Dancing in Bryant Park: West Coast Swing

A social dance party after work featuring popular dance instructors plus an incredible band each week, hosted and produced by Talia Castro-Pozo. Salsa, swing, tango, and much more! From novices to experts, all are welcome. May 6 - June 24, 2015 Lessons 6pm - 7pm, followed by dancing to live music 7pm - 8:30pm Latin Dancing Festival with three top bands June 24, 5pm - 10pm Up next: June 17 West Coast Swing Rakiem Walker Project (www.facebook.com/rakiemwalkerproject) Soul, Funk, R&B, Gospel, Blues, and Latin from this take no prisoners grooving 7-piece band. Dance instructors: Marlon Mills and Chrissy Bridgeman June 24 Latin Dancing Festival From Latin Jazz to Mambo to Salsa, the history of Latin Dance in NYC featuring 3 top bands. John Benitez (www.jbwebmusic.com) The Grammy award-winning bassist interprets the rhythms and styles of his native Afro-Caribbean region for a new generation. Dance instructor: Sekou McMiller Palladium All Stars Keeping the energetic sound of the 50's and 60's Palladium era mambo thriving and moving forward. Dance instructors: Frank Muhel and Ericka Fignole Avenida B (www.avenidab.com) David Frankel’s salsa dura band, rich in the traditions of many cultures, plays with a singular energy and swing to get audiences dancing. Dance instructors: Talia Castro-Pozo and special guest POSTS Past events: May 6 Opening Night Waltz Ball (dress to impress) Lester Lanin Orchestra (www.lesterlanin.com) Playing incredible dance music for thousands, notably the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana, around the world for 50 years. Dance instructors: Randy Dias and Alexandra Lyubchevskaya May 13 Cuban Salsa Gerardo Contino y Los Habaneros (www.gerardocontino.com ) Gritty, witty, and streetwise, acclaimed new Cuban music featuring hip-shaking original tunes from the charismatic leader. Dance instructors: Yesenia Selier and Hunter Houde May 20 NO EVENT. This day has been reschedule to Thursday, May 28th at 7pm May 27 Samba e Mais Mistura Perfeita Band Traditional and contemporary Brazilian samba and bossanova at its best, led by the incomparable Cesar Vieira. Dance instructors: Marizete Browne and Daniele Andrade May 28th Swing and Lindy Hop George Gee Swing Orchestra (www.georgegee.com/swing-orchestra) The swingin’-est, blowin’-est, heppest classic big band in NYC for over 30 years plays swing, savoy, and Lindy hop for dancing feet. Dance instructors: Evita Arce and Syncopated City dancers June 3 Tango The NY Tango Quartet (www.emiliosolla.com) From the classics of the great tango orchestras to Piazzolla plus deft improvisation, the Quartet creates a brilliant new experience. Dance instructors: Mariana Parma and Hernan Brizuela June 10 Bachata Bachata Heightz (https://www.facebook.com/BachataHeightzOfficial) An original pioneer of urban bachata, showcasing Latin heritage with modern beats, the group of five from Washington Heights is one of the most influential group on the NYC Latin music scene. Dance instructors: Alejandro Bouza, Talia Castro-Pozo, Alfred Pena & Aleksandra Kozlowska