Week of June 22nd, 2015

3 Words: Midsummer Night Swing.

• Tuesday, June 23rd: Midsummer Night Swing with Jonathan Stouts' All-Star Orchestra featuring Hilary Alexander. This lively band braved the rain and opened up NYC's beloved tradition of outdoor music and dancing in Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park. Those of us who braved a damp dance floor enjoyed the music and had extra room to show off our moves. Few events incite this much glee in NY's area dancers. Info here.

• Wednesday, June 24th: Midsummer Night Swing with Nikki Hill. From the MNS website: "All no-nonsense, raw heat, Hill and her band pound and roll through classics and vintage-vibe originals with all the soul and power of rock’s wild past. The Carolina fireball purrs, growls, and shouts on par with R&B ladies of old, while adding a fresh twist to American roots music." Dancers had a good time jumping to the music. Info here.

• Saturday, June 27th: Swan Lake at ABT. Marcelo Gomes stole the show as the human form of villain Rothbar in the last performance of Swan Lake of the season.  Hee Seo gave a lovely performance as the white swan, her tiny size lending her an air of delicacy and grace. Unfortunately her stature was a challenge when performing as the black swan, as she lacked the tall regal bearing and hauteur of other ballerinas in the same role. Info here.

• Sunday, June 28th: 50s & 60s Sock Hop at Iguana's. This regular dance organized by Eric Silvey featured rock & roll music perfect to Swing to. Info here.