ML Interest Tag: dash

Go For The Gold at This Amazing Free Olympics Event!

by Mimi O'Connor

The world is getting keyed-up for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, and of course, New York is no exception. If this Olympic Games is like any other, New Yorkers in every borough will cheer on U.S. athletes — as well as competitors from other countries considered first homes for so many transplants — all month long. We’ve found a way to kick off the festivities with the kids in style!

photo: via Rio 2016 Facebook page

Welcome to Rio!
From Friday, August 5 to Thursday, August 11, “Rio on the Hudson” will take over Pier 26 in Hudson River Park. Free and open to the public, the event will transform Pier 26 into a playscape for young and old inspired by the Olympic Games and host country Brazil.

Visitors can expect beaches, real palm trees, samba music and dancers and Capoeira performances, as well as Brazilian DJs, live graffiti artists creating large-scale Olympic-themed murals, and Brazilian food and drink.

Opening Night
If your family likes its Olympic Games-watching experience to be communal, this might be your spot to view to the Opening Ceremony broadcast. The event opens at 5 p.m. on Friday August 5, with a team USA Celebration featuring a cauldron lighting and kickoff at 7 p.m., followed by the Opening Ceremony broadcast at 7:30 on a big screen.

photo: via Jackie Joyner Kersee Foundation Facebook page

Meet & Greet Olympians
One of the highlights of the event — especially, we imagine, for aspiring mini Olympians — will be meet and greets with Olympic athletes and current Paralymipans, the latter of which will be heading to Rio in September to compete.

Athletes currently scheduled to appear include Christie Rampone, Mia Hamm, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Rudy Garcia-Tolson, Scout Bassett, Steve Serio and Sam Kavanagh.

Fun & Games
Rio on the Hudson will give visitors a few opportunities to test their own athletic prowess. Kids can participate in an Olympic Hula Hoop contest; test their speed in the “dash” against Olympian Allyson Felix by racing against her high school or Olympic times, and join a pickup beach volleyball game.

Additional kids programming includes face-painting, and multiple crafting activities such as making your very own Olympic torch.

photo: Simon Law via Flickr

Learn & Watch Some Brazilian Moves
Both kids and adults can take lessons in the Brazilian martial art Capoeria, and then see how the pros (of all ages) do it at performances. Rio on the Hudson will also feature multiple Samba performances and mixers.

Don’t Forget to Eat
All that dancing and dashing will make you hungry. Top NYC Brazilian chefs will be cooking up traditional and authentic pao de quiejo, fried plantains with sett chili sauce, steak & cilantro empanadas, beef skewers and flan and caramel.

Citi Celebrates Team USA: Rio on The Hudson
August 5 – August 11
Pier 26
Hudson River Park
Tribeca
Online: citi.com & hudsonriverpark.org

Where will you get in the Olympic Spirit this year? Tell us in the comments! 

— Mimi O’Connor

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Teach Your Kids to Love Opera. No, Really.

by Meghan Rose

Opera (noun): A super boring performance where very large people screech in a foreign language. See also: interminable, nap time, old-fashioned.  If that’s your definition of opera, it’s time to change that! Under the direction of Placido Domingo, LA Opera is hosting a Family Day on March 8 with a vibrant and exciting production that makes opera come to life for kids—and parents, too.

Opera + Kids = Disaster. Right? Wrong!
Opera and kids sounds a bit like oil and water, but more expensive and potentially more embarrassing, when you have to abandon your seats after fifteen minutes because they clamor (loudly) that “this is boring.” That seems like an obvious conclusion—until you actually take your kids to the opera. Opera is loud, dramatic, musical, and the sets and scenes are busy and ever changing. It’s perfect entertainment for your little A.D.D. drama addict. None other than Placido Domingo knows this: Opera is for everyone. So this year he has created the Domingo Family Days. For kid friendly operas (not an oxymoron!), the LA Opera has a matinee show book-ended by themed activities for the whole family to enjoy, while learning more about the opera.

Even Elmer Fudd Likes It
The Family Day opera this spring is The Barber of Seville (yes, the one you know from watching Bugs Bunny). It’s the story of the dashing Count Almaviva who has lost his heart to the beautiful Rosina, who has a mean guardian determined to marry her himself. Figaro comes to the rescue, and the barber conjures up wacky schemes to unite the young lovers.  And it’s got a score you can’t get out of your head.  (In a good way, unlike say, The Doc McStuffins theme song.)

