Welcome the dragon
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at Hawaii’s Plantation Village from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. The festivities kick off with a traditional Chinese lion dance at 10 a.m. as the Kung Siu Lum Pai troupe parades through the village. This year’s festivities have an emphasis on children’s activities, including plantation-era games and crafts.
Keiki hula performances take place at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and Honbushin presents a taiko performance at 11 a.m.
The Tekniqlingz Crew — which modernizes traditional Philippine folk dances by incorporating hip-hop and modern styles — performs at noon.
Take a free tour of the plantation village and sample plantation-era new year’s dishes, including Chinese gao, Korean mandoo, Japanese zenzai and Okinawan nantu. Chinese plate lunches with homemade gao and jai will be sold, along with hotdogs, hamburgers and shave ice.
Hawaii’s Plantation Village is located at 94-695 Waipahu St. Admission is free.
Ballet school offers half-price deal
The Hawaii State Ballet school is holding an open enrollment period for new students, who will be eligible for a 50 percent discount off the normal $30 registration fee.
Under the direction of John Landovsky and Gina Surles, Hawaii State Ballet has established a reputation for training many successful dancers now performing with professional companies. Alumni of the school include Amanda Schull, star of the movies "Center Stage" and "Mao’s Last Dancer"; Erica Wong, winner of the 2010 American Ballet Competition in Austin, Texas; Romi Beppu, principal ballerina for Ballet West; and Jacquelyn Dowsett, who has appeared on the television series "Glee."
Beginner classes are open for pre-ballet, ages 3 to 5; and junior I, ages 6 and up. Classes are also available for those who already have some formal ballet training, as well as for adults and teens.
The discounted fee is available until Feb. 29. Call 947-2755 for information or an appointment, or visit hawaiistateballet.com.
Learn the basics of baby-sitting
The American Red Cross is offering a baby-sitters’ training course for ages 11 and older. It will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 18.
Besides learning to respond to emergencies and illnesses with first aid, participants will learn accident prevention, diapering, feeding and how to choose age-appropriate games and toys. American Red Cross certification is issued upon completion.
Classes are based on availability and subject to change. The American Red Cross is located at 4155 Diamond Head Road. Cost is $85. Register online at www.redcross.org or call 800-733-2767.
Art museum plans colorful Saturday
Explore rhythms, rhymes and color at the Hawai‘i State Art Museum’s free Second Saturday event on Feb. 11.
Artists from the Hawaii Watercolor Society will show how to use color to create an abstract painting. Participants can choose colors from the color wheel and add wax-resist techniques for extra wow factor.
Teaching artist James McCarthy will be in the museum’s galleries, ready to blend rhythm and rhymes. Be part of a "songwriting team" and collaborate on composing an original song. Participants are welcome to bring recording devices.
Hands-on art activities take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Galleries are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is at 250 S. Hotel St. (Parking is available at Ali‘i Place, 1099 Alakea St. for a $3 flat rate).
Contest celebrates wonder of water
The Board of Water Supply is accepting entries for its 2012 Water Conservation Week Poster and Poetry Contest. This year’s theme is "The Wonder of Water."
The contest is open to Oahu students in grades K-6, and the poetry contest is open to Oahu students in grades 7-12.
Poster entries should be an original piece relating to the theme, on a 12-by-18-inch sheet of paper. All art mediums are allowed except chalk, charcoal and oil-based crayons. Poetry entries should be 150 words or less and no longer than 20 lines, typed on letter-sized paper (81⁄2-by-11 inches).
Entries must be submitted with a completed form to the Board of Water Supply Communications Office, 630 S. Beretania St. or any Oahu Satellite City Hall.
Deadline is March 7.
Winners will be showcased at venues across the island throughout the year as well as featured in the 2012 Water Conservation Calendar. Winners will receive a U.S. savings bond valued at $50 to $100.
Visit www.boardofwatersupply.com or call 748-5041 for an entry form, rules and information.
