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SOURCE 04-03-05 DC EE M8 CMYK

M8 Sunday, April 3, 2005 x The Washington Post

ROADTRIP Miss USA Pageant StyleQ Where Can I See a Fashion Show?

Is it possible to attend Fashion Q Week in New York, or is that reserved for editors and celebs? What about shows in the D.C. area? — Nathania Heckert Alexandria

The Bryant Park tents (home A to New York Fashion Week) are off-limits to mere mortals. Yes, some do try to sneak in by claiming to be Vogue’s Anna Wintour, but it’s not recommended: Security’s tight- er than a Baby Phat tube top, and editors themselves often end up squabbling over seats. That said, there is life beyond the tents. All week long, up-and-comers parade their wares in clubs, friends’ apartments, you name it. Should ed- itors fail to turn up (a common oc- currence at early-morning affairs), stylish regular folk are often admit- ted. (Women’s Wear Daily publish- BY STEPHEN CAMPBELL FOR THE WASHINGTON POST es a list of the week’s events; Spring they’re a great way to feel like part WHERE: 2006 shows are scheduled for Sept. of the front-row flock: You’ll see a 9-16). line months before it’s on sale, often WHY: Italian eats, an old John Waters film set and gorgeous gals. Washington has a smallish Fash- with VIP extras like champagne and ion Week of its own (Sept. 11-17, designer meet-and-greets. Depart- HOW FAR: About 43 miles, or an hour and 10 minutes from Rockville. www.dcfashionweek.net). Most ment stores schedule scads of these events are free and open to the pub- (check their Web sites), but bou- Unless you’re a beauty pageant buff, you may not know the quest for Miss USA lic. There are also charity fund- tiques have them too: Sassanova is staged annually in a different city — and this year it can be seen in all its crown- raisers such as the April 10 show (1641 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-471- ing glory in Baltimore. Started in 1952 and bought out by Donald Trump and NBC put on by the D.C. Chapter of the 4400), for example, plans to peddle in 2002, Miss USA is the “other” beauty pageant: They don’t sing “There she is National Association of Fashion & Hollywould’s trendy heels on April . . .,” but the winner gets to compete for the Miss Universe title. The swimsuit, eve- Accessory Designers (www. 10, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. ning gown and interview battle begins Wednesday with a “presentation show” — nafaddc.com), plus periodic shows — Suzanne D’Amato which serves as an elimination round. On April 11, an afternoon dress rehearsal is at local stores. Further, the area has followed by the final evening show. The difference? The dress rehearsal will set you trunk shows galore. These free, no- back $10, and tickets to the main event start at $110. Of course, the finals will also be a Wondering how to wear it? E-mail RSVP-required events lack runways star-studded affair with The Donald and a motley mix of celebrity judges such as model- [email protected]. Please include (it’s informal modeling, if any), but your name, city and phone number. actress Molly Sims and athletes Michael Phelps and Sugar Ray Leonard. Be sure to cheer on the locals: Tiara Dews of the District, Baltimore’s Marina Harrison and Richmond’s Jennifer Anne Pitts. You go, girls! This trip spans three counties and winds past city, country and suburban scenery. Start out at Angelo’s Deli in Rockville, where you can confirm a truism about Italian eateries: The more nondescript the facade, DANNY GLOVER the better the food. The strip-mall location may be bland, but Angelo’s overstuffed Italian cold cut sub is me- LocalFave ga-spicy! Up the road at Olney Antique Village, you almost need a map to navigate the main building’s maze- like interior; the converted house is home to 20 dealers and boasts everything from cow-shaped creamers to old Transit badges. Dukem, the restaurant at 12th Film fans will likely give two thumbs up to Clark’s Elioak Farm, which displays remnants of the Enchan- ted Forest — the defunct Ellicott City amusement park was a backdrop in the 1990 John Waters film “Cry- and U streets NW. I love Baby.” You can no longer ride the Cinderella Pumpkin Coach, but you can get a snapshot of pop culture his- Ethiopian food, especially the tory. In Baltimore County, D&J Cards is notable for its plentiful supply of rare rookie cards of local- ly bred players (Mark Teixeira, ) and legendary ones (Barry Bonds, ). That, and the traditional injera bread. array of Baltimore Ravens autographed collectibles is enough to make a card buff, er, flip. — Tony Sclafani 54th Annual Miss USA Competition at the Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St., The actor and chair of Trans- Baltimore. 410-547-7328. www.missusa.com. Presentation show, Wednesday at 8 p.m. ($28-$40); dress rehearsal, April Africa Forum Board is in town for 11 at 2 p.m. ($10) and finals telecast on NBC, April 11 at 9 p.m. ($110-$160). its Foreign Policy Weekend, Road Trip maps are available online at www.washingtonpost.com/roadtrip, as are addresses and hours of operation Thursday through Saturday. BY JEROME COOKSON FOR THE WASHINGTON POST (be sure to check before you go). Have an idea for a trip? E-mail [email protected]. — Reported by Lauren Silva BY JIM COOPER — ASSOCIATED PRESS