First, There’s The Pre-Show
Before the show, you’ll head up to the 5th Floor of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. A teaching artist leads fun acting workshops that explore themes from the opera and help kids understand the elements of theater. There will be tables of props from the Opera that kids can play with, as well a kite making workshop. With a stunning view of the city and hills and popcorn, drinks and cookies to tide you till intermission, it’s a perfect way to start the day.

Then, Your Seat. And Their Seat, Too.
Something is already waiting for you—a booster. You can reserve one beforehand, and the opera staff will have it waiting in your child’s seat. And here’s one more thing you can reserve: intermission drinks and snacks. Your little one doesn’t want to wait in line when the break rolls around. So pre-order & pay and your treat (a little champers for you, a big bag o’ gummy bears for them) is ready and waiting. Then it’s showtime. And because you’ve accessed the special website (you’ll get access when you get family package tickets) with description and kid friendly activities, you all know the plot.  But just in case you forget, the words, in English, are displayed to the sides of the stage throughout the show.

There’s More Show After The Show
Post-show it’s time to meet the cast. Back to the 5th floor you go, where a whole new table of treats await, so you can nosh and nibble and pick up your kites while you wait to have your program signed by these singing sensations, who are happy to meet and talk with the next generation of opera lovers.  It’s a thrill for kids to meet the stars, and you can tell that it’s exciting for the singers as well.  They really take their time with the kids, answering all questions as well as asking what the kids enjoyed.

More Opera…
Now that your little one is a fan (and your fear is banished), be sure to check out the other family shows that the LA Opera stages for kids across the city:
Opera Tales Tour  – Free shows in public libraries.
Saturday Mornings at the Opera – Twice a year shows just for kids.
Community Opera – Free community opera performances.

And before we say, “That’s all folks,” one last link to get you in the mood. Click here to hear a little of the music, courtesy of everyone’s favorite bunny.

Domingo Family Day is March 8, family pre-show activities start at 12:30 p.m., curtain is at 2 p.m.
The show is best for kids 5 & up.
Tickets start at $17, get tickets to Family Day by calling the box office.

Dorothy Chandler Concert Hall
Grand Ave, Downtown LA
Phone: 213-972-8001
Online: laopera.org/tickets

Have you taken your kids to the opera? What did they think? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below.

-Meghan Rose

 All photos courtesy of Meghan Rose and the LA Opera.

 

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Jingle All the Way: 9 Tips for Your Christmas Caroling Adventure

by Allison Sutcliffe

Twinkling lights, crackling fires and jingle bells in the air. These sure signs mark the beginning of the holiday season, but nothing says quintessential Christmas quite like carolers at your door. While this old school tradition might seem daunting with the tot lot in tow, it’s more than do-able. Make a new family tradition this year and use our simple tips to make your caroling adventure one to remember.

1) Layer like you mean it. Ooh, baby it’s cold outside doesn’t even begin to cover some of those blustery winter nights. So be sure to dress the brood accordingly. Scarves, hats, big wooly mittens and boots are where it’s at. They keep everyone warm and toasty, and ready to belt out that next verse. Hey, if the kids are warm, they stay happy, so you can sing a little longer.

2) Add some flair. You may not need 37 piece of flair exactly, but when it comes to caroling accessories, you’ve got to have a few. Think Gleek Chic (it’s a new thing, trust us) when making your selection, because caroling is one of those times you need to dress the part. Plus, your kiddos will love it! Christmas kitsch like Santa hats, reindeer antler headbands and those blinking Christmas light necklaces you swore you’d never buy (but secretly always wanted to) were made for nights like these. Just remember to wear them like a boss!

3) Get the band back together. It’s time to unearth those musical instruments you hid so well. You know, the ones from kid-less relatives. Caroling is the perfect time for those jingle bells, countless kazoos and wooden clappers that were once the soundtrack of numerous impossible-to-hear phone conversations. And the best part about bringing these noise makers to the party? The Tiny Tim’s and Tina’s of the bunch can join in, too. Even if they can’t sing the words, they can still bang a drum. All together now!

4) The more the merrier. Rally the troops and call the neighbors! There are carols to be sung. And group caroling adds to the party. Just be sure to take a head count every once in a while. 

5) Sing for a cause. In the spirit of the season, consider collecting for a local charity or food bank. Whatever route you choose, have a little information about the organization at the ready. Then carry an envelope, bring a sled or pull a wagon for the donations (and possibly tired toddlers). And if you post the name of the charity on your ride, we’ll bet you won’t even have to ask. All season’s a go with this spirited bonus!

