Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids!

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page.

Slow Boat Family Day “At the Beach”, Aug 11
All ages. Slow Boat Family Day returns this month with an “At the Beach” setting. This everything-but-water event includes slushies for kids, margaritas for adults, free children’s brunch, fishing games, an inflatable play pool, beach toys, and all things tropical. RMB 218 per adult, children under 10 are admitted free. Visit this page to register. Noon-3pm (open buffet until 2pm). Slow Boat Brewery.

New Beginner Balboa Swing Dance Course, Aug 8
Adults. Modernista welcomes everyone to join an elegant partnered dance called Balboa. This is a type of swing which originated in California in the 1920s, and is danced to upbeat jazz and big band swing. This course is designed to teach Balboa basics step by step. No dance experience necessary. You can sign up with a partner, or by yourself. RMB 85 per person (one course), RMB 680 per person (whole eight courses, register here). 7.30-8.30pm. Free social dance party starts at 9.30pm. Modernista

Beijing Women’s Network (BWN) Charity Dinner, Quiz & Raffle, Aug 9
Adults. BWN is organizing a meal and quiz evening at Inn and Out Gongti. This night will be a great opportunity to meet fellow BWN members in a relaxed environment, eat some food, have some fun, and make friends! This quiz will be centered around ‘famous females’. All the money raised will go to a very important cause, BWN’s charity partner for the year – Xixi Garden, a non-profit providing sexual health and relationship education across Beijing’s migrant communities. RMB 110 (dinner), RMB 10 per raffle ticket. Visit this page for more info. 6.30pm. Inn and Out Gongti.

Music Workshop for Children, Aug 13-17
All ages. Blossom School and Crescendo Studio present this five-day music workshop for children, at the brand new Blossom School in CBD. Students will learn music theory, percussion, singing, piano, and music history, in small groups. Lessons are available in English, French, and Chinese courtesy of Zoe Wang, a professional musician and founder of Crescendo Studios. RMB 2,000. 9.30-11.30am. Blossom School. (132 4195 4449, 135 2211 9535)

Yoga Chinese with Zhao: 4hr Workshop at Taozi Tree Yoga, Aug 14 and 21
Adults. Learn how to teach yoga in Chinese at this 4-hour workshop offered by Taozi Tree Yoga. In two sets of two-hour classes (total 4 hours), participants will learn how to use accurate pronunciation and proper Chinese expressions to teach yoga, while deepening their understanding of the discipline. This is a course to help you build a connection with Chinese students. RMB 550 (register here). 7.30-9.30pm. A.C. Embassy Hotel (A.C. Art Museum Hotel).

State of the Arts

Journey of Arts in Summer: The KGBL Chamber Choir, Aug 7
All ages. Choral activities at the Ljubljana Conservatory of Music and Ballet gathered pace after composer and conductor Ambrož Čopi assumed leadership of the choir in 2010. After four years of growing quality, the choir have distinguished themselves in numerous competitions across Europe. They appear at the NCPA to perform a program of classical and traditional Eastern European vocal works. RMB 50-480 (buy tickets here). 7.30pm. NCPA.

Journey of Arts in Summer: Vienna Girls’ Choir, Aug 9
All ages. Vienna Music School Choir won a gold medal and a bronze medal at the 5^th World Choir Games in Graz, Austria. Every December, the choir performs in the famous St. Stephen’s Cathedral and at the Vienna Concert Hall in May. Vienna Girls’ Choir appears at the NCPA to bring a touch of soft and pure vocal color to the festival, with their joyous performance of singing and dancing. RMB 50-480 (buy tickets here). 7.30pm. NCPA.

NCPA International Children’s Theatre Festival: Stereoptik Dark Circus, Aug 10-12
All ages. Dark Circus is the result of a collaboration between Pef, author and illustrator of The Prince of Motordu and numerous other children’s books, and Romain Bermond and Jean-Baptiste Maillet of Stereoptik. Dark Circus represents two firsts for Stereoptik. It is the first time the company will work from a script, and the first time words will be spoken on stage. RMB 180-300. 7.30pm. NCPA.

