Storytelling and Crafts for the Lunar New Year


In response to COVID-19 pandemic closures in 2020, Singing Winds summer teen leaders created the Virtual Playground – a series of online events and videos for children and their families.
Free art supplies were distributed in Albemarle Playground so that families could do the projects at home.
Click on “The Singing Winds Virtual Playground” in the menu at the bottom of the home page to see more.
The Singing Winds presents “The Lions and Dragons Dance – a children’s celebration of the Lunar New Year” featuring special guests from the Wan Chi Ming Hung Gar Institute.
2020 is the Year of the Rat! Come celebrate the Lunar New Year with Lion Dance, Fan Dance, Kung Fu, music, and stories from China. With a special presentation by the Wan Chi Ming Hung Gar Institute, “The Lions and Dragons Dance” will introduce you to some of the legends and traditional customs associated with this ancient celebration.
Recommended for all ages! Wear Red!
Free Admission
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for food, crafts and activities.
Where: PS 230 auditorium, 1 Albemarle Street
When: Friday, February 7 at 7:00 p.m.
Goha and His Donkey, illustrated by the Al-Fattoh family of tentmakers
The Singing Winds presents “Juha and His Donkey – Stories, Music and Dance from the Middle East” featuring storytelling in Arabic and English.
Join us this Saturday, and hear traditional tales from the Middle East and an original Arabic translation of a contemporary story – “How Leo Learned to be King,” by Marcus Pfister. Calligraphy and mosaic projects. Enjoy traditional and contemporary Arabic music, and join the dance!
Please note that we will be dancing in separate groups for boys and girls.
Free Admission
Doors open at 2:00 p.m. for food, crafts and activities.
We are proud to announce that the New York State Council on the Arts has awarded us a 2020 Project Support grant through the Special Arts Services program. Thank you! We are so grateful for the support that has been offered to the Singing Winds: Storytelling from Around the World program.
The Singing Winds presents “Juha and His Donkey – Stories, Music and Dance from Yemen” featuring storytelling in Arabic and English and special guest Mohamed Hael, playing oud and keyboards.
Join us this Saturday, and hear the lessons of Juha and the Wise Man. Calligraphy and clay projects. Enjoy traditional and contemporary Arabic music, and join the dance!
Please note that we will be dancing in separate groups for boys and girls.
Free Admission
Doors open at 2:00 p.m. for food, crafts and activities.
Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts
Singing Winds’ Jill Reinier will travel to Bangladesh as Mask-Maker for this vibrant dance drama, produced by Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts!
We are proud to announce that the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs has awarded us a 2017 Cultural Development Fund award, in partnership with the City Council. Thank you! We are so grateful for the support that has been offered to our project.
Check it out! Singing Winds is featured in this Partnership for Parks video!
We want to express our gratitude to Partnership for Parks, for supporting Singing Winds’ activities and festivals in Albemarle Playground since 2013.
The resources you offer are invaluable for community groups with a vision for their local park.
On behalf of all the children and families who love Albemarle Playground, thank you! We pledge to care for this public space with dedication and joy!
Jill Reinier and Said Damir, The Four Little Goats at Brooklyn Borough Hall
Said Damir and Hafida Torres, The Four Little Goats at Brooklyn Borough Hall
The Singing Winds presents “The Lions and Dragons Dance” featuring the PS 230 Lion Dancers and Puppeteers.
2013 is the Year of the Snake! Come celebrate the Lunar New Year with shadow puppets, Lion Dancing, and stories from China. Narrated by fourth grade students at PS 230, this special evening of folktales and martial arts will introduce you to legends and traditional customs associated with this ancient celebration.
Recommended for all ages!
$ 2.00 suggested donation
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for crafts and activities.
Where: PS 230 auditorium, 1 Albemarle Street
When: Friday, February 8 at 7:00 p.m.
The Singing Winds presents “Hajitek Majitek” featuring Hafida Torres, Jill Reinier and Gnawa Maalem Said Damir.
Come hear the stories and music of Marrakesh! Hear the tale of Haina and her brother, who transformed into animals and back again. Find out what happened to the four little goats when the wolf learned to speak in their mother’s voice. Revel in the sounds of Gnawa music filled with percussive energy and the sweet melodies of the hajhuj.
Recommended for all ages, this program features traditional costumes, music, folklore, and crafts. Stories will be told in Arabic with English translation.
$ 2:00 suggested donation
Doors open at 10:30 a.m. for crafts and activities.
Where: PS 230 multimedia room, 425 McDonald Avenue
When: Saturday, January 12 at 11:00 a.m.
Can you see the Rabbit?