We tell you what to do, where to be, and why for each week of the year.
By Kazia Jankowski

DANCE

What: Catching a plane to Sydney or Madrid just to see a dance show is hard to justify. Instead, let the fifth annual San Souci Festival of Dance Cinema bring international dance film and performances to you.
Why: Films from France to South Korea capture traditional and experimental rhythms. The most dynamic programs, though, combine cinema and live performances, where musicians and dancers complement the films.
Bonus: Festival doors open early Saturday afternoon (5 p.m.) for a special showing of Belgian choreographer Alain Platel’s “VSPRS Show and Tell”—a provocative dance video expressing psychiatric distress via religious and sexual imagery.
Details: Fri-Sat, times vary. The Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, 1750 13th St., Boulder. $12. For more information, call 303-443-2122 or visit www.bmoca.org.

WORKSHOP

What: As the U.S. House of Representatives debates whether or not to establish a U.S. Department of Peace and Nonviolence, the bill’s mountain supporters host a Rocky Mountain Regional Conference. Learn more about the debate, while connecting with local and national nonviolence organizations.
Why: Workshops on lobbying, grassroots campaigning, nonviolent communications, and peer mediation get to the root of the bill and offer several alternatives for reducing world conflict.
Bonus: Friday’s opening, chocolate-themed reception presents local alternative hip-hop artist Jonny 5, from the non-profit oriented band the Flobots, and Denver-based actress Sherrie Scott.
Details: Fri-Sun, times vary. Mi Casa Resource Center for Women Inc., 360 Acoma St. $60. For more information, call 443-517-3371 or visit www.dopmd.org/DOPCO.

FAMILY AND KIDS

What: Sleepy, Sneezy, and Grumpy come to life in this live musical production of the classic European fairytale Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Meant to be interactive, this hour-long show invites child audience members onto the stage to participate in the performance.
Why: Between preschool and kindergarden, your little one has certainly learned the song “Whistle While You Work.” Here, a chance to let him sing along with the dwarfs themselves.
Bonus: After the show in the Heritage Square Music Hall, stroll around the Square grounds, stopping for a sweet treat or a ride down the alpine slide.
Details: Through Aug 9. Sat, 1:30 p.m. Heritage Square Music Hall, 18301 W. Colfax D-103, Golden. $6. For more information, call 303-279-7800 or visit www.hsmusichall.com.

PERFORMING ARTS

What: Shorts are to opera what trailers are to movies—only better. Central City Opera and Opera Colorado’s shorts, hosted at Alto Restaurant, come with wine and appetizers. Catch a sneak preview of Central City’s upcoming opera Susannah (Jul 5-Aug 10) at this week’s shorts.
Why: No subtitles for this show. Susannah is production of American composer Carlisle Floyd and tells the story of a young girl wrongly accused of promiscuous behavior.
Bonus: If this introduction to opera fits your bill, watch out for the Nixon in China opera short May 27.
Details: Tue, 5:30-6:45 p.m. Alto Restaurant, 1320 15th St. $20. For more information, call 303-292-6700 or visit www.centralcityopera.org.