Photos: Pineapple Supply Co. via Pexels; courtesy of event organizers

Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids!

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page.

Fun for the Family

Cirque du Soleil’s Toruk: The First Flight, Aug 1-12
All ages. This summer will be particularly epic as the renowned theater company Cirque de Soleil brings to Beijing Toruk: The First Flight, inspired by the sci-fi epic film, Avatar. RMB 280-780 (buy tickets here). 3pm performance (Sat, Sun) and 7.30pm performance (Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat). Cadillac Arena, 69 Fuxing Road, Haidian District.

Schönbrunn Schlosstheater: The Magic Flute & Hansel and Gretel, Aug 3-5
All ages. The Magic Flute is one of Mozart’s operas, telling a tale about Prince Tamino taking risks to save his beloved Pamina. This production takes the form of a puppet performance, in order to encourage in children an appreciation of opera. Meanwhile, Hansel and Gretel is a traditional German story that comes from the Grimms’ Fairy Tales. See these two classic tales for children at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA). RMB 100-500 (buy tickets here). 7.30pm. NCPA.

NCPA International Children’s Theatre Festival 2018: Me and My Shadow, Aug 3-4
All ages. Me and My Shadow is presented in the form of a visual poem for children. The performance tells its story using the languages of paper, light, shadow, color, water, music, sound and words. With fantastical imagery, quirky physical performances, and an intriguing score, Me and My Shadow seeks to ignite the imaginations of children in a poetical experience that explores the frustrations and joys of friendship. RMB 180-300 (buy tickets here). 7.30pm. NCPA.

Music Workshop for Children, Aug 13-17
All ages. Blossom School and Crescendo Studio present this five-day music workshop for children at the brand new Blossom School in CBD. Students will learn music theory, percussion, singing, piano, and music history in small groups. Lessons are available in English, French, and Chinese courtesy of Zoe Wang, a professional musician and founder of Crescendo Studios. RMB 2,000. 9.30-11.30am. Blossom School. (132 4195 4449, 135 2211 9535)

Markets and Fairs

The Beijing Flea Market, Aug 25
All ages. The Beijing Flea Market is back for its summer edition at a new location in TechTemple Sanlitun Lounge on August 25. This is Beijing’s one-stop shop for all things made in Beijing, with more than 40 vendors featuring some of the best local, independent design and crafts from both established and emerging makers. Shoppers will also find baked goods, delicious small-batch homemade jams, drinks and more! Free admission. Noon-6pm. TechTemple Sanlitun (just behind QMex). (WeChat ID: Thebeijingfleamarket)

Roundabout Book Fair at BSB Shunyi, Aug 25
All ages. Roundabout and The British School of Beijing (BSB), Shunyi hold a book fair with thousands of gently-used books for the whole family in many languages and genres. Paperbacks from RMB 10, hardbacks from RMB 20, kids’ books from RMB 1. Every single RMB raised at the fair will directly help a child in need. Free admission. 10am-3pm. BSB, Shunyi. (8047 3588, marketing@bsbshunyi.com).

WAB Community Picnic: Future Adventures, Aug 25
All ages. Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) welcomes friends and families of the school community to campus to enjoy a day of fun on Tiger Field. Games and activities will be set up for kids of all ages to enjoy, and you can also enjoy a variety of your favorite local vendors, as well as live music and arts performances. Free admission. WAB. (WeChat ID: WAB_Chat, 5986 5588, wabinfo@wab.edu)

Dine Out

Tianmi Bakery Brunch Takeover, Aug 18
All ages. Have your cake and eat it too at this delicious brunch extravaganza. Think savory, bacon-y, tasty and of course, sweet. Starts 10am. For more information or to make reservations, contact Arcade by Hatchery at 6500 2884.

