A&E

Why do we dance? The answer is simple: dancing is a universal, natural way to convey emotions. Really excited? Play the air guitar complete with rocker head-bobbing and hair shaking. Or bust out a few shuffles and time steps, no matter what type of shoes you’re wearing.

The great thing about dancing is that its definition—a series of rhythmic motions and steps—is so vague. Literally everyone dances whether he or she knows it or not.

This summer, embrace your rhythm—or lack thereof—by grabbing a couple of friends and hitting the dance floor!

Midsummer Night Swing

As the days get longer, what better way to enjoy the summer evenings than to dance under the stars (or well, streetlights) in Lincoln Center? Now in its 20th season, Midsummer Night Swing will be held from Tuesday, July 8 to Saturday, July 26. Midsummer Night Swing is a chance for both seasoned swing dancers and amateurs to practice their skills, all to the sounds of a live band.

Every year, a dance floor and a stage are set up next to the fountain in Damrosch Park. Although admission to the outdoors dance floor costs 15 dollars, those looking to save some money dance on the concrete around the dance floor, where the music is just as clear for free. Each evening kicks off with a dance lesson at 6:30 p.m., but the real dancing goes from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m.

Two days are set aside for young children—Saturday, July 12 and Saturday, July 19. However, the dancers in attendance span all ages (though most of the crowd are young adults). Most people bring their own partner, but it isn’t required—at this event, dancers are often seen flipping complete strangers upside down.

Be sure not to miss the first two nights, Tuesday, July 8 and Wednesday, July 9. The former will feature Nellie McKay and the Aristocrats Sing Band. McKay, who is already well known for her sweet voice and sarcastic lyrics, will be making her swing debut. The latter will feature Chuck Brown, also known as “The Godfather of Go-Go.”

However, if swing dance isn’t for you, there are other options. For the first time, Midsummer Night Swing will offer a variety of music genres including Go-Go, Funk, Hot Jazz, Salsa Colombiana, Afro-Soul, Afro-Latin Electro, Garage-House, Rumba Catalan and Cumbia Dub. However, swing will still have a strong presence at the event—there will be some form of swing dancing at six of the 15 nights.

Lincoln Center’s
Damrosch Park
West 62nd Street between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues

You Should Be Dancing! Club 412

The motto of You Should Be Dancing! sums up the atmosphere of the establishment: “[Dancing] should be a pleasant learning experience in a modern, friendly atmosphere.” The venue’s staff takes their motto above and beyond their dance studios and into their weekly open dance nights, known as “Club 412.” Averaging between four and five events a week, Club 412 offers a variety of dances, as well as special packages and deals that keep Club 412 popular.

Every Tuesday is Argentine tango night, offering three hours of the most sensual of dances. Students of the program attend for free, and non-students only have to pay seven dollars. Every Wednesday is the “Tango Café” and every Thursday is the “Frim Fram Jam Yehoodi Swing Party.” The Swing Party is a favorite amongst college students—which might have something to do with a college student-only 3 dollar discount from the normal 8 dollar price—and includes a live DJ.

Friday’s parties run for a solid four hours, and are a mixture of all sorts of Spanish and Latin types of dance. Highlights include the Salsa, Timba and the Cha-cha.

Saturday nights usually alternate between the Millennium party, West Coast Swing and Swing n’ Salsa. The Swing n’ Salsa night is doubtlessly one of the most anticipated of Club 412’s events, as it includes student performances, live music, free lessons and four hours of non-stop dance.

You Should Be Dancing!’s open dance nights usually attract a younger crowd (attendees are generally in their late teens and twenties), so the age group is much closer to that of Stuyvesant students.

This club seems to have it all—low prices, youthful crowds and an array of dances sure to keep your hips moving.

You Should Be Dancing!
Club 412
412 Eighth Avenue

92nd Street Y

The 92nd Street Y, aside from offering classes and lectures in just about every subject imaginable, encourages mingling and socializing at their social dance parties. Hosted on several April, May and June Saturday nights, these dance parties offer a great chance for friends to spend time together and meet new people.

Each party begins with a one-hour lesson for beginners, and is followed by four to five hours of straight open dancing. Most parties include music supplied by a live band which “is a real crowd-pleaser,” said Kathryn Wilkening, associate of Harkness Dance Center, the 92nd street Y’s dance program.

The type of dance learned at each event varies from party to party. The Y offers dance parties in Argentine tango, swing dancing, Salsa, ballroom and the Millennium Hustle. The wide range of dances encourages a wide variety in the age of the dancers.

“The Tango, Hustle and ballroom parties attract older participants in comparison to the Salsa and swing parties, which tend to bring in younger crowds,” Wilkening said. Overall, the dancers range from teenagers to people in their early forties. Most dancers come in couples, but the dances are also popular amongst families.

The entry fee is reasonable at 15 dollars per night, and light refreshments are served at each event.

It is recommended to go with friends for maximum fun, but attending alone ensures that you’ll meet someone new, and maybe even impress your partner with your skills.

1395 Lexington Avenue (at 92nd Street)