New York has a steady stream of outdoor fare this summer—movies, concerts, Shakespeare in the Park, street fairs—but outdoor dance is definitely more of a rarity. That’s why the Hudson River Dance Festival, happening this Thursday and Friday, is such a big deal: You’ll see four incredible companies (for free!) with the sun-dappled Hudson River for a dreamy backdrop.
It’s all going down at Pier 63 in Hudson River Park (right around 23rd Street, all the way on the west side of the city), beginning at 6:30 pm on Thursday and Friday. The lineup—the same on both evenings—is stellar:
- National Dance Institute
- Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE
- Wendy Whelan and Brian Brooks
- Complexions Contemporary Ballet
Pro tip: Bring blankets to sit on, as chairs aren’t allowed on the lawn. And check the park’s Twitter feed if you’re worried about weather issues.