Zingari: A Culture of Cirque
Review of Lone Star Circus’ Zingari
An intimate theater setting, performances that defy gravity and artistry that captivates the imagination – that’s what Lone Star Circus brings to DFW locals with its annual holiday cirque productions. My family and I saw Zingari opening weekend and had a great time.
Paying homage to the Gypsy roots of many circus families, including Lone Star Circus founder and creative director Fanny Kerwich, Zingari brings to the stage an amazing cast of international and local circus artists. An eighth generation circus performer, Kerwich is passionate about sharing the magic of the circus arts and has helped grow Lone Star Circus into a much anticipated attraction with a loyal following that grows each year.
Easter Eggstravaganza and Resource Fair for Special Needs Families
4th Annual Easter Event for Special Needs Families on April 19th
by Mina Frannea
Four years ago, a mom with a special needs child decided she wanted to help other families like hers so she created Especially Needed, an organization based on a vision that a community can exist where individuals with special needs are valued, respected and included. A community made up of caring people who serve as a support system as well as mentors to children and adults.
On Saturday, April 19th from 1-3pm, Especially Needed is hosting their 4th annual Easter Event and Resource Fair for individuals with special needs and their families. All participants will have an opportunity to hunt eggs at their own pace so register for a time slot at www.especiallyneeded.org. There will also be special egg hunts for those that require wheelchair assistance. Other activities include bounce house, pics with the Easter Bunny, games and more.
13 Year Old’s Family Fights for Her Life
Jahi McMath’s Family Continues to Hope and Fight for her Life
by Mina Frannea
Can you imagine having to face turning off life support for your child? That’s what Jahi McMath’s family have been dealing with for the last couple of weeks. Jahi, a vibrant 13-year-old went in for ‘routine’ tonsil surgery at Children’s Hospital Oakland to treat sleep apnea issues. Shortly after the surgery, Jahi suffered severe complications that left the teen brain dead and on a ventilator.
On Dec 12, Doctor’s at the hospital declared Jahi legally dead and were planning to remove her from the ventilator. Jahi’s family took legal measures to stop this action and and received a restraining order from a judge that stops the hospital from turning off life support. This ruling gives Jahi’s family until 5 p.m. Jan. 7, 2014 to appeal to a higher court and find a new facility to which they can transfer the 13-year-old.
Review of Lone Star Circus’ Charivari
Dallas Children’s Theater Presents Lone Star Circus’ Charivari
by Mina Frannea
My family recently attended Lone Star Circus’s Charivari at the Dallas Children’s Theater. With a loyal following that grows every year, Lone Star Circus has become a favorite part of the holidays for many in the DFW area. This year was no exception as their new show Charivari promises to be a hit with fans of all ages!
Every year, founder Fanny Kerwich brings together seasoned circus artists such as aerialists, acrobats, trapeze artists, hand balancers, jugglers, clowns, gymnasts, and small animal acts from all over the world. This fabulous group of entertainers is joined by Lone Star Circus School staff and students as well as popular local entertainers, and they put together a cirque show which plays for a limited run in the intimate theater setting of Dallas Children’s Theater.
DTC’s Christmas Carol: A Fresh Take on Dickens’ Timeless Classic
Review of A Christmas Carol Presented by Dallas Theater Center
by Mina Frannea
We saw Dallas Theater Center’s production of A Christmas Carol at the Kalita Humphreys Theater recently.
This adaptation of Dickens’ classic by Richard Hellesen is in its eight and final season at the Kalita Humphreys. Although we were expecting the usual story of Ebeneezer Scrooge, we were blown away by the quality of the production. The diverse cast and their stellar performances were a treat. We also enjoyed the dramatic special effects and sounds that underscored scenes such as booming clock chimes, rattling chains, eerie fog and lightning strikes. All of this combined created a gripping backdrop for the performance.
Encouraging Children to Participate in Community Service
Community Service Ideas for Kids
by Mina Frannea
The holidays are a time of the year when people are often inspired to volunteer their time to those in need. As parents, my husband and I hope to instill in our children the importance of community service and the concept of “giving back”. Children learn a lot by watching so we try to set examples by giving of our time to school activities and various community organizations. This has helped our children accept service related activities as a normal part of our lives.
If you are interested in exploring volunteer opportunities that your child can participate in with you, look for tasks that aren’t too complicated, are age appropriate and relevant to interests or skills that your child enjoys.
Depending on a child’s age (minimum age requirements may apply), he or she may be able to: