Way 2 Dance is located at 610 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. For more information call 966-4788 or visit www.theway2dance.com.
TADA (Theatre and Dance Alliance) presents Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Friday, February 4 at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, February 5 at 3 p.m. TADA’s Little Theatre is located at 16711 FishHawk Blvd. in the SweetBay Plaza in Lithia. Tickets are $5 at the door. For more information, please call 571-0901 or visit www.tadance.com.
The White Rabbit presents its Winter Outdoor Market Sale on Friday, February 4 and Saturday, February 5 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can see multiple vendors and unique items at this fabulous event. The White Rabbit is located at 207 S. Parsons Ave. in Brandon. For more information call 681-2950.
What has been dubbed as “The Best Musical of the Decade” by Time magazine is taking Tampa by storm. Billy Elliott the Musical is on stage at The Straz Center in Tampa now through February 20. The musical was winner of 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, in 2009. It is a joyous celebration of one young boy’s triumph against the odds. Follow Billy’s journey as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers his dream to dance. Shows are Friday, February 4 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, February 5 at 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, February 6 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. The Straz Center is located at 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place in Tampa. Call 229-STAR (7827) or visit www.tbpac.org for more information and to buy tickets.
Get out for some good heart pounding exercise at the 14th Annual Road Race in FishHawk Ranch on Saturday, February 5. You can choose from a 5k, 10k, Kids’ Race and fun walk. The races begin at 8 a.m. at Park Square, 16144 Churchview Dr. in FishHawk Ranch. You can register online at active.com or call 685-7500. All proceeds from the race benefit FishHawk area schools.
Ladies, Downtown Divas and Ambiance invite you to “Valentines for Divas” on Saturday, February 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be workshops by the Ambiance Team and a fashion show by Downtown Divas. Come out with your friends and enjoy food, sangria and fun. This fun event will take place at Winthrop Town Center located at 11109 Winthrop Market St. in Riverview (Bloomingdale and Providence). Call 315-9887 to RSVP.
Get ready for the Super Bowl by first visiting the “First Sunday” Farmers’ Market in Park Square located at 16144 Churchview Dr. in FishHawk Ranch. You can pick up goodies to nibble during the big game. Multiple vendors from all over the area will be on hand from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Email kcollins@ospreyobserver.com with any upcoming arts and entertainment events you would like to include in this weekly column.
