PULSE.

DANCE IT OFF: If fitness videos can win awards for aesthetics, then ``New York City Ballet Workout 2'' (Palm Pictures; DVD $24.95, VHS $14.95) should be at the top of the list. The ballet workout is beautifully shot and is set to soothing classical music. It's certainly easier on the eyes and ears than it is on the muscles. The exercises build strength through controlled movements. ``With practice, anyone can do them with grace,'' viewers are told. A more accurate statement would be, ``With practice, anyone with grace can do them.'' For the twinkle-toed, the strenuous one-hour workout is followed by a dance routine set to George Balanchine's ``Tarantella.'' ``New York City Ballet Workout 2'' hits store shelves on May 27.

- Mariko Thompson

TAKE IT SLOW: ``The Lotte Berk Method: Muscle Eats Fat'' (Natural Journeys; $19.95) takes slow and steady to the extreme. The method, a mix of resistance training and stretching, was developed by Lydia Bach, who trained with Russian dancer Lotte Berk. The 30-minute routine targets the troublesome thigh and abdomen areas. Exercises include leg lifts and what's called knee dancing - hip circling exercises done while kneeling. The movements are controlled and deliberate. If slow is your speed, give Lotte a whirl. If not, this video is sure to induce attention deficit disorder. Other titles include ``Basic Essentials,'' ``Hip Hugger Abs'' and ``High Round Assets.'' For more information, call [phone] or visit www.naturaljourneys.com.

- M.T.

WALK FOR A CAUSE: The Spondylitis Association of America will host its third annual fund-raising walk Sunday at Lake Balboa. Ankylosing spondylitis, or arthritis of the spine, affects more than 300,000 Americans. ``A Walk in the Park'' will feature music, prizes and food. Registration is $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 12 and under. Registration for the event will begin at 8 a.m. The walk will start at 9:30 a.m. Call [phone], Ext. 226, or visit www.spondylitis.org.

- M.T.

LIVING WITH LUPUS: Learn about the latest treatments, including immunosuppressants (chemotherapy), for the autoimmune disease lupus at the Living With Lupus patient symposium. The Saturday event begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, 16111 Plummer St., Sepulveda. Guest speakers are Dr. Richard Shaw, whose topic is ``Updates on Current Therapies,'' and who will also discuss drug side effects, hormones and herbal remedies; and Dr. Robin Schaffran, who will address rashes and photosensitivity in ``Lupus and Your Skin.'' Admission is $5. To register, call Lupus International at [phone].

- B.D.

SKIN-DEEP KNOWLEDGE: Learn about the latest treatments in skin cancer at an Israel Cancer Research Fund event at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Renaissance Hotel in Beverly Hills. Speakers will include Dr. Sheri Feldman, UCLA assistant clinical professor of dermatology, and Dr. Lana Schumacher, UCLA surgical oncology research fellow. The event is free. Reservations are required. Call [phone].

- M.T.

BUY TO GIVE: To help find a cure for ovarian cancer, the Echo scarf company has designed an elegant pink and red floral cotton scarf now arriving in department stores. A portion of the proceeds from each $38 scarf will benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

Jewelry lovers can also do their part. The Basha Baby Shoes collection now includes a tiny gold shoe charm decorated with diamonds and the American flag, with proceeds benefiting both breast cancer research and the USO. Prices start at $1,100 and they can be found at Darva Jewelers in Tarzana, Polachecks Jewelers in Calabasas and Sherman Oaks, and David Orgell in Beverly Hills.

Finally, instead of just asking for money for a worthy cause, the Entertainment Industry Foundation is selling designer shades and other fashion accessories at less than retail price and giving all the money to the National Multiple Sclerois Society. You can see and buy the sunglasses by Dior, Gucci, Valentino, Burberry, Diesel, Calvin Klein, Fendi and Kate Spade at 1 p.m. Saturday on QVC. The event will be live from Malibu Beach with guest host Don Diamont (``The Young and the Restless'').

- Barbara De Witt

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(1) no caption (``New York City Ballet Workout 2'')

(2) no caption (``The Lotte Berk Method: Muscle Eats Fat'')

(3) no caption (Basha Baby Shoe collection)

(4) no caption (designer sunglasses)