Contact: Nicolle Ugarriza, Public Relations Manager (305) 929-7000, ext. 1602, [email protected] For Immediate Release Miami City Ballet’s Open Barre Dance Series Honors Celebrity Dance Couple Augie and Margo Rodriguez Miami City Ballet dancers and guest artists will showcase their ballroom and cabaret dancing talents to pay tribute to international dance legends, Augie and Margo Rodriguez, during the next Open Barre program. Performances are at Miami City Ballet Studios (2200 Liberty Ave., Miami Beach) on Monday, May 5 and Tuesday, May 6. There is a 7:00pm Open Bar in the lobby followed by a 7:30pm performance on both Monday and Tuesday. Tickets are $25 and are available online at www.miamicityballet.org or by calling the Box Office at (305) 929-7010 or toll-free at (877) 929-7010. Augie and Margo Rodriguez performed for many famous stars in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s. They opened shows in Las Vegas for Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. in the early days of the Rat Pack. Sammy Davis Jr. enjoyed working with them so much that he wouldn’t do a show without him. They opened for him for twelve years, and traveled with him to Australia, Europe, Hong Kong and Japan. Davis Jr. insisted on referring to Augie and Margo as his “Supporting Stars” rather than his “Opening Act.” Augie and Margo also opened for several other stars, including Harry Belafonte, Liberace, Judy Garland, Petula Clark, Johnny Mathis, Lena Horne, Patti Page and Jack Benny. Augie and Margo appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, the Dick Clark Show, the Perry Como Show, and on multiple shows with Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan. They danced at The White House for President Kennedy on his birthday, and later, for President Nixon. They also danced for the Queen of England in a Royal Command Performance and for the President of South Africa. Open Barre is part of the Company’s “Dancer Journal” Program on Miami Beach which is meant to showcase interesting topics related to the Company. Miami City Ballet performs in the Tri-County South Florida area: in Broward at Broward Center For The Performing Arts, in Miami-Dade at The Arsht Center, and in Palm Beach at Kravis Center For The Performing Arts. MCB is also presented as the resident ballet company at the Naples Philharmonic Center in Naples, Florida. The Company also tours extensively. ###.