Just Do It

PIMA Bingo Benefit

by Ptah Gabrie

Sat., Nov. 3, 7 p.m.-midnight, $5-$25 (sliding scale), The Latvian Society, 531 N. Seventh St., 215-400-1521, www.pimagroup.org

Being a patron of the arts doesn't always require sophistication and a string of stuffy parties. The PIMA Group, a local performing arts nonprofit, is breaking out the bingo cards to fund their latest dance project, Look!, which debuts in late January at the Powel House. Unlike your grandma's game night, this benefit boasts prizes you couldn't pick up at next week's craft bazaar. The high roller (or, uh, stamper) will score a trip to Florida, while others will win pieces donated by local artists and tickets to the Kimmel Center and Pennsylvania Ballet. Between games, players can sneak a peek at the upcoming production and its elaborate costumes and props, including mysterious deconstructed mannequins.

Like PIMA's previous productions, Look! is an experimental piece incorporating both electronic and acoustic sound elements. While the dance is largely choreographed, the music is highly improvisational. "It takes a lot of discipline on the part of the dancer and the musician to hold true to what they've worked on," says artistic director and choreographer Melisa Putz. "It's a challenge, but its fun." Since 2001, Putz and co-founders Michael Barker and Thomas Clark have been bringing their unique style of dance and music to audiences as far away as Romania. Of course, there is always an enthusiastic audience at home. "There's such a growing art scene happening in Philadelphia right now," says Putz. "There has been support in the past for these artists, and people are recognizing that."