BenCham Presents “A Dutch Night”, Aug 31
Adults. BenCham invites everyone to a special evening with a Dutch-themed dinner at Cindy’s Umami by Han, the first modern Dutch restaurant brand in Beijing that features a creative fusion between Western and Asian cuisines. Dutch Michelin star chefs Han Ji and Frank Naar have developed a creative western-style cuisine according to the oriental “five elements theory”, which highlights the original taste of all ingredients with a signature sour twist that will please the taste buds. RMB 499 (buy tickets here). 6-10pm. Cindy’s Umami By Han.

Work Your Body

Yoga Chinese with Zhao: 4hr Workshop at Taozi Tree Yoga, Aug 14 and 21
Adults. Learn how to teach yoga in Chinese at this 4-hour workshop offered by Taozi Tree Yoga. In two sets of two-hour classes (total 4 hours), participants will learn how to use accurate pronunciation and proper Chinese expressions to teach yoga, while deepening their understanding of yoga. This is a course to help you build a connection with Chinese students. RMB 550 (register here). 7.30-9.30pm. A.C. Embassy Hotel (A.C. Art Museum Hotel).

Yummy Flying Therapeutics with Justine, Aug 18
Adults. Explore the restorative elements of therapeutic flying and experience deep release with the support of a partner. As a flyer or receiver, participants will learn to use gravity and suspend their bodies to give a yummy flying yoga therapy. RMB 300-350. 1-4pm. Yoga Yard.

Feed Your Mind

3e Tea Talk: Separation Anxiety, Aug 21
Adults. 3e International School’s Tea Talk for August helps parents understand more about separation anxiety, which will provide strategies for parents and teachers about how to support children at home and school, circumstances where you may need to seek experts’ help, and intervention strategies. Presented by Ru-Chi Yang, lead psychologist and consultant at LIH Olivia’s Place. Free admission. 9-10.30am. 3e International School. (community@3einternationalschool.org)

Positive Discipline in the Classroom with Pauline Cuevas, Aug 2-4
Adults. This three-day interactive bilingual workshop is designed for teachers, counselors, school staff and administrators who want an effective discipline approach which integrates social and emotional learning while reducing challenging student behaviors. For more information, contact Rebecca at 13071162353 (phone/WeChat)

When Should My Child Start Getting Braces? Aug 18
Adults. IDC Dental will give an in-house presentation to parents about getting kids started on orthodontics. Chief Doctor and CEO Dr. Jaclyn Dam-Laute will also answer questions that will help parents make an informed decision about their children’s oral health. Coffee and snacks will also be provided and those who attend the event get to take home a goodie bag full of pleasant surprises. Free admission but pre-registration required). 2pm-4pm. IDC Dental. (6538 8111, info@idcdentalbj.com)

Cub Scouts Registration, Aug 18
Kids 5+. Boys and girls aged 5 to 11 who are looking for excitement, fun, and to make new friends are invited to sign up for Cub Scouts at International School of Beijing (ISB). Cub Scouts work through a series of “adventures,” earning awards until they’ve succeeded in graduating their year group. Membership is open to all boys and girls, regardless of nationality or school attended, with one important proviso: under Chinese law, the child must hold a foreign (non-Chinese) passport with a valid visa in order to join. This rule is strictly enforced and there are no exceptions. You’ll also need evidence of your health insurance, and annual fees of RMB 1,200. 10am. ISB. (www.beijingcubscouts.com)

Girl Scout Registration, Aug 25
All ages. This year’s Girl Scout registration event for the new school year takes place at Western Academy of Beijing (WAB). on August 25. Troops meet downtown and in Shunyi at various locations. The Girl Scouts team will also be recruiting leaders for newly forming troops. Girl Scouts is open to foreign passport holders only. RMB 2,000 (new members), RMB 1,700 (girls who don’t need a uniform). WAB. (Amy Kennedy: 185 1505 3922, beijinggirlscouts@usagso.org)

