Nightwatch notes: Dancing machines

Dancing machines

If you've gone to a local hip-hop show or breakdancing battle, chances are you've seen at least one member of the Collective Dance Company. The b-boys and b-girls that make up the large crew are all stars in their own right -- some are battle champions, others are dance teachers. But together, they put on quite a show. They've dreamed up something special for their two-night spectacular at Patrick's Cabaret this weekend. The crew includes dancers Amy Sackett (aka Suga Mama), Arturo Miles, B-boy Klarity, B-boy Aqua, B-girl MonArc, B-girl MonaLisa, B-boy StepChild and B-girl Nlighten. The highly choreographed show, dubbed "Elements in Translation," will include addition dancers such as Dancin' Dave and B-girl Seoul, plus live music and spoken word. More info at www.integrateddance.com. (8 p.m. today and Sat. $8. All ages. Patrick's Cabaret, 3010 Minnehaha Av. S., Mpls. 612-721-3595.)

More bridge benefits

If you're looking to help out at a 35W bridge benefit, the clubs are a good place to be this weekend.

Aqua has a doozy of a night planned Sunday (7-10 p.m.). Professional ball players will be in the house, donating sports memorabilia for a silent auction. Entertainment includes local rapper Cleva and a fashion show featuring swimwear. The $15 cover will be donated to families affected by the bridge collapse. Then stick around afterward for the debut of Aqua's new weekly night called Chocolate Sundays. The club will be filled with the smells and tastes of chocolate, with DJ Joe Maz. (400 1st Av. N., Mpls. 21 & older. 612-232-3232. www.aquampls.com)

Nightclub promoter Taylortainment has spearheaded a multi-venue benefit called "Bridge Together" tonight that includes the following bars: Annex, BeBop's, Bella, Bellanotte, Envy, Escape, First Ave, Foundation, Hooters Downtown, Jersey's, the Lodge, Moose on Monroe, the Refuge, Trocaderos and more. Many of the bars will have free drinks or food with a cash donation. Proceeds will go to MinnesotaHelps.org. For more info go to www.myspace.com/bridgetogether.

Foundation is holding the second show in a hip-hop benefit series called "A Time to Build," with Absent, Ecid, Dread I Dread and Golden (10 p.m. Sun. 10 S. 5th St., Mpls. $7. 18 & older. 612-332-3931. www.foundationmpls.com.)

TOM HORGEN