Youth And Families Sing, Dance And Learn Through Engagement At Movin' Around The World

Northwest Folklife and Seattle Center launch the first event in the new Our Big Neighborhood initiative: Movin' Around the World, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., April 7-13, at Seattle Center. Seattle Center Armory will come alive with music and dance performances and workshops during the spring break for Seattle Public Schools, as it invites youth, caregivers and families to learn by singing, dancing, playing and connecting with cultural communities who share Our Big Neighborhood. Each day of Movin' Around the World features music and dance from a specific part of the world, with master tradition bearers and community leaders set to teach and demonstrate these cultural art traditions. This highly interactive programming allows participants to learn more about the world around them in Seattle, while getting active on the dancefloor!

Each day of programming shines a light on the cultures of a different global region:

Saturday, April 7 A Bailar: Dances and Traditions of Mexico

Sunday, April 8 All Across Europe

Monday, April 9 Traditional to Trendy: Dances of India

Tuesday, April 10 Expressions of Asia

Wednesday, April 11 Polynesian Sounds of the Sea

Thursday, April 12 Roots of America

Friday, April 13 Celebration of Africa

Through a unique combination of performance and interactive lessons, Movin' Around the World lets kids and families fully immerse themselves in the variety of folk customs and cultures found in the Seattle region. Featured activities and performers will include Aztec dance lessons and traditional Mexican dancing with Bailadores de Bronce (April 7 - A Bailar: Dances and Traditions of Mexico), Flamenco Danzarte workshop (April 8 - All Across Europe), classical Indian dance and Bollywood dance lessons (April 9 - Traditional to Trendy: Dances of India), Chinese wu shu martial arts demonstration and Philippines rural dance performance (April 10 - Expressions of Asia), Polynesian dance demonstration from Huraiti Mana (April 11 - Polynesian Sounds of the Sea), a tap dance workshop with NW Tap Connection and a hip-hop dance workshop with North City Rockers (April 12 - Roots of America), marimba music with Simba Youth Marimba and Beninese dance workshop with Gansango (April 13 - Celebration of Africa).

Learn more about Our Big Neighborhood at: www.nwfolklife.org/our-big-neighborhood or call 206 684-7200.

Background:

Northwest Folklife and Seattle Center are partnering on a new, three-year youth and family initiative, Our Big Neighborhood, expands on Northwest Folklife's vision to bring people together to share and sustain folk, ethnic and traditional arts for present and future generations. Our Big Neighborhood offers families and people of all ages opportunities to discover Northwest communities and cultures through participation and hands-on learning. Throughout 2018, in addition to the Seattle Children's Festival in September, Our Big Neighborhood encompasses two new event series - Movin' Around the World in April and Global Playground in August as well as a one-day launch event at Seattle Center Winterfest in November.

Global Playground, Aug. 4, 11, 18; 4 p.m.-7 p.m., at Artist at Play playground at Seattle Center

The perfect urban summertime activity, Global Playground, co-presented with Seattle Center and Northwest Folklife, mixes cultural connectivity with outdoor play. Set in Seattle's most unique playground, this series celebrates outdoor fun through coordinated playground games and interactive dance and movement workshops rooted in cultural traditions. Local bands will provide a musical backdrop to keep you moving, playing, and learning!

Seattle Children's Festival, Sept. 22; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Seattle Center Armory and Fisher Pavilion

The fifth annual Seattle Children's Festival will continue on Sept. 22. This fun packed day will develop minds and bodies through movement, rhythm, song, and hands-on activities. With five stages and more than twenty-five performers, Northwest Folklife's Seattle Children's Festival showcases the Northwest's multi-cultural "folklife" while introducing you to new and beloved cultures and traditions. For more information and to see the breadth of activities available, visit https://www.nwfolklife.org/seattlechildrensfestival/

Seattle Center Winterfest Launch Party, Nov. 23, at Seattle Center Armory

Continuing the tradition of Winterfest, Northwest Folklife will support the initial launch event for Seattle Center Winterfest with student and cultural performances and activities. This is the perfect event to help usher in five-plus weeks of spirited Winterfest events and activities!