A Limón dance class in Bryant Park
Ahhh Summer in New York City. Time for Mister Softee ice cream trucks, outdoor movies, Shakespeare in the Park, SummerStage performances and more dancing opportunities than any one human could possibly keep up with. Truly, you can’t walk six blocks between Memorial Day and Labor Day without coming across an al fresco flamenco, salsa or Zumba class. (Forget the grocery shopping—there’s booty-shaking to be done!) I’ve rounded up just a few of my favorite NYC summer dance events to help you get moving:
Every Saturday morning from May 25–September 7, movers of all ages and levels can get a taste of Limón technique as part of Bryant Park Moves. Classes are free, held on the grassy lawn of the park and taught by real, live Limón company members. This is one of those things where many people can’t even appreciate how cool it is. Free class from company members?! Plus live accompaniment, you say? What a treat!
These classes aren’t outdoors, but they are free! For ten days starting June 20, dancers and nondancers alike can test the waters at some of the city’s top studios including Mark Morris Dance Center and the Ailey School. There are about 100 classes to choose from, in classical, traditional and ballroom dance as well as fitness and wellness. In other words, your last week of June just got booked solid.
This is one of those easily stumbled-upon classes that you wind up wishing you’d known about ahead of time. Now you can! The 34th Street Partnership is a nonprofit that manages the Herald Square/Greeley Square area of Midtown. They’re offering 5:30 pm Tuesday salsa classes and Thursday Zumba every week until the end of August. Classes meet in front of Macy’s (Broadway between 34th and 35th Streets) for that total summer-in-the-city experience.
Tickets went on sale last week for the three-week festival’s 25th anniversary season. Midsummer Night Swing is a giant big-band dance party held every Tuesday–Saturday night between June 25 and July 13. Each evening begins with a dance lesson on the plaza at Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park. Styles range from Lindy Hop and jitterbug to salsa and hustle, depending on that evening’s musical performer. Check the calendar for your favorite style, and make sure you arrive early, because the crowds at MNS are intense.
What’s your favorite place to dance during the summer? Have you tried hosting community or outdoors classes yourself? Tell us about it in the comments section!
Photo courtesy Audrey Ross/Publicity
