Bethesda Conservatory of Dance
Metropolitan School of the Arts
BloomBars uniting people, art and community building
BloomBars located at 3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, is a not-for-profit community arts organization. BloomBars is not something you can easily describe. Some have called it an artist and non-profit incubator, performance space, art gallery, theater, dance studio, screening room, youth academy, and center for health, wellness, and community engagement-they were all correct. Both innovative and old-school wisdom, BloomBars is turning a concept to unite communities through the arts into a model for energizing and inspiring communities to strive for personal and collective progress. Established in 2008 in Washington, DC’s burgeoning Columbia Heights neighborhood, BloomBars is driven by a volunteer team of artists, educators, and community and business leaders. Redefining the perception of a bar, BloomBars does not serve or allow alcohol on its premises fostering a safe and family-friendly environment. They believe art has a critical role in community building, social justice, advocacy, youth development, and health and wellness (Art meaning music, visual and multi-media arts, martial arts, dance, and film). They believe art can be a powerful conduit to link individuals inspired to serve, and communities and organizations in need. They believe there is an urgency to unite people around these principals.
Below you will find all of the amazing programs offered this Fall at BloomBars!
Steel Pan Drum Performance & Workshop- Sept 8
Come hear and learn to play the steel pan drum from the best, PANLARA! Thanks to a partnership with the Institute of Caribbean Studies in Washington DC, and through a grant from the DC Commission on Arts & Humanities, we are excited to welcome the Caribbean rhythms of PANLARA Steel Orchestra. All ages. All welcome.
The Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) is a non-partisan, non-profit 501 (3) organization established in 1993 dedicated to education, advocacy and action on issues that impact on Caribbean Americans.
Musical Theatre Mondays (starting Sept 10)
Join Natalie Clasper-Thompson every Monday from 5:30 to 6:30pm for a musical theater journey that invites you to dance and sing along to Broadway and West End musicals. Each class, students will learn about a new musical and rehearse choreography from Aladdin, Frozen, The Lion King, On your Feet, Wicked and more! Make new friends and dance your hearts out to some of the greatest musical stories and perform in a bi-annually recital.
Monday’s at 10:30am
A Boy Called Patches & Friends is an interactive puppet show featuring chants, movement, songs and storytelling! Overall, A Boy Called Patches focuses on the acceptance of differences between yourself and others, therefore aiding in having less need for conflict resolution in certain areas at the early-childhood level while reinforcing that it’s okay to be different!
V. Kuroji Patrick is a father of five, a husband and a published illustrator with a background in early childhood development and education. Kuroji is a true creative who infuses real life into his lessons, no matter the age of the audience.
Tuesdays at 5:30pm
FunDanceMentals – This introductory class will provide a foundation of dance terminology and movement that is based in the techniques of Tap, Hip Hop, Modern and West African dance. The class will culminate in an fun and interactive performance.
Wednesdays at 5:30pm
Family Yoga – This class will give adults and young people and opportunity to meditate and move together. Hermione teaches in a Vinyasa Flow style that is accessible and adaptable to all levels of mobility. She also like to play yoga inspired games that will be fun and beneficial to all ages.
Wednesdays at 10am
Artist in Bloom Resident Tamika Love Jones presents Little Treasures, an educational and interactive journey for babies and children (under age 3) that explores a special box of little treasures. Each treasure that is picked from the box will lead tots and parents to sing their favorite songs, read fun stories and explore their bodies through exciting movement. The theme of Little treasures is self-love and teaching the tots that they, too, are little treasures!
More Programs:
The objectives of BloomBars:
• Build compassionate communities that nurture and support artists committed to service and social responsibility
• Create meaningful connections between artists and community-based organizations
• Empower youth and parents to use art as an education and literacy tool
• Establish a space for artists and community members to learn and practice social activism
• Provide a premier performance space for artists to hone and share their craft
• Provide a (live and digital) platform to amplify artists’ work, and engage and connect local and global communities
• Foster an environment that allows music and art (musicians/artists) to be more accessible to non-artists
• Inspire exploration and discovery of new ideas, places, and people within, and outside of the surrounding community
Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC
Badlands has launched Weekend Programs. Prices include 1 hour of play and a 1 hour workshop. This weekend your child can learn about lava and volcanoes and magnetic slime, age dependent.
The Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival is back– February 22 – March 11, 2018 and is about presenting excellent art in all its forms that inspires a community to connect and create a vibrant neighborhood, city, and world. Now in its 9th season, INTERSECTIONS is a key layer in DC’s dynamic arts scene. New this year, a workshop series and an expanded Youth Summit – a full day of performances by young people followed by a youth-led summit. Here are a few free family fun days to check out.
Saturday-
9:00am-12:00pm: Home Depot Kids Workshop: Periscope
Hone your powers of observation in our hands-on workshop. Just like an above-water viewfinder or historical trench optical instrument, you and your child can construct a periscope to expand your view. Once the periscope is built, your child can decorate it with paint and stickers. All Kids Workshop attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron, and pin.
9:00am-11:30am: The Children’s House of Washington Montessori School Open House
Special Guest Patti Harburger, CHOW Founding Director, will speak about the importance of mathematics and language in a Montessori education.
9:30am AND 11:00am: Traveling Lantern: Pinocchio at National Theatre
A little wooden marionette is lovingly created by a master craftsmen…but what a bad little puppet he turns out to be! He’s selfish and greedy, and he lies. He doesn’t listen to the good counsel of anyone: his father Gepetto, a philospher Cricket, or a Blue Fairy. After many hair raising adventures, Pinocchio finally learns what it takes to become human…kindness, compassion, loyalty, hard work, and selflessness. Free
10:00am: Rainbow Rock Live at Avalon Theatre
Are you ready to rock the rainbow? Join the Rainbow Rock Band as they entertain your little dudes with tunes, laughs and more! Winners of a Parents’ Choice Fun Stuff Award for their debut CD, “Meet the Rainbow,” an absolute mix of musical genres from folk, pop rock to rockabilly, all the while being educational and fun. Your child will learn about shapes, colors, movement, and more! The Rainbow Rock Band encourages all rainbow rockers to participate in the show either on the microphone or at their seat. Either way your little one is sure to have fun! $8 / $6.50 (Children under 2 are free)
10:00am-2:00pm: Hirshhorn: Art Pop-Up + Library Program
Check it out! Find our cart in the galleries and check out a fun kit full of our favorite finds for kids. Each kit is an art meets reading adventure, with a special theme, children’s book, suggested artworks for viewing, and hands-on art making materials.
10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. Barnyard Dance is the featured story.
Sunday-
9:30am-11:00am AND 2:30pm-4:00pm: Model Airplane Construction at National Building Museum
Are you an aspiring aviator or a pilot with potential? Want to learn what keeps a plane in the air? Construct your own rubber-band-propelled model airplane and learn about aeronautics with the D.C. Maxecuters, then try a test flight in the National Building Museum’s Great Hall. Cost per plane/child: $15 Member | $20 Non-member. Ages 8 and up, adult assistance required. Adults do not need to purchase a separate ticket, unless they would like to make their own plane.
10:00am-12:00pm: Purim Carnival at DCJCC
When was the last time you dressed up like a queen or king? Now is your chance – the EDCJCC’s Purim Carnival is the perfect time for children and adults to dress up and celebrate this festive annual holiday! Join us for carnival games, arts & crafts, hamantaschen (yummy Purim treats), songs and a Purim play! Don’t forget your costume! Please bring an unexpired, unopened food item in a cardboard box (like macaroni and cheese or couscous) to decorate as a grogger to use during the Purim play. We will then donate them to those in need in our community. Price per family: $23
11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
Bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Little Blue Truck is the featured story.
