Photo By Jeffrey Sabo

Miami University dance students take flight this weekend.

Doubling Down on College Dance
The first weekend in December offers a variety of energetic and entertaining dance works from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music's dance department, the BALLET ENSEMBLE FALL DANCE CONCERT, as well as MIAMI DANCE THEATRE'S WINTER CONCERTS.

In Oxford, 23 young Miami University dancers will present works ranging from modern dance to jazz and modern ballet. Choreography comes from students, guest artists and Dance Theatre Director Lana Kay Rosenberg.

Guest choreographer Judith Mikita was inspired by Eric Whitacre's choral composition, "Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine." Mikita, a prolific choreographer and performer who's been making modern dance since 1993 from her Cincinnati base, says she's intrigued by the notion that an idea can change history.

"Leonardo (Da Vinci), who was tormented by dreams of flying and falling, wasn't that far off from designing a flying machine," she says. "The dance reflects the voices and the music I've used, but also the dancers and I generated movement by thinking about the way in which we as human beings achieve moments of understanding -- those moments of clarity that put things in perspective that we all experience.

"As the voices sing of the pigeons Leonardo released to study flight 'one by one by one,' the dancers move in circular canon, repeating a movement phrase to echo that. In the dance I've relied strongly on fall and recovery technique as first taught by dance pioneer Doris Humphrey."

Photo By Ryan Kurtz

Forty-four dancers will participate in CCM's Ballet Ensemble concert, featuring a staging of August Bournonville's 1849 Konservatoriet by internationally recognized guest Vivi Flindt, here in her fifth collaboration with CCM Dance. Here's a chance to see the great Danish choreographer's masterwork, a snapshot of the graceful and refined Danish-French school of dance.

Also on the bill is Chronicles, an abstract contemporary work by Italian choreographer Diego Salterini, plus two new works commissioned from CCM Assistant Professor of Dance Jiang Qi and the virtuosic show-stopper Grand Pas de Deux from Don Quixote, restaged by CCM Associate Professor of Dance Yi-Qi Cheng.

Miami University's Dance Theatre will present winter concerts at 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday in Hall Auditorium. (Tickets are $6-$10; 513-529-3200.) CCM's Ballet Ensemble Fall Dance Concert is 8 p.m. Friday, 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at Patricia Corbett Theater ($5-$10; 513-556-4183). (See Onstage.) -- KATHY VALIN

WEDNESDAY 29
Don't make the mistake of thinking that Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati's holiday show is just for kids. While this year's musical, UGLY DUCK, opening tonight, is certainly something they'll enjoy, it's also a piece that the grownups who take the younger set to the theater will find themselves entertained by as well. That's because David Kisor's music for ETC's holiday productions is tuneful and amusing, and lots of the smart writing that comes from playwright Joe McDonough's pen is full of wit that adults can appreciate. These guys know something about putting together musical fairytales, since they've been doing them for 11 seasons. The story of the Ugly Duckling gets a new twist, according to director D. Lynn Meyers: "This is a story about being your own best. If we're lucky, we can get to a point where we each honor that wholeheartedly." To make this production all the more fun to watch, the cast includes some of Cincinnati's best professionals, including Sherman and Drew Fracher, Annie Fitzpatrick and the always amusing Michael G. Bath. $29-$32. 513-421-3555. (See Onstage.) -- RICK PENDER

Photo By Jon Hughes

THURSDAY 30
Matunda ya kwanza is the Swahili term meaning "first fruits," and Kwanzaa -- the secular seven-day celebration of family, community and culture -- is a derivation of that. Founded by the black nationalist Maulana Karenga in 1966, Kwanzaa is celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Each day is reserved for observing one of the seven traditional African and common humanist principles identified by Karenga, from umoja (unity) to imani (faith). This year, the AFRIKAN-AMERICAN DRUM AND DANCE ENSEMBLE invites you to a pre-Kwanzaa celebration featuring a live performance by the ensemble, free health screenings, arts and crafts and a vendor-lined African market perfect for picking up unique Kwanzaa and Christmas gifts. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Lindner Family YMCA (1425 Linn St., West End). 513-281-7909. (See Events.) -- MAIJA ZUMMO

