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So, What's the Point?

A A A Comments Thursday, Mar 4 2004

Ballet for beginners

Mike Gorman

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SAT 3/6 If you show up early for the Miami City Ballet's "Ballet for Young People," you'll get to watch dancers from one of the largest ballet companies in the country warm up on-stage. Geared toward 5- to 8-year-olds and families who wouldn't ordinarily attend a full-length ballet, the series (now in its third season) offers snippets of classical repertory in a short and sweet one-hour format. This year's program will include "The Waltz of the Flowers" from The Nutcracker as well as sections from Kevin McKenzie's Le Corsaire and Balanchine's Concerto Barocco and Tarantella.All selections promise to be lively enough to head off any snoozing or fidgetiness. It's a win-win opportunity for both the kids, who are introduced to the art form in a casual, age-appropriate manner, and the dancers, many of whom are advanced Miami City Ballet School students gaining valuable stage experience. If you miss the preshow activities, you can meet the dancers after the performance, get autographs, and find out everything you ever wanted to know about ballet. Autograph books are available for purchase, or bring your own. Showtime is 11 a.m. at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts (201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale). Tickets cost $10, $15, and $20. Call 877-929-7010. -- Michelle D. Omenson

Crafty Kids
Making stuff is fun!

SAT 3/6 St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, and though grownups have their own special way of celebrating (drink up!), kids need to have fun too. So while parents spend the day killing brain cells, their children can use them by taking part in "Kids Creations," a monthly arts and crafts program for ages 6 to 12. Each month brings a different theme, allowing kids to create pins, necklaces, cards, and an assortment of projects to get their creative juices flowing. "It's a good way for children to be creative on their own, as opposed to copying something," notes program director Renetta Uhl. She adds that, appropriately, this month's project includes shamrock pins. The fun starts at 9 a.m. at Driftwood Community Center (3000 N. 69th Ave., Hollywood). The cost is $7. Call 954-967-4241. -- Jason Budjinski

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