10:30am-11:30am: Sensory-Friendly Purim Celebration at Washington Hebrew Congregation
Does your child cover their ears in a crowd? Do they avoid loud noises? We will minimize the noise and other sensory input but maximize the fun! Join us for crafts, an interactive reading of the Purim story (megillah), a mitzvah (good deed) project and treats to take home. Costumes encouraged but not required.$5 per family, plus bring a canned good to donate. Best for 4-8 year olds. Please pre-register as space is limited. This program is a collaboration of PJ Library in Greater Washington, Washington Hebrew Congregation and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.
11:00am-2:00pm: The Rumpus Room: A Family Dance Party at U Street Music Hall
Welcome to the Rumpus Room, a daytime dance party for families, with sounds provided by DC’s top club DJs (who all happen to be parents themselves). Created by DJs who wanted to share the nightclub experience with their kids, the Rumpus Room adapts the club environment (think disco ball, lights, and of course music) into safe family-friendly fun. Get ready for a dance floor filled with little ones, parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. The soundtrack will be a family-friendly mix of dance hits and classics, all at a kid-friendly volume. We provide the shakers, hula-hoops, beach balls and other props. You come to dance. Rumpus Room is designed for kids 8 and under and their caregivers, but older siblings are welcome.
1:30pm AND 4:00pm: National Symphony Orchestra Music for Young Audiences: Two Divas and a Bear at The Kennedy Center
What happens when you bring together a concert violinist, an opera singer, and everyone’s favorite stuffed animal? You get Two Divas and a Bear! Join NSO violinist Marissa Regni and soprano Kari Paludan as they explore the human voice. As it turns out, the violin has a voice, too! As you listen to Schubert’s The Trout, Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise, and Rossini’s Two Cats, you’ll discover that the strings of the violin are very similar to our very own vocal cords. Most enjoyed by age 3 and up. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. Come early for a Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo.” Starting one hour before the concert, hands-on activities let children get up close with the instruments they’ll see played on the stage.
2:00pm: Doktor Kaboom by McLean Community Center at the Old Firehouse
Doktor Kaboom is an over-the-top German physicist with a passion for science that knows no bounds. Sporting chrome goggles, orange lab coat, motorcycle boots and wicked cool hair, Doktor Kaboom travels the world, thrilling adults and children alike with his explosive comedic style of science experiments designed to involve, excite, educate and entertain! For ages 7+
Weekend Theatre-
Feb 9 – March 31: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day at Adventure Theatre
Feb 10 – March 18: The Princess & The Pauper: A Bollywood Tale at Imagination Stage
March 2 -24: Circulo/Circle at Encore Stage & Studio
March 3 – 4: Pinkalicious at Blackrock Center
March 3 – 17: VolcanO: Tales from El Salvador at GALA Theater
Chick rental is live at Rocklands Farm! The Chick Rental service is an educational opportunity for families, friends, school groups to take care of a pair adorable chicks for one week. Each rental includes everything you need for the week; their little home, feed, feeding and watering dishes, and care instructions. Link to reserve your chicks here. We are looking forward to seeing everyone out again this year!
Weekday Adventures: April 24-28, 2017
DC Library has so many wonderful family-friendly events from story times, lego build afternoons to movie nights.
Toddler Time at Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park is a great shared experience for child and parent. A time for your little ones to discover the joy of being active, bouncing under the supervision of their parents, and without interference from the big kids. Toddler times are Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: (9:30AM – 11:00AM), Sunday: (8:30AM – 10:00AM) for $7.00.
Monday-
9:30am-11:00am- Rise and Rhyme at Busboys and Poets
(234 Carroll St NW, Washington, DC 20012)
(5531 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, Md. 20781)
Rise + Rhyme is a weekly Busboys and Poets series for early rising families of all kinds. Featuring performances and stories for children ages 5 and under.
9:30am: Harambe at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community.
10:00am-11:30am: Toddler Art Time at New Community ArtSpace + Story time
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Valentine making and story time! We will be closed next week. $5/child + supply donations are welcome. Special story time at 11:00am. with Ms. Julie from DC Library.
