Carol Anne Riddell Hosts CUNY TV's ARTS IN THE CITY Family Edition Today

The All-Kids family edition of ARTS IN THE CITY, hosted by Carol Anne Riddell (above left) from the seasonal Victorian Gardens amusement park at Central Park's Wollman Rink, debuts today, July 11 (2014) on CUNY TV* at 10am, 3pm and 8:30pm; is repeated Sunday 7/13 at noon; and returns Friday 7/25 at 10am, 3pm and 8:30pm and on Sunday 7/27 at noon on CUNY TV. On and after July 11, the program may be viewed anytime on www.cuny.tv.

ARTS IN THE CITY for July features Riddell with a Baby DJ - Natalie Elizabeth Weiss, a professional DJ who teaches some babies and toddlers how to mix it up and spin tunes in her DJ school. The youngest ones love the headphones, gleaming buttons, even old-fashioned vinyl - and Weiss says it's great for discerning spatial relationships and for eye-hand coordination.

Tinabeth Piña reports on CITYarts, a group founded in 1968 that brings young people and professional artists together to create public art. Through this creative process, CITYarts empowers kids and connects them locally and around the world to become active participants in transforming communities. Featured are Tsipi- Ben Haim, Executive and Creator Director of CITYarts; Leon Reid IV, one of the professional artists who volunteer services to work with kids; and youngsters like Toccara Chavous (above, near logo) whose work and enthusiasm are shown.

Neither crutches nor wheelchairs nor leg braces stop the girls of "Dancing Dreams" from going to weekly dance class and putting on a dynamic (and incredibly moving) show. Donna Hanover goes to this dance class for girls with disabilities, founded by pediatric physical therapist Joann Ferrara, held in Bayside, Queens and in Manhattan, with each dancer having assistance from a volunteer teenage "helper" for the year. The girls and their parents say how very much "Dancing Dreams" means to them.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art's free Family Programs give kids of all ages an opportunity to explore the museum's vast collection of fine art. The Met's Associate Museum Educator for Family Programs, Jennifer Kalter, tells Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson about the variety of these programs, including art-making and storytelling.

And, for those rainy summer days or long car trips, Pat Collins makes recommendations for family movies on Blu-ray and on demand. And there are other recommendations for family fun in July!

*CUNY TV is broadcast over-the-air in the tri-state area on Ch. 25.3, and cablecast in the five boroughs of New York City on Ch. 75 (Time Warner and Optimum), Ch. 77 (RCN) and Ch. 30 (Verizon FiOS).