Longtime "dance mom" Lynn Trimble chats with Sharon Seder Meko of Ballet Etudes in Gilbert, which offers dance training and performance opportunities for serious dancers ages 9 to 18, about the Lifetime Television series "Dance Moms" -- and what to do when a young dancer says she (or he) wants to call it quits.

Arizona theater folk are looking ahead to September's AriZoni Awards ceremony honoring achievement in youth, community and professional theater. Lynn Trimble attended Monday night's event announcing this year's nominees and shares news of the results -- plus information about this year's Business in the Arts Awards.

Two unmarried college students, a 30-something couple trying to conceive and a pair of near empty-nesters share the stage for a musical called "Baby" at Arizona Broadway Theatre in Peoria. Lynn Trimble saw the show with her daughter Lizabeth, and describes it as both "charming" and "sweet."

Playwright Steve Yockey was in town recently to workshop a new play titled "Wolves" at Stray Cat Theatre in Tempe. Lynn Trimble offers thoughts about "Wolves" of both the on-stage and wilderness variety, and suggests resources for those eager to learn more.

Inspired by paper cranes hanging at the Poets House in NYC and the Arizona Museum for Youth in Mesa, Lynn Trimble goes in search of Asian art and music.

The director of a newly-released French film wonders why some people say there are too many Holocaust movies. We never say there are too many westerns, spy flicks, alien movies or romantic comedies. Lynn Trimble recently saw "Sarah's Key," set in Paris during 1942 and 2009, and shares a few of her thoughts about the film.

After finding photos of her daughter Lizabeth attending local performances of "Cinderella," Lynn Trimble goes in search of current and upcoming dance and theater productions featuring an enterprising young woman, an egalitarian prince and the enchanted glass slipper that brings them together.

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble uncovers some little-known fairy tales by the brothers Grimm and shares news of Valley theater companies bringing fairy tales to Valley stages during the 2011-2012 season. If your children love fairy tales, you'll want to mark your calendars now.

Lisa Plumb, owner of Plumb Performing Arts Center in Scottsdale, talks about "Dance Moms," a new reality TV show on Lifetime television -- and shares insights on making competitive dance a positive experience with benefits beyond titles and trophies.

Arrogant Rat thinks he knows it all. His slow-witted friend Pig doesn't know any better. Rat worries that his wisdom is wasted on Pig. But in truth, neither is terribly smart. Lynn Trimble explores "Pearls Before Swine" and shares news of an opportunity to meet artist Stephan Pastis right here in the Valley.

Lynn Trimble explores diverse dance performance coming to Valley stages -- including ballet, modern dance, tribal dance, Latin dance, Irish dance, Native American dance, Broadway dance and more -- and shares a couple of dance in education opportunities for Arizona students.

Looking for creative craft ideas? Parents who attended a recent Family Fun Day at the ASU Art Museum got plenty of inspiration from the Blue Bike Kids Show. Lynn Trimble shares four of their projects plus news of an upcoming Family Fun Day with an animal theme.

Lynn Trimble previews the Stray Cat Theatre production of "Sparrow" -- a tale of teen angst, survivor's guilt and special powers that blends music and dance with a sci-fi and graphic novel vibe.

Children adopt the attitudes and behaviors of those around them. If you're eager to introduce your children to capable and confident girls, try these live theater productions featuring strong female characters.

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble recalls some of her family's favorite Disney moments and shares news of two Saturday events with a Disney theme.

As partisan politics continue in Washington, D.C., Stage Mom Lynn Trimble is starting wonder -- What would Robin Hood do? The legendary figure comes to Mesa Arts Center July 26-30 thanks to young actors, ages 8-13, performing in the Actor's Youth Theatre junior production of "Robin Hood."