4

SATURDAY

Kids’ knowledge of dance is primarily culled from three sources: school talent shows in which classmates put tunes such as “I Believe I Can Fly” to movement; jaw-dropping hours spent in front of the tube watching salacious bumping and grinding in music videos; and old folks struggling to replicate the moves of their youth to strange-sounding music from a bygone era. For parents wanting to expose their tykes to the wonderful world of dance, the age-appropriate pickings are slim. The ballets parents love often put their progeny to sleep, and kiddie performers such as the Wiggles don’t offer much stimulation for grown-ups. African-American Philadelphia repertory company Philadanco successfully bridges the age gap. Works from such prominent choreographers as Talley Beatty and Blondell Cummings interest adults, and the acrobatic leaps and spins of the company’s dancers will excite the young’uns almost as much as the hokey-pokey. The troupe performs at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. (see City List for other shows) at the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater. $13. (202) 467-4600. (Sarah Godfrey)