With Halloween over, thoughts turn to the holiday season, and things to do as the weather gets colder. Ice skating is perfect for this time of year, it’s not so cold that you can’t feel your feet, and the evenings are still light enough for even the youngest of kids to enjoy the ice. If your kids are new to skating, want to improve their spins and turns, or are after the thrill of ice hockey, then Dulwich Ice Rink is the place to be. November sees the start of Christmas Bazaar season, and the British School of Beijing Shunyi will be hosting their German Market and Fayre, with Gluhwein, gifts, and a visit from a certain man on his sleigh.
If you like to adorn your holiday season cards with pictures of you and your family, it’s a good idea to book a session soon with a photographer, to guarantee those cards will be ready in time. If you’d rather this year’s photos were taken in the comfort of your own home, Not An Illusion will come to you. To ready yourself for the onslaught of fabulous festive food and drink, have some fun whilst getting fit with the guys from Heyrobics. Finally, the Nutcracker Suite is coming to Shunyi, with a concert from the Beijing International Chamber Orchestra.
On Ice
Skating classes are now underway at the Dulwich Ice Rink. Classes are open to skaters of all ages and abilities, and to anyone from the wider community, you don’t have to be a student at Dulwich College Beijing. Programs include kids on ice, which for many kids will be their first experience of skating. The aim of this program is to teach the basics, in a safe environment, to groups of 5-10 students. Figure skating is for skaters with some previous skating experience, and lessons can be private or for groups of up to 5 students. Suitable for ages 5 and over, figure skating will teach technique, jumping, and spinning.
Synchronized skating is a team sport, with up to 20 skaters moving across the ice as one, performing movements, pinwheels, and kick-lines. Suitable for ages 12 and over, advanced skills are not required. Ice hockey programs, for both beginners and advanced players, are also available. For more information contact (6454 9127, camilla.ojansivu@dulwich-beijing.cn)
Christmas Fayre
The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi will host their annual German Market and Christmas Fayre on Saturday November 22 from 4-7.30pm. Traditional Christmas treats will be available, including hot Gluhwein, and beautiful handmade decorations will be on sale. There will be performances by talented musicians and choirs from BSB Shunyi, a host of gift stalls, and a raffle event. Children will have a chance to meet Santa and have a photo with him on his sleigh. Inside the foyer will be more vendors selling items that will make unique Christmas presents.
Holiday Season Photos
Not An Illusion Photography provides family photography and portraits that can be taken in your home or out and about on location. If you want photos of your family, to use for holiday season cards, prints or posters, they recommend booking early to secure a slot. With gift cards and gift certificates available, you could even give a photography session as a gift to friends or family. For more details contact (6401 7645, notanillusion@me.com) www.notanillusionproductions.com
Hey – Get Moving
The Heyrobics team is back in Shunyi, with classes held in the gym of the Swedish School of Beijing, Gahood. With four medium intensity classes each week:
Wednesday 8.45am with Åsa
Wednesday 7pm with Amaya
Friday 8.45am with Susanne
Saturday 9am with Åsa
Heyrunning takes place every Monday morning 8.45am and the meeting point is outside of the Swedish School. If the air quality index is above 200, there will be indoor circuit training instead. Heyrunning sessions are free, and all runners are welcome, no matter how fast or far you can run. For more information and the full schedule, visit their website www.heyrobics.com
Orchestral Performance
On Sunday November 23, from 4-6pm, the Beijing International Chamber Orchestra (BICO) presents Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite and Piano Concerto No 1. The concert incorporates live music on stage, and the magical story of The Nutcracker played out on screen, with soloist Dmitriy Volobuev and conductor Maria Nauen. The concert venue is Dulwich College Beijing’s Legend Garden Campus. Tickets are RMB 100, RMB 50 for children and students. Book online at www.tickets@bico-china.com, www.yoopay.cn/event/bico-tchaikovsky23, or email tickets@bico-china.com www.bico-china.com
beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.
Photos: courtesy of Dulwich College Beijing, Not An Illusion Photography and Heyrobics
