ExploreDance

For six years ExploreDance.com has been based on the proposition that it is possible to bring the worlds of dance together. On June 19, 2006 we put that assertion to the test. Rather than just reporting on dance performances, we put on one of our own. We brought together Robert and Nicola Royston (champion Swing dancers based at Dance Manhattan), Simone Assboeck and Ernesto Alonso Palma (champion Latin dancers based at Stepping Out Studios), and Katherine Fisher & Tracy Ray Kofford with Rosie Lani Fiedelman & Gabriel Contreras (talented dancers from Jennifer Muller | The Works, a modern dance company that has been creating dances and touring the world for over 30 years). The Roystons presented a choreographed West Coast Swing and an improvised Nightclub Two-Step. Simone and Ernesto presented a choreographed Salsa and an improvised Cha-cha. Jennifer Muller | The Works presented excerpts from Flowers and Island. The audience was a mix of people who tend to go to social dance events and people who go to modern dance performances. All of the performances held their attention. Robert Royston described Jennifer Muller's dancers and choreography as "exquisite." That is quite a compliment coming from someone with no lack of talent himself. Jennifer Muller was quite appreciative of the partner dance performances too. A collaboration may yet come out of the evening.

The dance floor was packed for Simone and Ernesto's lesson. People danced with enthusiasm to DJs Wes Carrajat and John Lindo. If people needed encouragement, Tammy and Dragan, from You Should Be Dancing dance center, were there as dance hosts. During the open bar, Terrace in the Sky's staff served artistic finger food passed on silver trays and poured a variety of excellent wine as well as unique cocktails. It was my birthday a couple of days before the event, so I had Terrace in the Sky make a birthday cake. It was one of the best chocolate fixes I have had in a while.

Have you ever had performances by eight world class dancers and a dance party in your living room? That is what the event felt like. The people who were in attendance got great value. The people who missed it will have to wait until next time.

I don't know when the next such event will be yet, but I know there has to be a next time. Jennifer Muller had to leave before the party was over, so while Jennifer Muller's choreography definitely makes me want to dance, I still haven't actually gotten a chance to dance with her.