Amazing Grace

Discover the beauty of the arts on TV12

Friday, March 4

Are you convinced that you (or your dance partner) were born with two left feet? Have confidence the next time you step out onto the dance floor after watching this easy-to-follow lesson from professional champions and master teachers Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin. During the program, the couple teaches seven effortless dance patterns -- including the box step, zigzag rock, hesitation step and underarm turn and dip -- that when put together enable you to dance the waltz, foxtrot, rumba, samba, merengue and night club sway. So dust off those dancing shoes and get ready to cut a rug! 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 6

Riverdance: The Ten Years

Soon after its Dublin debut in February of 1995, the Irish dance production Riverdance became an international craze, with leads Michael Flatly and Jean Butler rocketing to stardom. Now marking its 10th anniversary, this engaging documentary celebrates the rise of Riverdance, from its first incarnation as a short television segment to the global dance phenomenon it is today. Actor Gabriel Byrne serves as the program's host, guiding viewers through the transformation of Riverdance into a full-length show, witnessing pre-Broadway jitters and watching never-before-broadcast performance footage. In-depth interviews and remembrances from Butler (pictured in motion with Colin Dunne); actor Liam Neeson, who narrated the Broadway production; Senator Ted Kennedy and several past and present dancers and critics reveal the determination and hard work that goes into Riverdance. Photo: Chris Hill. 4 p.m.

Andre Rieu: Live in Tuscany

In this new concert special, world-renowned violinist Andre Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra perform classical favorites in the beautiful Italian village of Cortona. Taking the stage before a captive audience on the Piazza Della Repubblica, Rieu begins the evening with his rendition of the haunting theme from the Academy Award-winning film The Godfather and continues with "Strangers in Paradise," "The Rose," "William Tell Overture" and familiar selections by Beethoven and Offenbach. The concert concludes with the premier performance of the emotional, romantic melody "Ti Amo" ("I Love You"), composed by Rieu and his brother, Jean- Philippe. 5 p.m.

Capturing Nureyev: James Wyeth Paints the Dancer

In 1977, Chadds Ford, Pa. artist Jamie Wyeth received rare permission to spend the majority of the year observing, sketching and painting legendary ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev in performance, rehearsal and backstage. Wyeth's resulting collection of intimate and revealing portraits of the late artist -- which is now on permanent display at the Brandywine River Museum -- is the subject of this 2002 documentary that goes behind-the-scenes of the exhibit. During the program, Wyeth describes the challenges of capturing this passionate performer on canvas, and discusses the close friendship that developed from their collaboration. Wyeth also remarks that Nureyev was one of his most difficult and demanding subjects, taking an active role in determining how his body -- the instrument of the dancer -- should be depicted. 7 p.m.

Monday, March 7

Andrea Bocelli: Tribute on Ice

When the world's best figure skaters search for music to accompany their breathtaking routines, they regularly turn to the suave and moving melodies of internationally renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli. In his third Great Performances special, the Tuscan-born singer performs signature hits and highlights from his most recent album, Andrea, while Brian Boitano, Ekaterina Gordeeva, Brian Orser, Todd Eldredge and more champion figure skaters interpret his emotional music on ice. Included in the show are solo performances of "Sogno," "Melodrama" and "Time to Say Goodbye," as well as a duet of "Go Where Love Goes" with 12-year-old opera singer Holly Stell. Mario Reyes of the Gypsy Kings also backs Bocelli during this stirring performance. 8 p.m.