Dance
Queen, INXS, Bowie and … ballet?
Today-Sunday. Most dance traditions take the form of annual “Nutcracker” shows or other repertory works, but Ballet Nouveau Colorado is building its own decidedly modern tradition with the return of this weekend’s “Rock Ballets.” Artistic director Garrett Ammon’s exuberantly choreographed pieces are set to tunes from Queen, INXS and David Bowie, bridging the gap between ballet’s delicate movement and rock ‘n’ roll’s carefree carnality. Also featured: Lisa Law’s “Flashing on the Sixties” photography exhibit, which features rock icons Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, the Beatles and more. Friday-Saturday shows sold out. Tickets still available for 2 p.m. Sunday. Performing Arts Complex at Pinnacle Charter School, 1001 W. 84th Ave. $15-$44. 303-466-5685 or .
John Wenzel
Film
Xicanindie Film fest of Latino cinema opens on a sweet note
April 19 – 22. The Xicanindie XIV festival of World Latino Cinema opens Thursday not with a film but with a musical flourish. Before the screening of “Tocar y Luchar” (“To Play and To Fight”) — Alberto Arvelo Mendoza’s 2006 documentary about the famed Venezuelan music education program begun in 1975 by economist-pianist José Antonio Abreu to serve impoverished children — participants of the recently launched El Sistema Colorado-Garden Place Academy in Denver’s Globeville neighborhood will perform. A panel discussion follows the 7 p.m screening. At Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center, 721 Santa Fe Dr. Tickets $5-$8. Festival Pass for $35. For more info go to suteatro.org or 303-296-0219.
Lisa Kennedy
Family Fun
Building a Box City from the ground up
Saturday. Get an up-close look at some of Denver’s landmarks — and make a few of your own — during Doors Open Denver. (See our note to the right.) Youngsters can test out their architecture skills at Denver Box City, a part of Doors Open Denver. The free activity shows kids the basics of construction — getting permits, designing buildings, gathering materials — as they build a cardboard city inside the Wellington E. Webb Municipal Building. Box City: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wellington E. Webb Municipal Building, 201 W. Colfax Ave. Admission is free, but reservations are requested; call 303-446-2266. ;
Kathleen St. John
Architecture
Tour the “Doors”-and maybe on two wheels
Saturday and Sunday. Don’t forget, this is Doors Open Denver weekend, the biggest event of the year for fans of architecture and local history. More than 80 buildings — mansions, theaters and museums — will be welcoming the public inside for a look. There are also scores of tours, family activities and events designed to remind people of the city’s built treasures. Everything is free and no tickets are needed for site visits, but you have to sign up for the tours (which can fill quickly!) starting at 8:30 a.m. that morning at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1400 Curtis St.. And here’s an idea: why not borrow one of the Denver B- cycle bikes to get you around this year? Info on everything at . Hours: 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. each day.
Ray Mark Rinaldi
Festival
Kite Fest takes to Arvada skies
Saturday. Springtime fun takes flight at the 10th annual Arvada Kite Festival. Celebrating National Kite Month, the day-long party features fun up in the air and on the ground. Bring along your best kites to join in contests for kids and adults; kites also will be available for sale on site. Members of the Foothills Kite Club will demonstrate their soaring skills, too. There also will be live music, games, kiddie rides, kite-making and lots of tasty food to sample. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. . Robby Ferrufino Park, West 74th Avenue and Carr Drive, Arvada. Admission is free. For more information, call 720-898-7400 or visit .
Kathleen St. John
