Dance and performing arts parties for NYC kids

Regale birthday party guests with dance and performing arts fun.

By Time Out editors Tue Nov 6 2012

Applause Birthday Parties

Price band: 2/4

Stars-in-training take center stage on their big day alongside professional performers in a 45-minute show based on the theme of the birthday kid’s choice, including princess, celebrity, hip-hop, rock & roll and, of course, Broadway. The basic package includes a party space and performance; decorations, food, cake, balloons, paper goods and crafts can be added for an additional fee. Ages 1 to 12.

184 E 76th St , (between Lexington and Third Aves)

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Church Street School for Music and Art Birthday Parties

Price band: 3/4

Creative kids will love these parties where teaching artists lead guests in music- or art-related activities. High-end craft projects (murals, clay creations) are tailored to your child’s interests during the art party; an interactive musician-led jam session is at the center of the music party. All packages give you exclusive use of the party space, a party coordinator and teaching artist, pizza, beverages, decorations and a T-shirt for the birthday kid. Ages 2 and up.

74 Warren St, (between Greenwich St and West Broadway )

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Creative Dream Parties

Price band: 2/4

This 3,000-square-foot facility hosts more than 30 themed parties; favorites include Crazy Carnival and Pirate/Princess Treasure. Expect limbo and cha-cha-cha-ing, music, a bubble machine, parachute play and other lively activities. Food, beverages, cake, music and two staff leaders are supplied in the basic party package. Ages 2 to 10.

25 Waterside Plaza, E 23rd St, (at FDR Dr)

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Downtown Dance Factory Birthday Parties

Price band: 2/4

These footloose fetes include 50 minutes of dance—kids choose from popular genres such as ballet, jazz, creative movement or hip-hop, or they can select a theme, like DDF Disco Party, Ballerina Princess or Block Party Jam. In the Birthday Star party, they can also learn a routine that they’ll perform at the end of the party (the birthday child gets to choose the song). Teachers, paper products, balloons, a gift for the guest of honor, setup and cleanup are all part of the deal. Ages 3 to 12.

291 Broadway, fifth floor, (between Duane and Reade Sts)

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Galli's Fairytale Theater Birthday Parties

Price band: 2/4

Partygoers can watch a production, join performers as they act out a fairy tale of the birthday kid’s choosing, or participate in theater games and an original skit.

347 W 36th St, (between Eighth and Ninth Aves)

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Iggy's Birthday Parties

Price band: 2/4

American Idol wanna-bes can belt out their favorite tunes and show off their moves on the dance floor; party themes include Rock Star, Teen Dance Party and High School Musical. Food and drinks are included; face painting, balloons, motion-sensor dance lights and personalized TV photo screens are available at an extra cost. Ages 1 and up.

1452 Second Ave, (between 75th and 76th Sts)

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Broadway Birthday Bashes at the Peoples Improv Theater

Price band: 3/4

The PIT’s Broadway Birthday Bashes give partygoers access to the newly renovated theater, where they’ll watch  a live improvised musical about the birthday boy or girl. VIP options allow you to customize your child’s party with a backstage dance party, karaoke, balloon art, face painting, cotton candy, an ice cream buffet or chocolate fountain. The package covers setup and cleanup. Ages 3 to 12.

123 E 24th St, (between Lexington and Park Aves)

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Puppetworks Birthday Parties

Price band: 1/4

Take the birthday party to the theater, where Puppetworks’ marionettes act out classic children’s stories. The company provides a private performance for the birthday tots and her guests. Afterward, everyone munches on food  while puppeteers discuss the show. Cleanup is included, but moms and  dads must supply paper goods, food  and decorations. Puppetworks recommends at least three months’ advance notice. Ages 3 and up.

338 Sixth Ave, (at 4th St)

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Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre Birthday Parties

Price band: 2/4

Tucked just inside the western boundary of Central Park is one of the best-kept experiences in town: a tiny marionette theater with shows performed daily, where regular kids’ tickets cost a mere five bucks. The theater can accommodate up to 100 kids and adults, while the party room has space for up to 75 people (30 seats for kids), making this a spacious location if your tot wants to invite his whole class. Parents must supply food, drinks and decorations. Ages 3 to 9.

Central Park, (Central Park West at 81st St)

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Queen Marlene's Birthday Party at the Toy Museum of NY

Toy Museum of New York Birthday Parties

Price band: 1/4

Kids celebrate their big day with Queen Marlene, the star of the museum’s 50-minute production about a queen’s birthday and the antics that accompany it.