One of the most challenging aspects of being a parent to young children is the balance between kid fun and grown up fun. I’ve personally long left the days when cartoons entertained me. I really am not interested in sixty-three mini-games of “catch me”, but I’ll oblige when necessary.
My interests collide with theirs however in the realm of make-believe. I guess you could call me a silly kid, but I still love dressing up in costumes and formal dresses.
Lately I’ve been hearing both of my kids making fashion comments.
“Oh! That is cute. I like that dress,” my four-year-old daughter says as she pulls out five other frocks from her drawers.
“I need to wear blue pants,” she decides a moment later.
“I can’t wear those pants! They’re ugly!” my three-year-old son wails with tears in his eyes as Bobby and I tag-team his before-school dressing session.
Who would’ve guessed they could have formed such opinions so young?
A few weeks ago, I caught them emerging from their bedroom as two very cute panthers in matching black pants and shirts. I confess they didn’t need to ask me twice to dress up as the mommy panther. We put on quite a snarling show for our friends who were spending an afternoon in our home.
Anyways, could you count for me the non-Halloween, Beijing-based events providing a genuinely fun gala for the whole family? Don’t worry; I won’t sit by my laptop waiting for the sudden flood of e-mails to ping in!
Understandably, then, I jumped when I heard about Fundancia!
Fundancia offers a great atmosphere for the whole family. Before the Chaoyang Theater performers begin their acrobatic feats, families can pose for a complimentary clan picture. Others will blow balloons, paint faces, ride unicycles and balance on stilts. Once children and ayi select their own kid-friendly food fare from the buffet and sit at their designated tables, parents will gather at their own tables for a three-course feast.
After parents have been fed and children have been amazed, DJ Kitchen will ramp up music for dancing. Maybe my husband and I should practice our swing and salsa steps?
In addition to being an event pleasing to the child at heart, Fundancia aims to raise funds for construction projects started by the British School of Beijing (BSB) Sanlitun and its Parents’ Association, to support the Migrant Children’s Foundation at Mingyuan School, Beijing.
Deadline for registration and payment is tomorrow, April 12!
Fundancia, April 16.
All ages. The first and only family ball in Beijing! RMB 1000 for one adult and child. Ayi and additional child tickets available, RMB 200. 5pm. Kerry Hotel, Grand Ballroom. (fundancia@idiplomatic.net)
Although I hope to see you at Fundancia, there are a few more events coming up in Beijing that will please those in love with performances and fun wardrobes.
Keep in mind that these are not family galas, though. Fundancia is the first and only family ball in Beijing!
Beijing Performances Roundup
A Night at the Casino Murder Mystery, April 16.
Adults. If you actually want a kid-free date night, join “A Night at the Casino Murder Mystery” performed by the British School of Beijing. RMB 450. 7pm. Hilton Beijing. (jayne@mcfchina.org)
Oetsie Poetsie. April 23-24.
Ages 3-6. This silly slapstick drama starts off with a woman and a man from a cleaning company beginning to clean the theater. RMB 198-898. 10am. M Theatre at Beijng’s Oriental Media Center. (ponypiao@damai.cn)
Grease, April 29-30
Ages 3+ CISB Drama Club’s production of Grease promises a family-friendly musical event for anyone who loves to laugh and watch talented young performers act and sing onstage. RMB 30 for students, RMB 50 for adults. 7pm. Canadian International School of Beijing. (6465 7788)
The 15th Anniversary Performance of Raise the Red Lantern, May 1-2.
Ages 7+ The most well known performance produced by The National Ballet of China celebrates its fifteenth showing. RMB 100-680. 7.30pm. National Centre for The Performing Arts. (18600208126)
Beijing Playhouse presents Rapunzel, May 8, 22, 29.
Ages 3-12. An interactive performance with children sitting in a circle and actors dancing in the middle. RMB 80 for children, 150 RMB for adults. Eagle International Performing Arts Center (May 8, 29), International School of Beijing (May 22). (childrenstheatre@beijingacademyofperformingarts.com)
Shaun the Sheep Live Stage Version, May 20-21.
Ages 3+ Shaun the Sheep comes alive in this interactive drama. RMB 80. 6pm. Century Theater. (6466 4805, 6468 3311 ext 3126)
Madagascar Live! July 21-24
Ages 6+ Meet the DreamWorks animals in this live stage version. Height restrictions apply to children. RMB 180-480. 7.30pm Beijing Exhibition Theater. (ponypiao@damai.cn)
Photo: Pixabay
