Travel Around the World at Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods

Jun 28, 2024

Diverse Dance Performances Provide a Window Into Other Cultures

This season, Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods will transport audiences around the world with an exciting lineup of dance performances that feature European, Asian, and Native American cultures. Whether it’s delighting in the colorful, playful Chinese lions of “Choy Wun” or marveling at the beautiful costumes and intricate hand movements showcased in “Mayur Dance,” families won’t have to travel far to get an entertaining, eye-opening look at the traditions and celebrations of these unique cultures.

Learn about some of the fascinating history behind this year’s featured dance performances and purchase tickets at wolftrap.org/woods:

An Introduction to American Indians Through Native Performing Arts

Fri, July 5, 10:30 AM

Like many forms of movement, Native American dances tell a story. There are specific dances that celebrate the harvest or seasonal changes, marriages, and inter-tribal meetings. In this performance, audience members can join dancers and singers on a journey through the diverse cultures of Native America. This fast-paced, interactive performance features Indigenous songs, dances, and stories from across the continent. At the end of the performance, audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions and meet the Native American performers.

Choy Wun Lions: Chinese Dance and Drumming

Tue, July 9, 10:30 AM

Choy Wun Lion Dance Troupe explains that “The Lion Dance” is a form of traditional dance in Chinese culture and other Asian countries. Performers represent a lion’s movements in a lion costume to bring good luck and fortune. “The Lion Dance” is traditionally performed at Lunar New Year and other Chinese traditional, cultural, and religious festivals. The Northern Virginia-based dance troupe’s performance will be accompanied by live drumming.

Mayur Dance: Rhythm of the World

Thu, July 25, 10:30 AM

Hand gestures are an important element of Odissi, the Indian classical dance form portrayed in this show. The intricate movements carry different meanings, many of which are rooted in nature. In “Rhythms of the World,” Mayur Dance will blend ancient teachings, folk traditions, poetry, and artistic styles in its performance, demonstrating

that movement is a universal language. Families can sign up for an artist workshop following the performance to practice alongside the dancers.

Carpathia Folk Dance Ensemble

Tues, July 30, 10:30 AM

There are five types of traditional dance found throughout the Carpathian Basin: round dances; jumping dances; men’s dances; slow and fast couples dances; and stick dances. At Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods this summer, Carpathia Folk Dance Ensemble will showcase a multitude of cultures from Central and Eastern European countries in “Dancing Kaleidoscope.” Audience members will join a young girl for an exciting adventure as she searches for her true home and discovers a world full of music and dance along the way. Try to pick out which form of traditional dance is featured!

To view the full performance schedule for Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods’ summer 2024 season, visit: wolftrap.org/woods.