Art Basel 2012: "Freak Show" Mimes, Conga Dancers Entertain Crowds at Miami Fair's Big Parties

John Laraio of Mobius8 performed at the Fusion Fashion & Art Show December 6 at LMNT Contemporary Art Space. Mobius8 is electronica performance art that combines lighting, visual effects, and lasers that morph to the beat of dance music. Laraio originally was booked for the UR1 festival, but when that event was cancelled he joined the Fusion event.

Private rental venue Villa 221 was occupied by Riot Developments December 6 for Reprise Parisienne, a French-themed carnival. A theater troupe, Josepher the Ringleader and the Danger Kitties, dressed as freak show characters including a lion tamer, a gypsy, a bearded woman, a giant, a "morbid mime" duo, and a two-headed lady.

The Reprise Parisienne party December 6 at Villa 221 had a French carnival theme.

The Bombay Sapphire Artisan Finale at the Moore Building December 7 was hosted by Russell Simmons and featured aerialists from Pask Productions. The duo performed balancing acts from the second story of the structured interior and posed with guests.

Miguel Ovalle, winner of the 2011 Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series, painted the roof of a Mini Cooper, which was later auctioned to benefit the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation.

On Friday evening, Benetton South Beach invited guests to its Tutti Frutti event, which featured an impromptu visit from conga dancers. Wearing outfits in Benetton South Beach’s tropical color scheme, the entertainers graced the ExtraExtra-produced party, interacting with guests as they moved through the space.

Vanity Projects provided nail art at the NADA Miami Beach Pool Party hosted by creative agency Friends & Family December 8 at Deauville Beach Resort.

Davidoff rolled handmade cigars for guests at the cocktail party for Art Basel sponsor NetJets. Shiraz Events produced and catered the event at the Bath Club in Miami Beach.