PETSET Adopt an Abused Animal GETOUT Try African Dance

an’t stand anoth- Get social. er minute mind- “Neglected pets have lessly jogging on lacked human contact or the treadmill? had negative contact,” Dog-tired of Leckington says. “The Cdown dog? Whatever the rea- 3 most important thing is son, it’s time for a new way getting him exposed to your home to break a sweat — without environment and the people that counting down every second make up the family.” Beyond that, until it’s over. African dance, you should gradually expose a dog which mixes an intense to a wide range of people, (from workout with a strong cultur- toddlers to adults), other animals al component, could be your and new settings such as car rides salvation. Historically, the or parks. “Don’t do too much so- terpsichorean art commem- cialization too soon,” Monsma orated celebrations — mar- adds. “And don’t force the pet to riages, baby-naming ceremo- confront objects or people that he nies and other festivals. The doesn’t want to. You’re building the music is just as important as pet’s self-confidence — make him the movement: Most classes feel comforted and loved.” have live musicians on djembes (West African Enlist aid. drums) and the occasional You may need help balafon, a xylophone-like in- from human friends while strument. While classes to- your pet is adapting to day preserve those African BY GEDIYON KIFLE FOR THE WASHINGTON POST his new life. For instance, traditions by fostering a Assane Konte can show you how to work some culture into your exercise routine. 4 ask someone to spend sense of kinship, it’s also BY COLIN HAWKINS — GETTY IMAGES time with an anxious dog while about working up a serious sweat. Once the drums Dance Theater, and members of her company teach fun, “I didn’t know what I was missing. Now I’m all about the lap-dog life!” you’re at work, or use a doggy day- start beating, you won’t notice how hot it gets or how high-energy African dance classes with live drummers that will get your heart pumping. There’s also an care facility. If you leave town with- out of breath you are — just how liberated and exhil- Afro-Cuban class and a children’s African dance session. You’ve decided to adopt a new furry spotty background, mention that to out your pet, Leckington says he arated it feels to dance, a part (for at least an hour) of a classes, $11 each. friend. Sure, a puppy from a breed- the shelter worker,” says Jim Mons- will be less distressed with a pet sit- community moving and grooving together. DC Dance Collective. 4908 Wisconsin Ave. NW. er or store can be adorable, but you ma, the Washington Humane Soci- ter vs. boarding. Some animal train- 202-362-7244. www.dcdancecollective.com. You’ll feel like could also adopt a pet that really ety’s director of communications. ers offer counseling and positive in- WHAT TO EXPECT: Classes range from 60 to 90 minutes. you’re at a friend’s place at this very relaxed studio. They offer a more traditional African dance class, taught by needs a fresh beginning. Take Tues- These dogs and cats may have suf- struction specifically geared toward After a warm-up, the instructor will demonstrate Mihoby Rabeharison, a member of the Balafon West day, who swallowed a hair curler. A fered physical abuse, malnutrition, rescued dogs, Monsma adds. moves one by one, building on each until a routine African Dance Ensemble, as well as a samba- and veterinarian advised immediate lack of veterinary care or isolation comes together. Some classes follow each step the reggae-infused Afro-Brazilian class. Single classes, $15 surgery, but her owner ignored the (be it in a basement or chained to a teacher makes; other classes culminate with “rounds” each. Provide stability. advice. Two weeks later, Tuesday, tree in a backyard). Most prospec- forming, as everyone takes turns in the center. Teach- Joe’s Movement Emporium. 3806 34th St., Mount Like any new member Rainier. 