The New Vic to Present BABY RAVE, 5/7-18

Bring your binky and your blankie and get ready to bust a move at Baby Rave, a dance party for ages four months to four years. Presented by The New Victory Theater at The Duke on 42nd Street, Young at Art's Baby Rave makes its U.S. debut from May 7-18 giving little ones the opportunity to experience the joy and exuberance of a rave, baby style.

Baby Rave has been a big hit with families across Ireland and the UK and the phenomenon is now set to go stateside. At this kiddie club party, a DJ spins and mixes specially selected music calibrated for young ears while dance facilitators encourage kids and families to explore rhythm, movement and the tiny tot two-step. Diaper-changing facilities and cool-down areas with books, cushions and other comforts are also available while babies boogie under funky flashing lights. Parachutes, inflatables and other sensory objects add to the ambient environment as a backdrop of dynamic video projections transform The Duke on 42nd Street into the hottest dance club for under fours.

"We set out to create an event for the very young that encourages families to get up on their feet and use dance and music as physical exercise, creative expression and a fun activity to do together," says Ali FitzGibbon, Director of Belfast's Young at Art. She adds, "These experiences help support the development of your child's personality, self confidence and interpersonal skills, as well as being a really good time!"

Baby Rave, created in 2005 for the Belfast Children's Festival, has been presented at many international festivals including the Adelaide Fringe Festival (Australia, 2007), Bank of Scotland Imaginate Children's Festival (Edinburgh, Scotland, 2007), Baboro International Arts Festival for Children (Galway, Ireland, 2007) and the Norfolk and Norwich Festival (England, 2010). Under the direction of Ms. FitzGibbon, Baby Rave features DJ Tessa Greer, a fixture of the Irish club scene and founder of the Beat N Track recording studio, alongside dance leader Jennifer Jordan, a trained dance educator with years of experience at Crescent Arts Centre (Belfast) and as a principal dancer with Jan Van Dyke Dance Group. Baby Rave is brought to life with the help of designer Liz Cullinane, production manager and event set dresser Aisling Reynolds and technical manager Neil Greer.