The Vie Side: Dance classes, Tulane rally, Art Walk

SATURDAY / Shake your body down to the ground: Dance Quarter, the new dance studio in town, is holding an open house and party to celebrate its opening. From 2-5 p.m., they will be holding free 30-minute sample classes for teens and adults, with a party following from 8-11:30 p.m. Dance Quarter’s mission is to share the fun and fitness of social dancing, and with events like this, we have no doubt they’ll be achieving it. With everything from flamenco to Michael Jackson choreography, they could convince anyone’s two left feet to put on dancing shoes. Dance Quarter, 1719 Toledano St. Read Brian Friedman’s story on Dance Quarter here.

SATURDAY / Geaux Tulane: It is coming on two months since Tulane senior Devon Walker was seriously injured in a football game, but not a day has passed that the Tulane and New Orleans communities have not thought of him. This Saturday after Tulane plays its homecoming game, the Republic is holding a Rally for Devon. All proceeds from the tickets and silent auction go to defraying Devon’s medical costs. With live entertainment and complimentary cuisine, it’ll be a good time for a better cause. Republic, 828 S. Peters St., 6 p.m, $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

SATURDAY / Studio show: Located in a converted warehouse, Mid-City Studios has operated as a workplace for local artists for 15 years. And every year, just once a year, on the first Saturday of November, the 30 or so resident artists open their doors to the public for a show and sale of their works. Browse paintings, sculpture, watercolors, prints, pastels, and photography (holiday shopping, anyone?) in a tax-free zone for original art. Among studios on site are those of Allison Stewart, Sandra Burshell, Lory Lockwood, Sidonie Villere, Karen Laborde and many more. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mid-City Studios, 4436 Toulouse St. at N. Murat. Free.

Louisiana Swamp Festival

SATURDAY—SUNDAY / And they all asked for you: Go on down to the Audubon Zoo this weekend to catch the Louisiana Swamp Festival. The essentials will be featured, like zydeco music and local crafts, with a special emphasis on fried foods. If funnel cakes and fried alligator aren’t enough to entice you, they’ll also be serving fried Oreos and a BLT with deep fried bacon. Of course, the Audubon Zoo is home to the Louisiana Swamp Exhibit and the weekend will be an excellent opportunity to learn all about the swamp and the people and animals that make it their home. But I’ll say it again: deep fried bacon. Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St., free with zoo admission.

SATURDAY—SUNDAY / Art talk: This weekend, the Creative Alliance of New Orleans has put together a tour of various studios and houses in New Orleans. In a city where walking down the right street can seem like an art tour unto itself, studios and homes are opening their doors to display private collections and works from local emerging artists. Both tours are followed by wrap parties at 5 p.m. The opportunity to take a glimpse into the beautiful private homes is rare. Take advantage of it fully with a weekend pass for $25, or $15/day. Various locations.

Anna Shults is associate editor of NolaVie.