INN Arrival Survival, Aug 27
All ages. One such organization that has been operating for quite a long time to help foreigners adjust to life in Beijing is the International Newcomers Network (INN). They host the INN Arrival Survival on August 27 where you will not only be connected with others in the same boat but also receive invaluable information to help you better get to know your new host city. Topics covered will include safety in the city, avoiding counterfeits, water and air purification systems, the stresses of settling into Beijing, health insurance, WeChat pay, and financial planning among many others. RMB 75 and open only to foreign passport holders. 10am-noon. Function Rm, 3/F, Athletic Center, Capital Mansion, 6 Xinyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区新源南路6号京城大厦康乐中心3层  (8486 2225 ext 110) 

Upcoming Events (September-October)

Farm to Table Dinner at The Brickyard, Sep 8
Adults. Join Schoolhouse partners for cocktails and cooking at Brickyard Retreat at 7pm, followed by dinner served by the chef right in the kitchen. The Schoolhouse Partner’s Table dinners are personally hosted by Schoolhouse partners, and showcase seasonal and local ingredients from their own gardens, neighbors, and producers in the area. RMB 368 per person for pre-dinner cocktail and canapes, set menu, and wine pairing. Limited to 12 guests. 7.30-11.30pm. The Brickyard Retreat Center at Mutianyu Great Wall.

Women’s Retreat Beijing: Be You Revive!, Sep 16-17
Adults. Give the woman in your life a rejuvenating and reviving break, and send her off for the Be You Revive! Following a successful Mother’s Day retreat in May, “Be You” returns this autumn and promises to nourish the body and soul of the participating ladies. The revival cycle takes place on Sep 16-17 in the luxurious surroundings of Singing Deer Lodge, and includes activities like yoga, sip and paint, hiking on the Great Wall, a workshop with a life coach, a goodie bag, and more surprises! Secure your spot today with RMB 100 non-refundable deposit. Check out beijingmothersguild.com for more details. Singing Deer Lodge. (WeChat: BerryThoughtfulLife, paulus155, pflivanhasselt@yahoo.com)

Riviera Chic Bazaar, Sep 19-20
All ages. Riviera Chic brings together top local independent designers who focus on authenticity, specialization, and quality, ideal for the discerning shopper. From on-trend fashion, amazing jewelry, and handmade luxurious textiles, to excellent skin-care products, this market will provide you with some of Beijing’s best quality vendors. Riviera Chic is also committed to supporting local charities in the community. Free admission. 10am-4pm. Beijing Riviera Clubhouse.

The Bookworm Curio Market, Sep 22-24
All ages. The Bookworm is hosting its first-ever Curio Market on September 22-24. Come and explore and lose yourself among the purveyors of all that is curious, wonderful, artistic, and delicious in Beijing. Book lovers, old China hands, newcomers, students, and business travelers alike are invited to come together at the market. Free admission. The Bookworm. (JC Zhang: 158 1071 3743, mr_j.c.zhang@hotmail.com)

Positive Discipline in Early Childhood Education with Steven Foster, Oct 2-4
Adults. This three-day interactive bilingual workshop is designed for early childhood educators, teachers, and caregivers who work with children from birth to six years of age. For more information contact, Rebecca at 13071162353 (phone/WeChat).

10th China RIE Foundations: Theory and Observation, Oct 29-Nov 2 and Nov 5-7
Adults. This rich curriculum is beneficial for both parents and professionals who live or work with infants and toddlers. It is presented in a friendly, informal atmosphere where participants will be encouraged to ask questions and receive guidance. Contact 159 0125 0981 for more info about the lectures and prices. Green Garden Nursery Beijing.

Roundabout 10th Anniversary Charity Gala Ball, Oct 19
Adults. Roundabout’s 10th anniversary Charity Gala Ball’s focus will be to raise money for all the children they support. Gala sponsor ifeng.com will broadcast the event live on their website and on Phoenix TV. There will be an amazing raffle, silent and live auctions, and entertainment from our international community. RMB 1,100. 6pm. Hyatt Regency Wangjing.

Photos: wendyperrin.com, courtesy of event organizers

Most researchers agree that music education is greatly beneficial to children. Besides studies of the “Mozart effect,” in that listening to classical music can improve intelligence, music education promotes socio-emotional development, encourages creativity, grants abilities to identify patterns and solve problems, it also helps to give students patience, self confidence, and a leg up on how to learn difficult skills through continuous practice.