10:30am AND 11:00am: Storytime at The National Postal Museum
(2 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20002)
The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum invites adults and young children (ages 2-3) to discover the world around them together at our monthly StoryTime. Children will build important developmental and social skills through books, activities, songs and self-guided gallery exploration. Explore themes, such as shapes, colors, and sizes, in a relaxed setting at your neighborhood museum. Feel free to bring snacks and enjoy the space after the program! Free- no reservation required.
10:30am-11:00am: Songs and stories at Politics and Prose
(5015 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20008)
Come sing-along to your favorite songs. Grab a treat in the cafe afterwards or hang out reading books.
Tuesday-
10:00am AND 11:30am: Shadow Puppets at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
This shadow puppet stage show will feature a variety of characters and menagerie of traditional and original songs. It explores themes that center around the seasons, the environment, as well as learning components of music.
12:30pm: 10:30am: Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp at Adventure Theatre
(7300 MacArthur Blvd Glen Echo, MD. 20812)
This is Aladdin as you’ve never seen it before. Aladdin and his love, the princess Adora, must outsmart an evil Magician who wants to use the genie in Aladdin’s lamp for his nefarious schemes! Will he get away with it? Get ready for love, magic, and mystery in this production for all ages.
Wednesday-
10:00am-4:00pm: Wings of Fancy Live Butterfly and Caterpillar Exhibit at Brookside Gardens
(1800 Glenallan Avenue Wheaton, MD 20902)
The seasonal display features hundreds of live butterflies from all over the world OPENS TODAY. Families, students, nature lovers, and everyone in between can get an up close experience of these brilliant butterflies from North America, Costa Rica, Africa and Asia as they soar among colorful flowers. Visitors can learn about their amazing metamorphosis, the important role butterflies play in having healthy ecosystems, and how to ensure these beautiful insects thrive in our own gardens. $8 ages 13+, $5 ages 3-12 and Free ages 0-2.
10:00am-11:00am: Little Treasures at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Artist in Bloom Resident Tamika Love Jones presents Little Treasures, an educational and interactive journey for babies and children (under age 3) that explores a special box of little treasures. Each treasure that is picked from the box will lead tots and parents to sing their favorite songs, read fun stories and explore their bodies through exciting movement. The theme of Little treasures is self-love and teaching the tots that they, too, are little treasures!
5:30pm-6:30pm: Samba Kids
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Join Zezeh Brazil (Sao Paolo), former carnaval queen, radio personality and dance instructor extraordinaire for child & family samba dance lessons. It’s never too early to learn the infectious dance of the world’s 5th largest country. Samba Kids is the perfect introduction to movement and rhythm, not to mention Portuguese. The classes starts with yoga followed by a dance class to the sound of Brazilian carnival music for kids.
7:00pm: Family Craft Night at Chevy Chase Library
(5625 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20015)
Arts and crafts for children of all ages.
Thursday-
10:30am: Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp at Adventure Theatre
(7300 MacArthur Blvd Glen Echo, MD. 20812)
This is Aladdin as you’ve never seen it before. Aladdin and his love, the princess Adora, must outsmart an evil Magician who wants to use the genie in Aladdin’s lamp for his nefarious schemes! Will he get away with it? Get ready for love, magic, and mystery in this production for all ages.
10:30am: Guava Jelly at Eastern Market with Boogie Babes
(225 7th Street SE- North Hall)
The Boogie Babes program brings interactive musical performances for young children and their caregivers each week to area neighborhoods. The events, typically 45 minutes in length, provide a wonderful way to expose children to different musical instruments and styles while also raising funds for and awareness of DC Diaper Bank’s work and mission. $6 per child (siblings under 6 months free!)
