Free Dance at APAP

It's that time of year again: each January the Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) holds several showcase performances with companies from all over during their conference to give members a taste of dance they may be interested in presenting. What does that mean for NYC dance-goers? Free performances!

Sometimes these get packed and a little chaotic because people go in and out throughout to see their favorite groups, but it's totally worth it to see a wide spectrum of companies in intimate settings.

Over this weekend performances are being held at City Center Studios, DNA, DTW, The Ailey Citigroup Theater, Baryshnikov Arts Center, and the Joyce Soho (did I miss any?). You can just show up and pretty much guaranteed there will be something showing at any point during the day...some have schedules posted but the official programs are only available to APAP members.

But a few things worth seeing...

*Gallim Dance at DTW
Friday, January 7th at 5:30pm
This one costs a whole $5, but they are SO worth it. Loved them at Fall for Dance.

*Raw Delivery/Carrie Brown at Joyce Soho
Friday, January 7th at 5pm

*Julian Barnette at Joyce Soho
Saturday, January 8th at 11am

*Misnomer Dance Theater at Baryshnikov Arts Center
Saturday, January 8th at 3pm

*Avi Scher & Dancers at City Center
Satuday, January 8th at 10:30pm
Avi's work is great. He'll be showing the pas de deux from "DreamScapes" danced by Boston Ballet dancers Tiffany Hedman and Robert Kretz; and the pas de trois from "Mystery in the Wind."

*Francesca Harper Dance at Ailey
Saturday, January 8th at 8:45pm and 8:55pm
Sunday, January 9th at 2:15pm.
The 8:55pm showing will include a piece choreographed by Jessica Lang entitled "The Calling."

*Perceptions Dance Company
*isadoraNOW
*Eryc Taylor Dance
...and many more at DNA
DNA has a schedule of programs for the weekend, posted here.

*Jody Sperling/Time Lapse Dance at City Center
Saturday, January 8th at 9:20pm

I have a crazy busy weekend already but I'm hoping to make at least a few of these. Happy dance watching!

Free Dance Classes!

Well, donation-based...but that's basically the same thing.

If you're in the city and looking to try a new technique, save some cash, or just add some more classes to your schedule, check out Liberated Movement.

Liberated Movement™ is a grassroots initiative that provides donation-based dance classes in New York City. Professional and up-and-coming teachers/choreographers host a variety of styles such as ballet, street jazz, hip hop, ethnic dance, etc. at Battery Dance Studios in Tribeca. Suggested donation is $5 but feel free to give what you want! Classes are open to all levels.

Liberated Movement™ classes are for everyone. We especially want to serve those who have not taken dance classes before, and offer them a supportive, welcoming environment where they can gain a basic knowledge of different styles without having to spend large amounts of money or make serious commitments.

I've been teaching for them this summer, and it really is a great environment. They have some cool styles that are worth a try, especially because of their price tag! As a teacher I have to tell you, the bigger the donation the...better, haha. But seriously, $5 or not, these classes are worth it. I particularly recommend their ballet and theater dance classes - fun!

Check out their schedule here, and if you go tell them I sent you :)