THEATRE or the opera is what we usually think of when we want to broaden our cultural horizons beyond the multiplex screen, but here's your chance to dip your toes into something different. International Dance Festival Ireland is running until 7 May and promises a lively mix of events, from hip hop to sean nos. Artists from around the world will be performing, and the programme should appeal to both first-time and seasoned dance audiences. Highlights include performances from Chinese-born New York resident Shen Wei; a very different interpretation of 'Swan Lake' and a photographic exhibition of dancers' feet.

www. dancefestivalofireland. ie

Hot pants

Fashion's love of great, big, 'statement' handbags continues. They're fabulous for lots of reasons . . . you can accommodate everything from 15 lipsticks to small dogs; the more expensive the bag, the less you have to spend on your clothes (bag by Prada, dress by Penneys); and there's even a theory going around that bigger bags make you look more svelte. But they're also a pain to lug around and they do tend to become repositories for junk. Lingerie company Agent Provocateur is taking a more streamlined approach with its Knicker Purse. The AP woman, like a naughtier version of the Queen, doesn't believe in carrying mundane items like cash or house keys . . . her unique, pink knickers have been designed to hold a thong, suspender belt and seamless bra. Available at Brown Thomas, price 88.

Beauty spot

THIS year, according to make-up artist Ashley Ward, you shall be mostly rocking a minimal, nude look. Ward, whose clients include Reese Witherspoon, Sandra Bullock, and Nicole Kidman, was in Dublin recently at the P&G Beauty Forecasts. Her predictions for the next big things in beauty and grooming includes well-shaped eyebrows and pale, velvety skin, while colours are muted with lavender on the eye-lids and coral on the cheeks. Her top tips for glowing skin, meanwhile, are timeless . . . exfoliation, lots of water and no smoking. P&G Beauty has a portfolio of some of Ireland's favourite brands including Pantene, Olay, Max Factor, Head & Shoulders, Oral B and essential Gillette grooming products. We've got goody bags (worth 100 each) to offer to the first five readers to reply to: P&G Beauty Offer, 305, Adelaide Chambers, Peter Street, Dublin 8.

Gym will fix it

IT WAS once unthinkable that you'd need to encourage kids to get active, but the burgeoning problem of childhood obesity suggests otherwise. Irish company, The Kid's Gym, which has begun a national roll-out, could be the incentive they need to stay away from the TV and get into something a little healthier. Aimed at the three months to three years age group, it's a fun environment where the kids can try classes as diverse as tae kwon do and hip hop. Significantly, the emphasis is on taking part, and not competition, with complimentary fruit and water offered after each session and all activities overseen by a team of experienced professionals. The first in the franchise has just opened at Chuckleberries Creche and Montessori School, Woodstown Village Centre, Knocklyon. Visit www. kidsgym. ie for more information.

City lights

FEELING particularly witty and acerbic today? If so, you might use your talents to christen the latest piece of Dublin public art. The 47ft NC Iris, by Vivienne Roche, is one of the tallest pieces of sculpture to be designed, built and assembled in Ireland. What makes it really interesting is its lighting programme, which changes by day, by night and by season. Once a night (at 10pm in summer and 7pm in winter) it shows all its colours in a 15-minute sequence, and when there's a full moon, it bathes itself entirely in white light. Go see at Mayor Square in the IFSC, Dublin. The National College of Ireland (NCI), who commissioned it, is running a multimedia exhibition telling its story in the atrium on its campus at Mayor Square until 13 May.

Do not disturb

THE reassuring familiarity of hotel chains is offset by their predictability . . . you can probably guess what brand of soap they offer before you get there. For those who prefer their hotel experience to be less forumulaic and slightly more interesting, take a look at the collection of boutique, country and townhouses from Private Ireland. Their common denominator is their individuality, as well as their hosts' commitment to personal service and affordable prices. Properties are located across the country, from Ballsbridge, Dublin, to Caragh Lake, Killorglin, and a hearty full Irish breakfast is included as part of the rate quoted. Visit www. privateireland. com for more information.

Get your rocks on

BRIDES who've decided to bypass the traditional tiara or veil look will find Debbie Paul's beautiful head pieces much more exciting. The Dublin-based jewellery designer can also be commissioned to create engagement rings. Her products are stocked in galleries throughout Ireland (including the Waterfront in Westport and Red Aesthetic in Kilkenny), and in Spain and Australia. Working with silver, gold, platinum, semi-precious stones, as well as bronze and glass, her inspiration comes from nature, with organic shapes and contrasting elements featuring strongly. For more information, contact 087 2678247 Blooming marvellous

CHARITY begins at home, or in this case, in your garden, because now you can get growing and help fight poverty at the same time. Oxfam is now selling seeds and other garden equipment in Oxfam shops and online, and money from the sale goes to support Oxfam projects in 11 countries in eastern, central and southern Africa. The range of seeds includes perennial favourites like cornflower, nigella, sweet pea and the Russian sunflower, and you can also purchase hanging baskets, window boxes, bedding plants, shrubs, garden furniture and gift items. There are other ways of helping too . . . you can donate your plants, flowers and shrubs to the local Oxfam shop or ask your community group to grow for Africa.

www. oxfamireland. org/oxfamgarden/