'Moving is medicine': Austin shufflers build community through emerging dance craze

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Just before dimming the lights and securing the doors of Austin's Balance Dance Studios, Ciara Castro exchanged smiles, hugs and "I love you's" with her students as she wrapped up another night of instruction.

The evening, like many, began with the full-time shuffler and TikTok star encouraging the group to delve into a state of free-flow as they contorted their bodies and stomped on the mahogany wood surface of the studio space.

For Castro's students, and the growing number of shufflers in Central Texas and beyond, the art form has served as a source of community, self-expression and creative solace.

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Here are 18 things to do with holiday visitors in Austin this year, from barbecue to hikes

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If your loved ones are headed to Austin for the holidays — and hours of overly competitive board game battles, awkward family dinners and poorly sung renditions of "All I Want for Christmas Is You" are replaying in your head from past years — Austin360 is here to lend a hand.

Here's a list of things to do in and around town that will give your visitors a good taste of the city. Check individual websites for COVID-19 safety protocols and holiday hours.

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The past year was no waltz; now Austin City Ballet's 'Nutcracker' returns for 20th year

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Austin City Ballet dancers have longed for a return to dazzling sugar plums, warring mice and a lively toy Nutcracker. This holiday season, their wishes are about to come true.

After being canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ballet's production of "The Nutcracker" is set to return from Dec. 17-19 at the Boyd Vance Theater.

This is also the company's 20th anniversary. Established in 1991 as the Austin Conservatory of Dance, Austin City Ballet is a nonprofit for dancers between ages 7 and 18 who perform 12 to 16 theater productions each year.

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'Immersive Van Gogh' takes viewers on circuitous journey through the life of famed painter

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Driving from the Huber Heights area in Dayton, Rebecca and Jude Konecki made their way to the Lighthouse ArtSpace Monday morning.

At the center of their day's agenda: the brilliant works of famed Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, which were projected onto 500,000 cubic feet of wall and floor surface as part of the "Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Columbus."

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Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium only a month away

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While central Ohio has embraced the hallmarks of the autumn season, many are already gearing up to celebrate the beautiful magic that comes with each Columbus winter.

The falling of snowflakes and brewing of hot chocolate will be illuminated by the millions of lights set to fill the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium during this year's Wildlights Season.

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Greater Columbus Arts Council now accepting 2022 Aminah Robinson Fellowship applications

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The Greater Columbus Arts Council has announced the opening of applications for the 2022 Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson Fellowship.

Launched in 2020, the fellowship celebrates the legacy of the late Columbus artist Aminah Robinson, who was known for channeling the experiences of her African ancestors through drawings, woodcuts and complex sculptures.

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Columbus performing-arts organizations to require proof of vaccinations starting Oct. 8

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With the fall performance season underway, many Columbus performing-arts organizations will require all patrons, staff and volunteers to show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to attend indoor events starting Oct. 8.

This move comes in response to the notable rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations within Greater Columbus.

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