Kids San Francisco - January 07, 2008

Raising the Barre

Tutu School

These days you prefer things multifunctional: air purifier/white noise machine, shirt sleeve/pot holder/child’s snot rag.

For dance/music/dress-up/storytelling classes, chasse over to Tutu School, Genevieve Weeks’s new children’s ballet school in North Beach.

The local ballerina teaches toddlers motor skills and rhythmic awareness to Bach and Tchaikovsky. Kids 3 to 8 learn basic moves and positions by dancing parts of classical ballets at the end of each session.

The school also hosts Cinderella- and sugar plum-themed birthday parties for budding Baryshnikovs. Watch for adult ballet and fitness classes in the future.

So you can relevé your derriere while mini-toi learns to plié.

Tutu School, 519 Bay Street, at Taylor Street (415-734-8840 or tutuschool.com).

EXPLORE
Ice Stories
What: In celebration of the 2007-2008 International Polar Year, meet scientists working in Antarctica and the Arctic through videos and web casts.
Why: It’s super cool.
When: Fri.-Jan. 25.
Where: Exploratorium, Palace of Fine Arts, 3601 Lyon St. (415-563-7337).

DO
Third Annual Family Appreciation Day
What: Free admission to more than 35 museums and attractions courtesy of Mayor Newsom and the Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families.
Why: “San Francisco” and “free” are rarely used in the same sentence.
When: Sun.
Where: Participating attractions online at dcyf.org.

LEARN
Thrive Amidst the Chaos of Motherhood
What: Life coach Corrine Bucher offers support, life-balance tools, and ideas for self-fulfillment.
Why: Live a little.
When: Wed., 6-8 p.m.
Where: Sports Basement Presidio, 610 Mason St., at Crissy Field (415-437-0100).