FIRST WORD
Michael Vyskocil
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Return to Spring,
Return to Sports
s we were creating the stories for this April
issue of Washington FAMILY amid late winter’s
unpredictable temperature swings and
precipitation types, we couldn’t help but think about
spring’s return to the DMV. With the return to spring
comes the return to sports.
Squash may not come top of mind when you think
about sports for kids, but for the young athletes of
squash clubs across our region (see story on page 18),
squash offers kids more than physical activity alone.
Learn how this all-ages activity promotes positive self-
confidence and self-esteem in children.
Child development experts agree that regular
physical activity offers tremendous benefits for children
and teens, but what about kids who shy away from
participating in organized sports? Contributing writer
Courtney McGee shares advice for parents on ways
to encourage kids to get up, get moving and cultivate
healthy habits to last a lifetime (page 22).
Each April, the Autism Society recognizes Autism
Acceptance Month in its efforts to ignite change and
ensure children affected by autism attain the highest
quality of life. Contributing writer Laura Farmer
explains how an early diagnosis of autism spectrum
disorder and access to care can help kids on the spectrum
achieve their potential (page 16).
Spring celebrations abound this month. Turn to our
Top 10 calendar on page 6 for Easter and Passover events
taking place in our area. Have an event that you’d like
to share with our readers? Visit washingtonfamily.com
and add your event to our events calendar. While you’re
visiting us on the web, sign up for our newsletters so that
you don’t miss stories, events announcements and more
dynamic ideas for things to do with your kids. Happy
spring and happy reading! P
Theater Ages 12+
Dance Ages 5+
Move above what divides us.
Explore the myths
that define us.
WO R L D P R E M I E RE
WO RLD PREMI ERE
By C. Quintana
Adapted from the chapbook by Elizabeth Acevedo
Composed by Janelle Lawrence
Adapted from the book by Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrated by E.B. Lewis
Directed and Choreographed by Hope Boykin
Original score by Ali Jackson
Beastgirl The Other Side
In this exciting world premiere for young adults based on the chapbook Beastgirl and Other Origin
Myths by New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Acevedo, playwright C. Quintana,
composer Janelle Lawrence, and director Rebecca Aparicio bring this collection of folkloric
poems to the stage with live music.
Clover’s mom says it isn’t safe to cross the fence that segregates their African-American side of town
from the white side where Anna lives. But when the two girls strike up a friendship, they’ll find a
clever way to get around the grown-up rules together.
The play explores the mythological and geographic adventures of three first generation
American sisters. From the border in the Dominican Republic to an apartment rooftop in New
York City, Beastgirl considers what it means to walk the world as “beastly” beings and how
the myths that make us can be both blessing and birthright.
Twenty years after its first publication, Education Artist-in-Residence Jacqueline Woodson’s
simple yet powerful book The Other Side comes to life with movement from choreographer and
Kennedy Center Artistic Advisor for Dance Education Hope Boykin. When literal and figurative
fences keep us apart, can we find the courage—and creativity—to knock them down?
April 7–22, 2022 | Studio K
April 21–30, 2022 | Family Theater
Kennedy-Center.org (202) 467-4600
Tickets: $20.00
Groups call (202) 416-8400
For all other ticket-related customer
service inquiries, call the Advance
Sales Box Office at (202) 416-8540
Tickets: $20.00
Kennedy-Center.org/COVID WashingtonFAMILY.com 5