Backyard Theater for Children at Strathmore

Last Summer, courtesy of Strathmore, we attended the very last Backyard Theater for Children performance of the season. It was wonderful! Our only regret is that we didn't discover this gem of a series until it was over.

That's why I'm thrilled to know that it's back again this year!

And better than ever, in my opinion, as this year the series has an international focus. Throughout July you and your family can travel around the world without leaving the backyard of the Strathmore! Abel and I think it is so important to expose our kids to as much culture as possible and we love to do it like this, in ways that they'll really enjoy.

The venue (a large tent over grass) and low ticket price (only $8! and free for 2 and under) make for a casual morning. I can guarantee your rambunctious toddler, preschooler or elementary-aged child won't be the only one clapping or dancing or cheering (or all of the above!) throughout the show. In fact, for the first performance, Sin Miedo, you're even encouraged to bring your own maracas. But I must say that after listening to their YouTube clip, I'm pretty sure my Latin husband is going to have me up and dancing during this show!

We can't wait to pack up our blanket and head back over to the Strathmore's backyard for a show this year. Maybe we'll see you there!

Here's the full schedule:

Thursday, July 7, 2011

9:30 and 11:30 a.m.
SIN MIEDO
“Sin Miedo is a truly international group that makes the Afro Cuban rhythms of Salsa jump into your blood stream and move your hips around” (Washington Flyer). Music-loving tikes will want to bring maracas and shake to the infectious beat of this D.C.-based salsa band.

Thursday, July 14, 2011
9:30 and 11:30 a.m.
TAIKOZA
Taikoza combines traditional costumes, dynamic motion and the colossal sounds of the magnificent Japanese taiko drums.

Thursday, July 21, 2011
9:30 and 11:30 a.m.
CITYDANCE IN THE WARRIOR PRINCESS OF MANIPUR
Balinese, Manipuri, and Bollywood dance come together in a pan-Indian celebration of life, love and transformation. Noopur Singha and Vishal Kanoi, CityDance’s international dance artists, are joined by young dancers from CityDance Conservatory/Select to re-imagine a Tagore tale of an Indian princess from Manipur.

Thursday, July 28, 2011
9:30 and 11:30 a.m.
BARYNYA
This internationally-acclaimed Russian dance ensemble brings the whimsy and wonder of Russian folk and fairytales straight to Strathmore's backyard.

Check out the Strathmore's full schedule and buy tickets here.


Disclosure: The Strathmore provided our family free tickets last summer and again this summer. But I was not required to blog about it and all opinions are my own.


Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!