COMPILED BY SCOTT STIFFLER
YOUNG DANCEMAKERS: FREE CONCERTS
See the physical expression of Young Dancemakers Company founder/director Alice Teirstein’s assertion that “There is an artist in everyone and I believe in the power of dance as a medium for artistic expression in a personal way.” Teirstein’s company of 16 exuberant, ethnically diverse high school dancers and choreographers will celebrate the company’s 16th year with a series of free concerts featuring their own original works. All performances end with “Dance With Us” — in which audience members are invited onto the stage for some post-concert improvisation.
Fri., July 22, 6pm at Washington Square Park (5th Ave.& Waverly Place). Rain date: 12pm, Sat., July 23. Then, on Mon., July 25, 2pm at the Schimmel Center for the Arts/Pace University (3 Spruce St.). Also on Fri., July 29, 6pm, on the High Line (14th St. & 10th Ave.). A Gala Finale Concert and Reception takes place on Sun., July 31, 7:30pm at Ailey Citigroup Theater (405 W. 55th St.). All concerts are free, but seating is limited. For reservations: 718-329-7300, ext. 3358 or email aliceteirstein@aol.com. For more info, visit ecfs.org/ydc.asp.
FREE FAMILY ART FESTIVAL
If you missed the first installment last Saturday, you’ve got two more weeks to enjoy the Free Family Art Festival. Sponsored by the Children’s Museum of the Arts and the Hudson Square Connection (along with other neighborhood partners), it’s part of the NYC Department of Transportation’s New York Weekend Walks 2011 program. Large-scale murals, kid-made film workshops, sculpture, fire safety instruction and activities with the New York City Fire Museum, lessons on preservation, trees and creating a clean environment with Trees NY, a bake sale and music events are among the activities. Free. From 12-4pm on Sat., July 16 and 23 (at Charlton St., btw. Hudson and Greenwich Sts.). Visit cmany.org and hudsonsquarebid.org.
YOGA IN THE GARDEN
Cory Washburn — Iyengar yoga instructor at New York Blood Center in Manhattan and Long Island City — leads “Yoga in the Garden.” It happens every Sat. and Sun., 9:30-11am, through August. Space is limited. To register, email cory@simplify-ny.com, call 917-403-4906 or visit yogaingardennyc.eventbrite.com. The cost is $20 per class (drop-in), $15 per class (with a minimum of six classes). At Jefferson Market Garden, on Greenwich Ave. (btw. 6th Ave. and W. 10th St.). A portion of the proceeds will go to help maintain the garden.
THE TROJAN WOMEN
Written by Euripides, translated by Gilbert Murray and presented by Wide Eyed Productions (and Horse Trade Theater Group), this ensemble-driven interpretation of “The Trojan Women” is set in a postmodern Middle Eastern war zone — referencing current military operations as a means to explore the eternal tragedy of war. Through July 23. Thurs. through Sat., 7pm. at The Kraine Theater (85 E. 4th St., btw. 2nd Ave. & Bowery). For tickets ($18 general admission, $15 for students & seniors), call 212-868-4444 or visit horsetrade.info. Also visit wideeyedproductions.com.
SONGWRITER’S BEAT FESTIVAL
Have you had your fill of mean-spirited, elimination-minded television shows on which aspiring pop idols hold onto a note until they’re blue in the face and you’re bored beyond belief? If so, the Songwriter’s Beat Festival is a kinder, gentler alternative. Designed with performing songwriters in mind, SBF is all about building up talent instead of tearing apart dreams. Founded by NYC singer-songwriter Valerie Ghent in 2000, Songwriter’s Beat has presented over 325 songwriters, over 50 benefit concerts, six annual festivals and dozens of songwriting workshops — and has fostered the creation of hundreds of new songs. Admission is $10. At 7pm on July 21, 22, 23 — at the Christopher Street Coffee House (at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 81 Christopher St.). The Coffee House, by the way, features songwriter nights each Thursday — with Songwriter’s Beat taking place every third Thursday of the month. Visit newsongwritersbeat.com, valghent.com and christopherstreetcoffeehouse.org.
