Dance Party: Andean Afro-Cumbia Extravaganza
A midtown tradition since 2014, Dance Party returns to Bryant Park this summer! At each Dance Party event, attendees meet at the world-famous Bryant Park Fountain to learn basic steps with expert instructors from 6 to 7pm. Afterwards, participants can test out their new moves to live music performed by a diverse selection of bands from 7 to 8:30pm.
Dance Party makes dance fun and easy for all ages and ability levels with hands-on instruction in popular steps. Audiences will learn basic moves in styles like salsa and swing, bachata, salsa dura, and more. Hosted by Talia Castro-Pozo, a stellar cast of instructors from around the globe bring their deep understanding of the traditions and innovations of their chosen specialties.
Instruction by Cynthia Paniagua
Live music by Afro-Andean Funk ft. Araceli Poma and Matt Geraghty
Afro-Andean Funk is led by Peruvian singer Araceli Poma and bassist/composer Matt Geraghty merging the music, stories and traditions of Afro-Peruvian, Andean, funk and world music, with featured guest Haitian vocalist Manno Beats. Their debut album The Sacred Leaf was recently nominated for the 2022 Latin Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album, sharing the same category with Latin music greats Rosalia and Bomba Estereo. The nomination is also the first time in Latin Grammy history that Quechua, the native language of Araceli’s grandmother and millions of indigenous people in South America, has been featured at the Latin Grammy Awards. A second album featuring all original compositions is planned for 2023.
