Some will argue that the city becomes a ghost town in the summer months, but you’d never know it by observing the perpetually packed dance floor at Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing program.
A tradition dating back to 1989, the Center’s dance program offers a unique opportunity to learn some moves while mingling with other New Yorkers. Each evening opens with a lesson, followed by a quick practice session, and then the accompaniment of a live band. One night you can learn swing, the next groove to bhangra, and the next, tango.
“Audiences are coming with a really broad range of skill level,” explains Lincoln Center Director of Programming Bill Bragin. “You have people who could be professionals, and part of the fun is just watching the dancers themselves. If you’re a dancer, its an incredible opportunity to dance with 1,000 other people under the stars with some of the best bands in the world. If you’re not a dancer, it’s also some of the best people-watching in the world.”
IF YOU GO
Midsummer Night Swing
Through July 17
6:30-10 p.m.
Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park,
62nd Street between Columbus
and Amsterdam avenues
$17, 212-721-6500
