The Big Apple Circus is in Town!

For the month of March the one and only Big Apple Circus is in town.  Bello is back too!  After nine seasons this clown, this amazing performer called by Time magazine "America's Best Clown" has returned. 

We had great seats and a wonderful time this past weekend as the whole family truly enjoyed the entire show from start to finish.  The staff was helpful and courteous.  The performers excellent.  The Big Apple Circus is intimate and every seat in the house is a good seat because each seat is no more than 50 feet away from the ring.  That's another bonus to the Big Apple Circus- there is only one ring.  All eyes and attention are on it all times and it is always worth it.  We were seated down front and had not just a great view but the kids had a chance to interact with the performers from Bello to Grandma and more!  So did many others who enjoyed the show.  After it was over my husband leaned in to me and said, "That just blew Ringling Bros. out of the water!" It's true.  The Big Apple Circus is something to be seen.

The show runs from now until March 27th, 2010 at Dulles Town Center.  The circus has an 11-month, 7-city tour so be sure to check for local listings.  The circus is also a not-for-profit performing arts and outreach institution that seeks to invigorate the communities it performs in, so you can be sure you are doing a good thing.

NOW you can save up to 30% per ticket for Dulles right here!  To purchase your discounted tickets to the Big Apple Circus:


Online: http://bigapplecircus.org/dullespop.aspx and submit the code POP10 in the Promotional Codes box

By Phone: CALL 888-541-3750 and mention code POP10

In Person: Big Top Box Office 10AM–6PM daily. No service fee. Bring a copy of this blog post.

*Offer good on select seat locations and performances. Must present this blog post to receive discount at the box office. Performance schedule subject to change. Offer is subject to availability; not valid on prior purchases; cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. This offer can be revoked at any time. Discount amount varies. Limit 8 tickets per order. No refunds or exchanges. Telephone and Internet orders are subject to standard service fees.


For more info, make sure to check out the Big Apple Circus on Facebook (http://facebook.com/bigapplecircus) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/bigapple_circus).
 
MPR Rating:  Five Stars.
 
Disclaimer:  I was not paid for this post. Tickets were given for review purposes only.  Opinions are solely my own and my family's. 

Shakin' What Your Momma Gave You- It's Baby Loves Disco

I can only handle so much of the playground routine. I abhor those "fun palaces" with giant mice and chotchkies hanging from every wall. Even as a kid myself, this was not my scene. However, I do like to dance and I love me some disco. Anyone who was at my wedding or a birthday party of mine in the past ten years can attest to that. My iPod is loaded with the classic hits of Donna Summer, K.C. & the Sunshine Band and others. I just cannot seem to get enough. When I heard that Baby Loves Disco was coming to my area, finally, I could not have been more excited. Finally, both my child and I could enjoy a venue!

From the moment we walked past the velvet ropes lining the sidewalk outside the Rock & Roll Hotel my daughter was enchanted. She could not wait to hit the dance floor. She pulled on our arms and begged us to just get on with the coat check and head inside. Once inside my husband and I were both amazed at how the club had transformed. The stage was lit up and covered with puzzle mats, hula-hoops and other assorted toys to play with. It was a great place to stay in the action and let the kids play if they wanted a break from dancing. The clubs long mirrors on the walls were great for those children who wanted to see themselves dancing around. My daughter grabbed egg shakers and colored scarves from bins and twirled under the swirling colored lights and bubbles cascading from the ceiling. Disco tunes played continuously through it all with a little bit of freeze dancing thrown in to every child and parents delight.


Upstairs a different vibe prevailed. The disco played on but at a much lower volume and sunlight lit the rooms. In the main area small tables with snacks for the kids sat next to a larger table of food for everyone. From popcorn and pretzels to veggie trays and cheeses there was plenty of food to go around. The bar was stocked with organic juices for the kids and a stronger drink could be had for the parents if they wanted. There were chill rooms with changing stations on the sides. A room set up with rugs for tiny tots to crawl on or to get temporary tattoos. DC Mom was there handing out animal stickers and helping. Off to another side, vendors from Right Start, Apple Seed and Abby’s Lane showed some of their wares and you could enter raffles for some truly fun prizes.

What I love about Baby Loves Disco is that it works for both kids (ages 0-7) and parents. Partners Heather and Andy have done a truly wonderful thing here. They have created, all across the country, and afternoon of child and parent fun. By turning clubs into childproof fun zones, they provide safe, healthy, and extremely fun entertainment for the whole family. It challenges the norms of what is considered family fare and I love it for that. DC host, Susannah Monteith did an impeccable job organizing the event and could be seen buzzing around with her own son throughout the afternoon and always with a big smile on her face. The whole event felt professional but not slick, pre-packaged and overly commercialized which earns it five stars.

Baby Loves Disco is a great way to bond with not only your children but your partner as well. My family left feeling happy and a bit freer. For that, I could not be more excited or grateful. Check out all the Baby Loves Disco locations here.