Trend Spotted: Global Entertainers

The Canadian Opera Company's Operanation benefit

Tahitian dance troupe Nonosina performed at the premiere of 3-D Imax Surf film The Ultimate Wave Tahiti in February at the California Science Center in Los Angeles.

In March, the third annual gala for the Michael "Pinball" Clemons Foundation took on an African theme to recognize the foundation's recent commitment to help build schools in countries like Kenya and Sierra Leone. At the gala at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto, musicians and dancers from Ijo Vudu Dance International performed a traditional Nigerian dance.

In February, Absolut Vodka held a launch party for its newest flavor, Absolut Berri Açai, at the W Chicago City Center.  Dancers put on a series of capoeira performances that paid homage to the Brazilian heritage of the açai fruit.

Marklund, a nonprofit devoted to assisting people with severe developmental disabilities, hosted its Chinese New Year-themed Top Hat Ball in Chicago in February.  The Chicago Dragons Athletic Association performed a lion dance, which symbolically ushers in prosperity and good luck.

For the kickoff of the 87th annual Campus Market Expo in Orlando in March, organizers asked the evening's six sponsors to create activities that would foster networking among attendees. Kukui nut jewelry maker Go Nuts provided a Hawaiian band to entertain guests and reference the origin of its product.

The Canadian Opera Company paid tribute to Carmen at "Opernation 6: Habanera," a V.I.P. dinner and Latin-themed party in Toronto in February. Entertainment inspired by the opera, which is set in Seville, Spain, included Latin dancers from City Dance Corps, who performed flamenco and salsa routines.