Dancesport on Friday nights in Manhattan is the scene of a very posh Argentine Tango venue. Paul Pellicoro recently moved this school from the upper west side to midtown near Macy's. This is not your usual dance studio. With a full bar, a cocktail lounge seating area and an elegant ballroom, one gets the feeling that they could be in a five star hotel nightclub. My compliments to the designer!
The evening begins with a both a beginner lession by event host and DJ Juan Pablo Vicente and an intermediate lesson by Adriana Salgado. Every attempt is made to help the students understand the material. These are quality Argentine teachers giving lessons and no pressure is put on the students to buy packages of lessons. This event is ideal for visitors to NYC.
At 9:30 pm the dance begins. Candle lit cafe style tables surround the ballroom floor. The lights are turned down low with icicle lights garnishing the room to establish a warm ambiance. The ballroom has walls of glass doors in the front and they open to the bar. Gentlemen in jackets, ladies in chic dresses slowely begin to explore the dance floor, the music and - each other - for several songs. It is the Argentine way.
A three piece orchestra and singer provides live music – piano, bass and melodica – which is a keyboard with a mouthpiece. The body responds to tones and accents in a different way than to recorded music. The musicians played their hearts out and the dancers moved – not just with their bodies – but with their souls.
All of this cost just $15 (beverages are extra). People are very friendly and though there were more women than men, I did not see anyone sitting out for very long.
Dancesport is located near the Empire State Building at 22 W. 34th Street. Wear your best clothes, highest heels and enjoy a different kind of night out in New York City!
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