Dance on the Lunar Lawn | Coyaba Dance Theater

Dance on the Lunar Lawn brings Coyaba Dance Theater to Hillwood's outdoor Lunar Lawn for an evening of West African dance and music. The performance, titled “It Takes A Village,” highlights traditional and contemporary West African dance and music, focusing on the diverse ethnic groups and humanitarian themes of West Africa. Coyaba is dedicated to promoting identity, community, and connection through music, song, and dance. This intergenerational show features Coyaba Youth Academy performers ranging from ages 4 to 18, their community repertoire class, and the senior “Moving Wisdom” class aged 65 and up. The event is part of Hillwood's ongoing dance programming, inspired by Marjorie Post's love of dance, and marks the third summer of dance in the gardens.

When: July 20–22, 2026. The program timeline runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each evening.

Showtimes: The performance itself takes place from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the Lunar Lawn. From 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., guests are invited to explore Hillwood’s mansion, gardens, greenhouse, and the exhibition “Glass: Art. Beauty. Design.” The museum shop and food from Merriweather To Go are also available during that time.

Tickets: Pay-what-you-wish pricing with a minimum of $2. Hillwood suggests a ticket price of $20, or $10 for Hillwood members, but any amount above the minimum is welcome. Guests are encouraged to pay extra if possible to support access for all. Tickets can be purchased online.

Lineup: Coyaba Dance Theater, founded and directed by Sylvia Soumah. The performance includes Coyaba Youth Academy (ages 4–18), the community repertoire class, and the senior “Moving Wisdom” class (ages 65+). Coyaba has received DC Dance Awards for outstanding group performance in 2001 and 2004.

Run time: Approximately one hour for the performance, with two hours of pre-show exploration time.

Ages: All ages are welcome; the show is intergenerational. The performers themselves range from young children to seniors.

Venue: Hillwood Estate, Museum & Garden, on the Lunar Lawn (outdoors). Guests should bring their own lawn chairs or picnic blankets for seating.

Note: Picnicking is allowed, but outside alcohol is prohibited due to Hillwood's liquor license. Beer, wine, and other food and drinks will be available for purchase from Merriweather To Go. In case of inclement weather, registered participants will be notified by email by 3:00 p.m. on the day of the performance, and efforts will be made to transfer tickets to another performance if possible.