NYC for Dance Lovers

Traversing the busy sidewalks of New York City can sometimes feel like a waltz with strangers. People pirouette, side step and cha cha in order to reach their destination quickly without spilling their double macchiato. Dance is everywhere in the city, and we know where to look!  Whether you want to witness the beauty of this  art form on stage or work on your own dance moves, NYC has plenty of theaters, studios,  and dance halls for you to cut a rug in or take in a show. Below we have reviewed a few of our favorite places to enjoy the magic of dance in the city!

TO SEE

New York City Center 131 West 55th St.

In it’s 70th season, City Center is home to many distinguished companies. The City Center Principal Dance Company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre(pictured), and Manhattan Theatre Club all perform here throughout the year. It is Manhattan’s first preforming arts center with a mission to make the best in music, theatre and dance accessible to all audiences. Tickets are reasonably priced with some shows starting at just $18. The theaters are relatively small and provide for an intimate arena to take in the arts. Beginning Dec 3rd to January 4th, 2015 the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre Company will be showcasing their talents. Tickets are $25 a show.

Manhattan Movement and Arts Center 248 West 60th St.

Nestled on the Upper West Side is the MMAC. Rose Caiola, a lifelong dance enthusiast, opened the doors to a new beautiful airy modern facility in 2008. It’s a bi level studio theatre complex that encompasses all aspects of dance education and performance. Contemporary ballet companies dominate the fall season schedule with Ted Thomas and Francis Ortiz leading the charge. They also have a child friendly show currently running, The Berenstain Bears LIVE! Tickets for most performances are $25 and can be purchased online or at the box office.

TO LEARN

Steps on Broadway 2121 Broadway @ 74th St.

Steps is a state of the art facility with old world ambiance. It is a cultural hub and NYC dance institution.Dancers of all levels and ages come and hone their craft whether it’s ballet, tap, or hip hop. You could be in a class with a 12 year old or a 12 year veteran of the Great White Way! There are 10 fully mirrored, spring floor, climate controlled studios to break a sweat in. Classes are offered all day and only cost $18! This fall and winter they are offering the opportunity to learn the choreography from “Pippin,” “On the Town,” and “Motown.”

Triangulo– 135 W 20th St, #301

Since it’s opening in 1997, Triangulo has been teaching New Yorkers to Tango! Owner, Carina Moeller, has created a warm welcoming studio in the Meatpacking District. Whether you have two left feet or are an advanced tanguer/a, Triangulo will help you take your skills to the next level. Drop in classes are offered weekday evenings and weekends for only $20. Three times a week you can dance the night away at their milongos (socials) for their students.

Dance Times Square 156 West 44th St

Conveniently located 2 blocks from the Casablanca is Dance Times Square. Founded by famed choreographers, Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin, who represented the United States for over a decade at the World Latin American Dance Championships and have won over 100 championship titles. You may of seen them on “So You Think You Can Dance”! If you want to learn to salsa, rumba, or practice for your first wedding dance, Dance Times Square is the place for you. For $40 you get a private lesson with one of their world class dance instructors and entry to one of their parties to practice your social dancing. Group lessons offer you the chance to make new friends and try out the different styles they offer including the Cha Cha, Swing, Foxtrot, and Waltz! There are so many varieties it’s best to buy a package and try them all!

TO DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY

Now that you know how to dance it’s time to show off your moves. A few blocks from the Casablanca Hotel is the famed nightclub, The Copacabana. Enjoy some flavorful Latin food from all over the Caribbean and South America in the dining room and then head on over to the club to burn those calories off. On Tuesday nights, Salsa music rules the airwaves. Doors open at 6pm and admission is free until midnight. The party really heats up on the weekends when they play a mix of salsa, Bachata, Latin, hip hop, and Top 40 hits.

In the mood for something with live music? Try Swing 46. Located at 349 W 46th St. It’s a Jazz and Supper Club with a swing band andlive DJ. The Big Band era reigns nightly. The music begins around 8pm and then you’re in for a real treat. Whether can lindy hop with the best of them or haven’t even heard of the foxtrot, a trip to Swing 46 makes for a lasting NYC memory. Please note there is a $15 music cover fee.

Only in New York! The famed Lincoln Center presents Midsummer Night Swing. For 3 weeks every summer, right next to the fountain, Lincoln Center sets up an outdoor stage and dance floor for New Yorkers to dance under the stars. Each night is a different theme and posted in advance on the website. A dance lesson is presented before the live music tailored to whatever the theme may be. Prior genres include swing, disco, and latin as well as music from around the world. Admission to the outdoor ballroom is $17 but if you’re not in the mood to dance, you can easily watch the festivities for free while munching on the snacks for sale from one of the many food trucks that set up shop by the stage. It is one of the most pleasurable evenings a dance lover could have on a beautiful summer New York Night.  It’s never too early to start planning your vacation next summer!!!!

Do you have as large a passion for dance as we do? Please feel welcome to share your recommendations for your fellow travelers and our team!  If you would like further assistance contact our concierge team at the Hotel Elysee, Hotel Giraffe , Casablanca Hotel, or  Library Hotel!