Da Kine Star-Bulletin Staff & Wire services

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Workshop explores Duncan dance style

Mary Sano introduces students to basic Duncan dance technique and concepts at a workshop at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 18.

Isadora Duncan, the pioneer of modern dance, created a new dance form based on natural and flowing movement. Sano's approach is intended to bring out individual expression, connecting the mind, body and spirit.

Sano is a third-generation Duncan dancer. Visit www.duncandance.org for more information.

Cost is $18 in advance, $20 at the door.

Fundraiser lets kids play with Santa Claus

Families are invited to join Santa Claus and his friends at Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii's 19th annual "Breakfast with Santa" fundraiser taking place Saturday and Sunday at the Japanese Cultural Center Manoa Grand Ballroom, 2454 S. Beretania St.

Two seatings are offered daily -- breakfast from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and lunch from noon to 2 p.m. Cost is $18, including meal, photo with Santa, clowns, face painting, games, crafts and a Christmas gift.

Entertainment includes magic by Mike Wong, Ron Ishimaru and the Society of Young Magicians; music including Imua, Opihi Pickers, Vaihi, Tradewinds, Keahi Conjugacion and Island Jazz; and Halau O Napua La'i Kauikaiu.

Costumed characters such as Winnie-the-Pooh, Mickey Mouse and Elmo will roam the room.

The organization's goal this year is to raise $40,000 for local child-abuse prevention programs.

Call 440-4613.

Mozart event solicits student musicians

Student musicians are invited to audition for the Oahu Arts Center's Mozart Festival 2006.

Entry deadline is Dec. 16. The competition is open to students from kindergarten to grade 12 performing on string, wind, percussion instruments, piano or voice. Entries must be solos or concertos by Mozart, with piano accompaniment, and entrants must be taking private lessons from a qualified instructor.

Auditions will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 11 at the University of Hawaii Orvis Auditorium. Winners will perform Feb. 25 in a festival marking Mozart's 250th anniversary.

A first-place and honorable-mention prize will be awarded in each division: elementary, intermediate (grades six to eight) and advanced (grades nine to 12). Application fees are $10 to $20, depending on division.

Call 848-7632. Applications and rules can be downloaded at www.oahuartscenter.org.

Tibetan philosopher to conduct retreat

Khentrul Rinpoche, who spent 20 years studying at monasteries in Tibet and India, will present his teachings at:

» "Taming the Wild Horse of the Mind": 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at University of Hawaii, Queen Liliuokalani Center for Student Services. Cost is $20, $10 for students.

» "Heart Sutra": A weekend retreat will be held from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Kailua Shambhala Meditation Center. Cost is based on a sliding scale, from $50 to $150 per day.

Rinpoche has taught for many years in Tibet and India, establishing a retreat center, library and higher philosophical studies institute. He is currently building a school for children.

Call 262-8352 or visit www.ksbcenter.org.

Nature Center hosting children's activities

Children can enjoy forest hikes, stream explorations, nature crafts, insect safaris and field trips at Hawaii Nature Center's winter intersession program.

The program is for ages 6 to 11. Four-day weekly sessions run from 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 27 to Jan. 6 (Tuesday to Friday). Extended care from 3 to 5:30 p.m. is also available.

Cost is $180 per week for members, $245 for nonmembers. Call 955-0100.