Friday-
10:00am-11:30am: Nature Explorers Together at Locust Grove Nature Center
(7777 Democracy Boulevard Bethesda, Maryland 20817)
Parents and caregivers will have the chance to play, create, and learn right alongside their little nature explorers. Classes will include hands-on, nature based activities that encourage imaginative play, curiosity, and cooperation. The majority of the class will be outdoors, barring extreme weather, so be sure to dress for the weather. $10
4:00pm-6:00pm: BINGO at Guy Mason Recreation Center
(3600 Calvert Street, NW)
If you like meeting people, playing games, having fun and winning prizes! Mix and mingle with neighbors and friends while playing BINGO! Win nice prizes, and have fun without having to travel far… So come on out and join us in BINGO at Guy Mason! For more information, please contact Ms. Bell at (202) 727-7703
Spring Break Camp Guide 2017
If you aren’t hopping on a plane this Spring Break to relax by the waves or shred on a mountain, get those little ones in a fun camp. In addition to the list, check local Parks and Recreation websites as most of them have Spring Break Camps.
Maryland:
Road Trip with L’Academie de Cusine- April 10-13, 2017
(5021 Wilson Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814)
Looking for something new to do during Spring Break? Join us for a four day camp designed to take you on a culinary tour of the US. Each day will focus on a different region. Chef Sherri brings the fun of Summer Camp, just a few months earlier. Camp is from 9:00am-12:00pm and open to kids and teens aged 9-14 years old.
Baking with L’Academie de Cusine- April 10-13, 2017
(5021 Wilson Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814)
Looking for something new to do during Spring Break? Join us for a four day baking boot camp. Each day will focus on a aspect of baking and you will make many sweet treats. Chef Sherri brings the fun of Summer Camp, just a few months earlier. Camp is from 1:30pm-4:30pm and open to kids and teens aged 9-14 years old.
Basketball Camp with Skills and Scrimmages– April 10-13, 2017
(Pyle Middle School- 6311 Wilson Ln. Bethesda, MD 20817)
This outstanding skills and development camp is focused on fundamentals, sportsmanship, teamwork, equal play and fun is presented by Former Delaware State University Standout Sheridan Price and other former Division 1 basketball players. Boys and Girls will develop their skills with top notch instruction, drills, and scrimmages. For Grades 1st-8th.
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Running list of year-round kid classes
A year-round resource for finding some amazing classes in our area for your Bambinos. We will keep the list updated and would love to hear of any you think should be added to the list.
Soccer:
Music:
Martial Arts:
Washington DC Shotokan Karate Club
Dance & Gymnastics:
Art:
Art WorksA Special Lee Sewing and Craft Cafe
More places that offer outdoor & indoor classes of all kinds!
Koa Sports (Field Hockey, Flag Football, Basketball, Baseball and more)
Weekend Picks July 29-31
Whether you need to escape the hot temperatures or dry off from rain this weekend, The National Gallery of Art has a program for your Bambinos! Music: Listen to a Concert where you will step inside a music concert and then listen to a live lute performance. The summer series focuses on discovering Dutch Art designed for children ages 4-7. Pack your imagination and travel to the National Gallery of Art! There are various times Saturday-Monday to enjoy this.
Friday-
6:30pm-8:30pm: Concert (food, splashing, drinks) at Yards Park
(355 Water Street SE Washington DC 20003)
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 6th Season, this year on the Great Lawn of Yards Park! Every Friday night this summer, come to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a 5-minute walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike.
Weekday Adventures
Hope everyone enjoyed some sunshine this weekend! Lots going on this weekend.
The Puppet Co at Glen Echo has shows Wednesday-Friday. You can make a day out of it at Glen Echo; play at the playground, grab a snack or lunch at Praline (now on-grounds), plat at the Glen Echo Aquarium, and of course ride on the Dentzel Carousel before heading home.
As always, DC Public Library has many great baby, toddler and teenager events all week long at several libraries.
Monday-
9:30am-11:00am: Rise + Rhyme at Busboys & Poets
(235 Carroll St NW Washington, DC 20012)
A Busboys and Poets in-house series! Rise + Rhyme is a weekly morning storytelling and performance series for children ages 5 and under, stay-at-home parents, and early rising families of all kinds. Mr. Gabe performs nursery rhymes, folk songs, and modern favorites (such as “Yellow Submarine” and “La Bamba”) for children, ages zero to six.