6) If you build it they will come. If you’re worried about trudging through snow or the kidlets tiring out after just two houses, try a one-stop-shop. Call local nursing homes and hospitals, or your fire department and police stations to offer up some Christmas cheer in the form of family carolers. This one requires a little prep and a good 15 minutes of songs. But those little voices singing out some Christmas faves are a big pull with these crowds. It’s a definite two-birds, one-stone sitch where the little wigglers stay and happy and warm while giving back to the community. The only question is who wants to emcee this rockin’ event?

7) To everything turn, turn, turn. So there’s this thing that the mini me’s sometimes do called “not sharing.” But caroling is a great time for them to share among a group. Let the littles take turns picking the songs, ringing the doorbells, or even selecting the next house to visit. Big buy in and some serious ownership of your new tradition are just added bonuses! And it’s okay, they don’t need to know they’re practicing a life skill. We won’t tell!

8) Less is more. For the tiny tots especially, stick with about 3 songs (give or take) that they really know and can sing. Then, break them out at every house. Don’t worry, your neighbors won’t know you’re playing a short bench. The only question is how many times can you handle the Jingle Bells refrain? Dashing through the snow! 

9) The piece de resistance. The final chapter of any caroling adventure is always the creamy cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows (candy cane stir stick optional) for the kiddos at the end. They earned it!

Do you have a Christmas caroling tip to share? Leave it in a comment below.

–Allison Sutcliffe

Photo thanks to: Victoria Ledford’s 22 and Counting blog, Sarah Rasmussen, Erin Cranston

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3 Spa Sanctuaries for a Mother-Daughter Day

by mikaela walker

Salons and spas used to be one of the last bastions of peace and quiet for stressed-out adults, but now these doors are opening up to allow, gasp, kids. Don’t worry, you can still get your spa on sans kids, not everywhere admits them, but if you want to take your mini-me along to get her tootsies sloughed and buffed you can. We found two spots in the city, and one that’s totally worth the drive, that have specific treatments for kids, or allow them to tag along with you and get treatments from the regular menu.

Not Your Mom’s Salon

Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids
Bond with your daughter over manicures and hair-dos at this Upper East Side salon. They offer a mother-daughter package, starting at $74.50, that includes a shampoo and blowout for you and shampoo, blowdry and a simple hairstyle for her, along with manicures for both. All of Sharkey’s haircare products are either certified natural and organic or chemical free, and in the end, not only will your hair look good but also, it will smell like a piece of fruit or a yummy slice of cake. To paint those pint-sized tootsies, Sharkey’s uses non-toxic Piggy Paint. And if she asks, “Please Mom, may I have day-glo nails with sparkly flowers?” It’s no problem! Whatever design your daughter wants, she gets, unless it’s something super challenging like the face of a One Direction member on each nail.

Feel Free to Bring the Kids

Dashing Diva
Are you a dashing diva? If so, then take yourself and your mini-diva to the nail salon of the same name. Try their Spoiled Diva Manicure and Pedicure and get “white-glove” treatment; after all, you deserve it. Your little diva can get a full manicure and pedicure, lotion, massage and all, not just a polish change, though they offer that as well. Worried about those nasty nail polish toxins touching your precious little snowflake’s skin? Not to worry – for a bargain price of only $3 more you can choose to use Deborah Lippman polishes, which are toluene, formaldehyde and DBP free. Little Diva manicure prices start at $12 and pedicures start at $15; the prices increase as your kids get older. Don’t want to have to travel too far with all of your infant/toddler paraphernalia and kids in tow? Dashing Diva has six salons in Manhattan and three in Brooklyn, so chances are, you have one nearby.

Worth the Trip

Spa Castle
Servants waiting on you hand and foot, closets full of gorgeous clothes and drawers full of royal jewels – wait that’s not your life; you aren’t the queen and your kids are not heirs to the throne. But you can feel like a queen for a day and your kids can feel like mini-royals at Spa Castle in College Point, Ny. At five stories high and with 100,000 square feet of soothing space, this has to be bigger than any spa you’d find in the city. Inside, you will find lots of pools, including a kiddie pool and a hydrotherapy pool, hot tubs, hot and cold sauna rooms, a salt sauna and a fitness center. Whew! Can you say that list three times fast? There are also treatment rooms where you can get regular spa services. Kids under age 16 can get regular mani-pedis and they’re allowed full use of all the aforementioned services. It’s a flat fee of $45 per person to enter the building, and specialty treatments are additional. You might have to do some fast-talking to get your kids to go, but we are positive once you get them there, they won’t want to leave.

Where do you go when you need a spa day? Know any other great place to relax with your kiddo?

— Mikaela Walker

Photos 1-3 Courtesy of Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids NYC, Photo 4 Courtesy of Spa Castle

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