Whether you're a lost cause on the dance floor or feel that you've got award-winning moves to show off, here is your chance to be involved. From Thursday to Sunday demonstrations, classes and competitions highlighting all forms of urban dance are brought to the city courtesy of the 8th Annual B-Boy Masters ProAm. Divisadero Street studio Dance Ground Keriak offers lessons in break, hip-hop, upbeat styles and more, though they might not be able to get the true beginners ready in time for Saturday afternoon's ProAm Finals and International Showcase. The Break Beat Assassins and Medea Sirkas will be among the lead performers at the City Nights party, accompanied by Coop D'Ville and Beat Junkies' DJ Havik. Boogaloo Shrimp, producer of the hit 1995 film "Kids", will also be on hand, participating in the panel discussion group and fielding questions. Come find out where you rank among some of the Bay Area's best. Date: Sat. 8/14, Time: Noon-4pm, Place: City Nights 715 Harrison @ 3rd St., Cover: $15-20, More Info (IA)

The Opening Ceremony On Friday August 13th the world will converge to witness the beginning of the oldest and most prestigious sporting event in the world. It is the largest pageant of athletic skill and competitive spirit. In Productions in collaboration with DHP & Fresco invite you to experience the Opening Ceremony at Loft 11. This year the Olympics will be celebrated at night! After several weeks of intense slip mat competition “The Trials” have produced an incredible assortment of sounds and vibes. And now, as it was with the first games in 776 BC, these international DJs have been appointed to honor the ancient Gods (Technics, Gemini, Vestax, Pioneer, and Rane) and will be laying down some New World Records that will definitely excite. It is in this spirit that that In Productions & Puma have decide to give away free customized gear throughout the night, so while the Opening Ceremony from Athens is being beamed around the club you too can be sporting the same gear as the DJs. We will also be giving out 5 free passes to the night (these passes also include free customized Puma gear & drink specials). RSVP here. 08/13 – OPENING CEREMONY @ Loft 11 (11th @ Folsom) · Naomi Austin (USA, DHP) · Sake-1 (USA, Local 1200) · Jackson (USA, DHP) · Joe Livingston (USA, in-Pro) · Lady la Star (France, Metrojazz) · ParisSoul (France, in-Pro) · Chris Obermeyer (Germany, in-Pro) · Rachel (Iran) · Tokyo Component (Japan) · Jandro (Mexico, Percussionist)

From Studio To Stage
Did you know that SF has it's own regional office for the prestigious Grammy Awards? The San Francisco Chapter of the Recording Academy is hosting a Grammy Professional Development Event featuring Ken Jordan of The Crystal Method and other pros of electronic music production. All you producers out there should flock to Pyramind on Saturday, where you'll interact with international and local artists in workshops and discussions, and view demonstrations by tech product manufacturers such as M-Audio and Digidesign. Afterward, the Post-Vinyl Party at Studio Z will entertain you groovers with the talents and skills possessed by local music mavens J Boogie, Charles Stella, Sen-Sei, biL, DJ F, and many more. Your participation throughout the day and night will give you a spectacular dose of music tech education and some incredible insight into electronic music's process of evolution. You'll leave Studio Z with a greater understanding and appreciation of the sounds and artists that started this scene and perpetuated its growth, and you may even get a glimpse into the future of this non-classical culture you love. Cheers to the Grammys for their new award category "Best Dance/Electronic Album"! Date: Sat. 8/14, Time: workshop 11am-5pm, party 8pm-2am, Place: workshop @ Pyramind, party @ Studio Z, Cover: workshop $25 for general public, party $10, More Info (DKD)

Moonwalk for Earth Dance Party Benefit
You may only tap into the concept of "energy renewal" when you find yourself trudging home at 6am after a week-long bender, but Moonwalk for Earth is all about improving energy efficiency, raising energy project awareness, repeatedly breaking a Guinness World Record, and... walking on the moon, of course. Join the "cosmic dance" this Friday and support the giant leaps this crew is taking to renew our energy for the sake of our planet and our collective well-being. Think along the lines of lower gas prices and decreased dependency on foreign powers, and you'll see your goals instantly aligned with those of MFE. Polywog's high-powered performance at the benefit will surely remind you how crucial energy renewal is. She's a master of the bass factor, and many a groover can attest to her genius in generating waves of fervor through the dancefloor. Hip-hop DJ Shaboo will also be spinning for the cause and Sonny Walker's Tao of Rock featuring Turbo is also in the mix. Date: Fri. 8/13, Time: 9pm-2am, Place: Studio Z 314 11th St., Cover: $10 donation, More Info (DKD)

Nihonmachi Street Fair
One of the best things about this city is that everybody gets their day in the sun. This weekend the largest Asian-American and Pacific Islander celebration ignites in Japantown. The Nihonmachi Street Fair raises funds and sparks awareness for dozens of local social service organizations. Informational booths join those dispensing cultural food, drinks, crafts and plenty of free music. The seven hours of entertainment offer as much diversity as the food, with shows ranging from traditional lion dancing to Polynesian moves and a hip-hop dance-off featuring Khaotic GroovemintZ. Local DJ icon A-1 makes an appearance on Saturday, and Big City Revue headlines Sunday, with SF Taiko Dojo showing up both days for a drumming experience like you've never seen! Date: Sat. & Sun. 8/14-8/15, Time: 11am-6pm, Place: Post St., between Laguna & Webster, Cover: Free, Music Lineup, More Info (IA)