FRIDAY 01 SATURDAY 02 SUNDAY 03
Like many stand-up comics, NICK GRIFFIN first got on stage in college, partly because he didn't like school or the prospect of trying to find a career afterwards. "We used to drink at this bar (in Kansas City) that had open mic night," he says. "My friends talked me into doing it, and I didn't totally suck. I thought, 'Wow, this is cool. I can drink and say dirty things on stage and they give me money.' My parents were horrified, but things worked out." Working only an hour or so a night, Griffin tries to find constructive things to do during his free time. "I write screenplays that don't sell. That's my genre right now that I'm working on. You're on the road and you're in the middle of Boise, Idaho, and there's 23 hours to fill and you can only masturbate so many times before you go crazy. So I started working screenplays as a way to occupy my mind instead of drinking all day." Griffin tries to retain his sanity at The Funny Bone on the Levee Friday-Sunday. $14-$16. 859-957-2000. (See Onstage.) -- P.F. WILSON

SATURDAY 02
The Friends of the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County hold a book sale at the Main Public Library branch (800 Vine St., Downtown) to honor the memory of the late OSCAR TREADWELL, legendary poetry and Jazz aficionado. He'd become a local legend as well as a generous contributor to the library system, donating more than 5,000 recordings of various musicians on CD and more than 300 reel-to-reel taped broadcasts of his popular radio program, Jazz with O.T. "His family felt it important that his love of Jazz and poetry be shared with his fans," says Friends Executive Director Anne Keller. "It's a priceless piece of local history, and one more way that OT's legacy will be continued." More than 50 boxes have been received from his family, and each item purchased at the sale will come with a specially designed bookplate indicating that it's from the library of Oscar Treadwell. Don't miss your chance to own a collectable piece from this Cincinnati legend's own archives. The sale is 1-4 p.m. Saturday. 513-369-6035. (See Literary.) -- JENNIFER RIGGAN

Photo By Taft Museum of Art

Michael Scott: Farney Fables

SATURDAY 02
The transition from successful actor to successful musician has rarely been smooth -- for every Jared Leto of 30 Seconds to Mars there are hundreds of Keanu Reeves. (Remember Dogstar? Exactly.) JEFF DANIELS, whose acting career has included roles in everything from The Squid and the Whale to Dumb and Dumber, knows the public's resistance to accepting actor-slash-musicians. He addresses it immediately on his Live and Unplugged album with the funny, self-explanatory "If William Shatner Can, I Can Too." He's an admitted hobbyist, as the album and tours supporting it were designed to raise money for the Purple Rose Theatre, a community project Daniels founded in his tiny hometown of Chelsea, Mich., that supports Midwestern writers and actors. Though certainly not headed to the Top 40 anytime soon, Daniels' acoustic songs are largely humorous and occasionally poignant (think a less flamboyant Kinky Friedman). His stage experience makes his musical presentation as much "one-man show" as "concert," as he charmingly introduces each song and tells engaging back-stories. While far from a life-changing musical experience, Daniels' endearing presence should make for an entertaining night out Saturday at The Carnegie's Otto M. Budig Theatre in Covington. $25-$35. 859-957-1940. (See Music.) -- MIKE BREEN

SATURDAY 02
Isn't it time you checked out great art with a witty sense of humor? We think so. Make a visit to the Taft Museum of Art and view the hilarious exhibition MICHAEL SCOTT: FARNEY FABLES, which continues through Dec. 31. You'll find the beauty of a Dutch master coupled with the razzle-dazzle of Vegas (yes, Vegas). In one sequence, Rembrandt's "Polish Rider" joins Matthew Farney's braves on a nighttime raiding party that just happens to turn into a carousel ride resulting in Las Vegas riches. Wow! Scott, an MFA graduate of the University of Cincinnati ('78), has taken the poise and elegance typically found in Farney's works and translated that into his own pieces. The exhibition is composed of a sequence of 30 works; Scott has brilliantly depicted clever stories married with precision and realistic rendering. 513-241-0343. (See Art.) -- JACQUELYN VAUGHN

