Local Arts

A Burnaby resident is onstage in the UBC production of Rossini’s La Cenerentola this weekend. Kurt Theiss appears as Dandini in the opera, which tells the fairytale story of Cinderella. It’s onstage at the Chan Centre Feb. 1 through 4.

In today’s world, we are daily exposed to so much poor amateur farce happening on political stages that’s it’s a nice change to see it done well, theatrically, right here in Vancouver.

A young Burnaby dancer is on a mission to spread the word: Dancing is for boys, too. And he’s wearing a world medal around his neck to prove it.

ON NOW To Friday, Feb. 2 Unity of Spirits, an exhibition of work by participants in Union Gospel Mission’s Healing Through Art program, running at the Anvil Centre Community Art Space, 777 Columbia St., third floor. Info: www.anvilcentre.ca .

Never work with animals or children, as W.C. Fields is famously quoted as saying. Unless, of course, you’re casting for Legally Blonde – in which case you absolutely must find the just-right canines.

SAVE THE DATE: March 8 International Women’s Day at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts WHAT’S UP? The Shadbolt Centre for the Arts is marking International Women’s Day on Thursday, March 8 with a free presentation called Potter Mouth: Unabashed Message

Dance fans, keep your eyes on Michael J. Fox Theatre in February. The theatre is playing host to a number of dance events next month, and local dance aficionados may just want to check them out. On Sunday, Feb.

Interested in exploring your Japanese heritage or in finding out more about the culture? The Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre in Burnaby is holding a food fair and Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) event on Feb. 17 and 18.

ON NOW To Saturday, Jan. 28 Arts Council of New Westminster presents works from the permanent collection, at The Gallery at Queen’s Park, with work in a variety of styles and mediums. Gallery open Wednesdays 1 to 8 p.m.

You can learn about traditional Coast Salish drumming in an upcoming presentation at Deer Lake Gallery. As part of the gallery's Coast Salish Stories series, Brandon Gabriel (Kwelexwecten) will be on hand on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon.