Sydney and Eryn Schmisseur found the sport of synchronized swimming somewhat serendipitously.

December will soon be descending upon us. For a lot of people this month will entail building snowmen, sledding down hills of snow, making snow angles and getting tongues stuck to icy poles. Of course those stuck in Ahwatukee won’t be able to appreciate any of these traditional winter activities. But who needs snow when you can spend your Christmas break in a cozy movie theater. Here are several films to look out for this holiday season.

Seeing a sequel to an animated film might have felt surreal a long time ago. But in the past 20 years or so, every animated feature has become obligated to produce a sequel. Even the Disney classics from the golden age of cinema aren’t safe from the sequel treatment. Does anyone else find it sad that the 1950 version of “Cinderella” is now being marketed with its strait-to-DVD sequels as a trilogy? Every now and then an animated sequel comes along that tries to be as strong as the first, like “Shrek 2” or “Kung-fu Panda 2.” Once in a blue moon, there’s even a great animated trilogy such as “Toy Story.” For the most part though, these animated sequels are just unnecessary money-grubbers. The “Madagascar” series is a prime example.

The highest level of acrobatics can be found in the touring production of Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA. Michael G. Smith, artistic director of KOOZA, said the production features some of the top performers from around the world. He’s excited that audiences will have the opportunity to see some amazing acts at their best.

Cirque du Soleil announced the return to North America of its big top touring show KOOZA, premiering under the white Grand Chapiteau (big top) on June 8 for a limited engagement at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.

The 2011 award season ended with a bang last Sunday with the 84th Academy Awards providing a stunning salute to a magical year of movies. After the bewildering pairing of Anne Hathaway and James Franco last year, the Academy managed to redeem itself by bringing back the greatest of living Oscar hosts, Billy Crystal. Needless to say, Crystal hit it out of the park for the ninth time, maintaining just the right balance of wit, edge, and respect the Academy looks for in a master of ceremonies.

The 2011 award season ended with a bang last Sunday with the 84th Academy Awards providing a stunning salute to a magical year of movies. After the bewildering pairing of Anne Hathaway and James Franco last year, the Academy managed to redeem itself by bringing back the greatest of living Oscar hosts, Billy Crystal. Needless to say, Crystal hit it out of the park for the ninth time, maintaining just the right balance of wit, edge, and respect the Academy looks for in a master of ceremonies.

 Fun facts and figures about the Academy Awards:

ASU Gammage

ASU Gammage

When they lost the rights to the hit “Chicago,” Theater Works had to go back to the drawing board quickly and find a new musical. But instead of picking a similar show, artistic director Robyn Allen chose the rarely produced Anthony Newly musical “Stop the World — I Want to Get Off,” which opens March 25 at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts. 

Theater Works added the award-winning musical “Stop the World — I Want to Get Off” to the 2010-11 season. “Stop the World — I Want to Get Off” was written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. The timeless musical that swept the Tony nominations for Best Musical, Best Author, Best Music and Best Actor and Actress, as well as an Oscar nomination for Best Musical Adaptation, is coming to the Mary Jane Gyder Main Stage March 25 through April 17.

There may be no bigger example of a community Christmas pageant in the East Valley than the "Spirit of Christmas" show in Chandler.

There may be no bigger example of a community Christmas pageant in the East Valley than the "Spirit of Christmas" show in Chandler.

Here: Julian Michaels CD release event

Unlike princess Ariel in The Little Mermaid, Taylor Henderson did not have to make a deal with any sea witch named Ursula to achieve a longtime dream.

Performers wanted for Nov. 20 Block Party

Chandler Center for the Arts announces grand re-opening season

Individual tickets for the Phoenix Symphony's 2010/11 season are now available by calling the box office at (602) 495-1999 or visiting www.phoenixsymphony.org.