Many visitors will be surprised to learn how long sneakers have been around. We can all thank chemist and inventor Charles Goodyear (think tires and blimps) for patenting vulcanized rubber in 1844, making rubber more durable and flexible for a variety of uses, including shoes. It’s also a surprise to learn that something often considered a casual kick-around shoe for the masses was originally play wear for the leisure class. “The first sneakers were actually luxury items,” Semmelhack says. “They had high price points and were marketed to those who had the time to play. It was an expression of status.”.

The ballet teacher gift-dance instructor gift- gift ideas for dancers- gifts for dance teachers- ballet shoes bangle-ballet jewelry- Holiday Shopping Cart Tree Ceremony will have a lighting ceremony for a 33-foot-tall Christmas “tree” made entirely out of shopping carts, along with live music and snacks, It’s 6-8 p.m, Dec, 2 at the Bay Street shopping center in Emeryville, Information: 510-655-4002, www.baystreetemeryville.com, Mayor Rob Schroder will light the Tree of Spirit at 5:30 p.m, Dec, 3 in downtown Martinez, at Court and Pine streets, There also will be live music from the Martinez Community Chorus, Information: 925-372-3510, www.mainstreetmartinez.org..

It’s easy to understand why there was such demand — just look at this year’s offering. The 2012 edition of Help Is on the Way for the Holidays is another star-studded affair, featuring members of the national touring casts of “The Book of Mormon” and “The Lion King,” cabaret star Connie Champagne, “Star Search” finalist Spencer Day, “America’s Got Talent” semifinalist Tim Hockenberry, comedian and Broadway performer Bruce Vilanch, jazz vocalist Paula West and Supremes star Mary Wilson. The event, which benefits Shanti, a nonprofit that helps AIDS/HIV patients, and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, is set for 7:30 p.m. Monday at Marines Memorial Theatre in San Francisco.

“Seussical the Musical.” Presented by The Pied Piper Players, Through Nov, 20, Bayside Performing Arts Center, 2025 Kehoe ballet teacher gift-dance instructor gift- gift ideas for dancers- gifts for dance teachers- ballet shoes bangle-ballet jewelry- Ave., San Mateo, $11-$16, 650-992-7433 or www.PiedPiperPlayers.org, “Spring Awakening.” Menlo School, Directed by Beth Orr, 7:30 p.m, Nov, 17-20; 2 p.m, Nov, 19, Florence Moore Theater, Menlo School, 50 Valparaiso Ave, Atherton, $8-$10, 650-330-2000 or tickets@menloschool.org, “Cats.” Dec, 27-Jan, 1, Broadway San Jose, San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd, San Jose, $20-$82, 866-395-2929 or www.broadwaysanjose.com..

Dan Demers is the producer of the show and Hunt Burdick is the director. The cast includes Damaris Divito, of San Jose; Craig Lewis, Portola Valley; Ron Lopez Jr., San Carlos; Nicole Martin and Elspeth Noble, both of San Mateo; Mary Moore, Burlingame; Ross Neuenfeldt, Santa Clara; and Michael Sally, Oakland. Tickets cost $23 to $38 per adult and senior. For tickets, either call 650-349-6411 or go to www.hillbarntheatre.org or buy them 60 minutes prior to curtain time at the theatre. Students 17 years and younger with current student ID should call the theatre for pricing.