If you want to give your kids a musical head start or just beef up their skills, Crescendo Music and Dance Training Studio located in Haocheng Plaza in Chaoyang, is offering special summer music workshops. Classes run from July 23 to August 24 in five groups of five day intensive class instruction with morning sessions for kids aged five to eight, and afternoon groups for intermediate level music students.

For morning classes, there are five workshops designed to introduce music theory and history, singing, piano, drums, and percussion to absolute beginners. Classes are small; only 3 to 8 students are enrolled in each class. Tuition is RMB 2000 for all five days of classes.

The afternoon program is for students over nine with previous or current music study experience designed for guitarists, keyboardists, pianists, drummers, vocalists, and more. This advanced workshop will help students improve their musical skills with group practice and experienced teaching. Tuition is RMB 2,700 for all five days of workshop and instruction.

Please note that bookings and payment must be finalized one week before the first day of the selected time slot. English, Chinese, and French will be used during lessons to explain music terminology. A ten percent discount is available for the second member of the same family registering for these workshops. Drums, keyboard, piano, and amplifiers will also be provided for use by Crescendo Studio.

For information and bookings, scan the QR code above or call 132 4195 4449.

Photos: Crescendo Studio

For this edition of Playing Inside, we visited Crescendo Studio. We thought it would be a little difficult finding a venue that not only provides high-quality musical instruction, but also does so in a very conducive and trilingual (English, French, and Chinese) learning environment. But that’s exactly what we found at Crescendo!

We went there primarily to check out a family-friendly concert that they had organized by the American folk duo, Kirk Kenney and Parker Trevathan. An hour watching these two guys picking and grinning their way through a range of classic kid songs put us in a great mood, and also gave us a pretty clear idea of what this music school is all about: making music learning fun! This is an aspect of music training that is sadly neglected for many youths picking up an instrument for the first time.

Crescendo was founded by husband and wife team, Nico Toresse and Zoe Wang because they noticed that there weren’t many music schools in town that were focusing as much on enjoying musical education as they were on the technical skills needed to excel. After all, China is known for producing young musicians that can belt out note for note of complex compositions written by legendary composers. Before they opened up their brand new shiny music school in Liangmaqiao last October, they were traveling all over the city giving lessons for guitar, accordion, and music theory. Now they’ve rounded out their course offerings with classes in musical exploration, percussion, piano, dance, and much more.

When asked at what age is the most appropriate time for a student to begin learning an instrument, Nico quickly responded that he didn’t see the point of putting a four-year-old in front of a piano. That’s why, starting with four-year-olds, Crescendo has implemented their own unique musical exploration class that helps students gain a solid foundation in music. In this course, students begin by using their voices as their first instrument. Following this, students are encouraged to take music theory classes where they will start writing and reading music. While students have the option of learning an instrument at any time, we agree with their view that developing an interest and love for music should be what comes first.

We were also happy to learn that during classes, teachers don’t shy away from also using videos to also teach other forms of musical knowledge. The historical context of a song or style of music is another aspect that is ignored in musical training, and we believe it allows for a more thorough approach to learning. This made us extremely jealous, compared to our own music lessons as kids, when we only had a boom box with scratched CDs that we could inconveniently learn from.

As we were leaving Crescendo Studio, we witnessed the excitement of one of their students receiving his first guitar. He was getting some brief instructions from Nico on how to take care of this magical instrument, and you could see the glow in his eyes as he was putting it away in his gig bag to take home. We could tell this would be a day that this young guitarist would likely never forget.

Currently, Crescendo is developing a comprehensive list of classes for summer. This is great for those of you out there that want some intensive music training to fill up the copious amount of free time that is about to land on your child’s lap in just a couple weeks. For more details regarding pricing, and group or one-on-one classes, follow the Crescendo Studio account on WeChat (WeChat ID: Crescendo-Studio).

Photos: Kipp Whittaker, Crescendo Studio
This article appeared on p32-33 of beijingkids June 2018 issue