If you want to introduce your children to dance, this weekend offers the perfect opportunity.
Raleigh Dance Theater will present its annual “Storybook Tales,” a collection of popular children’s stories performed by young ballet dancers. Performances are Saturday at noon and 4 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. in Fletcher Opera Theater at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts.
This year, the dancers will perform “Rainbow Fish,” based on Marcus Pfister’s well-loved children’s book, “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse,” based on the book by Kevin Henkes, and “Snow White.”
Artistic Director Mary LeGere said the show is appropriate for children ages 3 and up. In two of the stories, a voiceover will narrate the story while the dancers act it out, making the performances more accessible for young children than traditional ballets.
“If a child can sit through a Disney movie, they probably will be fine with this,” LeGere said. “If they’re familiar with the stories, like ‘Rainbow Fish’ and ‘Lilly,’ it’s really fun for them.”
Raleigh Dance Theater is a nonprofit that gives performance training to young dancers who are working toward professional careers. Most of the performers range in age from 12 to 19. They do a fall family show each year presenting popular children’s stories. In years past, they have danced to stories such as “Fancy Nancy” and “The Little Engine that Could.” So if you like this year’s show, be sure to check them out again next year.
Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Go to raleighdance.org to buy tickets.
• If you would rather take a hike, try the fall foliage hike at Yates Mill County Park. From 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, all ages can participate in a guided hike to learn about why leaves change color in the fall and what they tell us about the environment. The hike is free but registration is required. Call 919-856-6675.
• Lastly, Saturday is Bunka no Hi, or Japanese Culture Day, at the Ackland Art Museum in Chapel Hill. All ages can learn about Japanese arts such as haiku, brushstroke painting, bonsai and embroidery. Kids can also make origami and participate in gallery scavenger hunts. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, go to ackland.org.
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