SATURDAY 02
Krohn Conservatory holds magical thrills for kids lucky enough to have creative (and budget-wise) parents. The copper coy fish flicking beneath the "cave" wall ... the Kruidje-Roer-Me plants that shy when stroked ... the dizzying Ruth Lyons coin funnel -- if I remember correctly, it's way cooler when you use heavy quarters, but pennies work, too. Enjoy all that and more as Krohn presents A HOLIDAY COLLAGE celebrating the yuletide with decorated live trees in themed colors and extended holiday hours. Colorful explosions of poinsettia, coleus and cyclamen -- along with Krohn's not-so-usual 3,500 plant species -- will tickle those tiny senses, as will a music box of garden railway trains, complete with replicas of familiar Cincinnati buildings. Families needn't wait until spring to enjoy the area's best-loved fragrant wonderland. Check online (www.cinci-parks.org) for a complete schedule of holiday events through Jan. 1. Admission is free; donations are greatly appreciated. 513-352-4080. (See Attractions.) -- HANNAH ROBERTS

Photo By Think Press

SATURDAY 02
Find some unique holiday gifts and support Fair Trade artisans and the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center's (IJPC) fourth annual ST. NICK DAY SALE. Bags from Peru, wood carvings from Madagascar, hand-crafted items from Ghana Holiday and alternative cards and peace calendars from Syracuse Cultural Workers are just a few of the gift items that will be available. Hand-painted candles and abolition wear can be found along side the more conventional Entertainment Book, which means your holiday shopping dollars do more than just buy cool stuff -- they support great causes. So pop into the Peaslee Neighborhood Center (215 E. 14th St., Over-the-Rhine) between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and enjoy fabulous refreshments -- including delicious cookies and Fair Trade coffee, tea and cocoa -- and support these artisans as well as IJPC. 513-579-8547. (See Holiday.) -- MARGO PIERCE

SATURDAY 02
Boxing has a long, fruitful history in these parts. Just ask local author KEVIN GRACE, whose latest photo book (with help from co-author/son Joshua Grace) for Arcadia Publishing is the succinctly titled Cincinnati Boxing. The 128-page look back offers evocative images of local boxers (from Mike McCoole and Ezzard Charles to Aaron Pryor and Tim Austin) in their element, often the gritty neighborhood gyms of Over-the-Rhine and West End. Several useful tidbits are discussed in Grace's well-researched captions, none more intriguing than the fact that Cincinnati hosted the first heavyweight championship in which the participants wore gloves: John L. Sullivan vs. Dominick McCaffrey, an 1885 bout then dubbed the "Fight of the Century." Grace and son discuss and sign their collaboration at 2 p.m. at Kenwood Barnes & Noble (7800 Montgomery Road). 513-794-9440. (See Literary.) -- JASON GARGANO

SUNDAY 03
Tired of all the shopping malls and watching the umpteenth version of A Christmas Carol on TV? If you're searching for ways to liven up the holidays, check out the GLOBAL HOLIDAY FESTIVAL at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The second annual event is a celebration of holiday traditions from around the world and will feature displays from various cultural, religious and ethnic groups. A tentative list of participants include the Urban Appalachian Council, the Islamic Center, Cincy Latino, German-American Citizens League, Cincinnati Chinese School, Soka Gakkai International, North American Indian Council, Northern Kentucky University Institute for Freedom Studies, Ethiopian African Church and the Triumphant/RASTA Organization. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. The event is free with a Freedom Center admission ($12 adults, $10 seniors, $8 children 6-12 and free for children under 6). 513-333-7500. (See Events.) -- KEVIN OSBORNE