301-699-1819. www.worldartsfocus.org. You’ll an emaciated and dehydrated dog tive patrons drop by the shelter, ers usually give impromptu tutorials to dancers who find a diverse mix of students here, including College Park whose only life sign was eye move- and you’ll probably need several in- of a family, your pet look lost, but that’s the best part — don’t worry about needs to know your ex- students and Takoma suburbanites. Choose from a variety ment, was surrendered to the teractions with the staff to com- how you’re doing, just keep it moving. of classes — such as West African dance, Afro-Cuban and Washington Animal Rescue plete an adoption: You’ll have pa- pectations. “Be consis- North African belly dancing. The belly-dancing class is 5 tent with boundaries and League. Fortunately the story end- perwork, and they may visit your WHAT TO BRING: Clothes range from gymwear to bright- mostly women, but both men and women attend the other rules,” Monsma says. “Don’t let classes, and they also offer youth programs. Single ed on a high note: The league’s vet abode to ensure a safe home envi- ly colored sarongs — you’ll typically see the teacher’s classes, $12 to 15 each. performed emergency surgery, ronment. him get on the couch three times attire mirrored by regulars in the class. Since this is a and then tell him it’s not okay the Joy of Motion. Three locations in the Washington area. Tuesday regained her strength and barefoot exercise, you won’t need any special socks or . The recently transformed Atlas fourth time.” And create routines www.joyofmotion.org happy demeanor, and she was Have patience. shoes. Performing Arts Center, on H Street NE, offers Afro-jazz, adopted into a safe environment. such as schedules for feeding and an MTV-friendly class with traditional steps set to the Often surrendered or walking. Until now, their lives have music of Lil’ Kim and Christina Aguilera. Neighborhood Here’s how to create your own suc- found animals, such as COST: $10 to $15 per class, with class packages (usually regulars and Hill staffers comprise the early crowd; cess story. been unpredictable. “Structure will at a lower per-class price) available. — Kate Ghiloni strays, haven’t had expe- allow them to thrive and be less evenings offer drop-in sessions and performance classes. rience being a pet, so pa- Instructor Tyrone Murray also offers similar tutelage at the anxious,” Leckington says. “The WHERE TO GET IN THE GROOVE other two branches. Single classes, $14 each. Find the right pet. 2 trons need patience with more animals can predict you, the African Heritage Dancers and Drummers. 4018 KanKouran Dance Company. 417 Massachusetts Ave. The Washington Hu- the transition — when the dog or less stress they have. It’s the com- Minnesota Ave. NE. 202-399-5252. www.ahdd.org. NW. 202 -518-1213. www.kankouran.org. This mane Society (www. cat freaks out over a ringing phone fort of knowing they don’t need to Started in the 1960s, this community organization is 20-year-old institution houses three West African washhumane.org) and or ceiling fan, for instance. “It may focused on building positive connections in the performance companies and also offers weekly classes for worry about tomorrow anymore.” neighborhood through the arts. Founder and director the Washington Animal never have been exposed to that adults and children. Semiweekly drumming classes are — Karen Fritscher-Porter Melvin Deal has studied dance in the United States and also available. Single classes $12 each ($10 for students). 1 Rescue League (www. type of environment before,” ex- Africa, and the company includes after-school classes warl.org) have many neglected plains Erika Leckington, director of Need some pet info? Drop a line to offered daily for children and evening sessions for adults. pets that need a home. “If you’re animal welfare at the Washington [email protected]. Include your Single classes, $10 each for adults, kids free. Know of a great outdoors opportunity in your area? E-mail particularly looking for a pet from a Animal Rescue League. name, city and phone number. Dance Place. 3225 Eighth St. NE. 202-269-1600. www. [email protected]. Please include your name, city and danceplace.org. Sylvia Soumah, the founder of Coyaba daytime phone number.