trip to New York!!!

[dancesportgirl21]

I'm going up north to look at colleges on May 22nd. My friend and I are going to look at Tufts and Brown for 4 days and then are going to Columbia and will stay in her apt. in Manhattan for about 6 days. I've never been to New York so I'm really excited!!! I know its the week of Blackpool, but does anyone know what coaches will be there, if any workshops/group classes/socials are going on, what studio is the best to rent floor space (I may be having a try-out :D )? Also, what else should I do the 6 days I am there to fully experience New York? I'd appreciate any suggestions!

[mamboqueen]

Definitely see a Broadway show while you're there. You're going to have a great time, I'm sure. The locals can tell you the most useful info as far as dance instructors, but I'd check out Studio 101's website as they seem to have a good variety of teachers there. I'm not really sure what type of dancing you do/prefer...but let us know.

Let me know when you're going to be near Tufts (my dh's alma mater); maybe we can hook up.

[alemana]

what style and level do you dance?

[saludas]

I'm going up north to look at colleges on May 22nd. My friend and I are going to look at Tufts and Brown for 4 days and then are going to Columbia and will stay in her apt. in Manhattan for about 6 days. I've never been to New York so I'm really excited!!! I know its the week of Blackpool, but does anyone know what coaches will be there, if any workshops/group classes/socials are going on, what studio is the best to rent floor space (I may be having a try-out :D )? Also, what else should I do the 6 days I am there to fully experience New York? I'd appreciate any suggestions!


Since you do 10 dance, you'll need to contact Ballroom on Fifth re: Standard and Dance NY for Latin.

Definately go to World Tone (THE shoe center of the dance world); check out the NY USADance website for workshops etc (they have an announcement forum).

Full size dancesport floors are not found in NYC; you'd need to go to NJ where Starlight, Roges Dancesport, Battista, etc are located. Pictures are deceiving, you know - check the size of the people in the pics on studio 101's site relative to the backgrounds, and you'll see it is a typical NY loft space - not big enough for one long side (tho Ballroom on 5th has a long side).

What level of coaching are you looking for? Visiting coaches travel all over, so it's not especially "New YorK"ish to take from a coach visiting from LA, for instance - there are a lot of local coaches here. Also, the social scene in NY is like everywhere else - social, with very little dancing beyond groupclassers and such. However, there is an all Internatioanl social on Sat nites at BOF (haven't been there but is supposed to be very good).

[dancesportgirl21]

Alemana- I dance open 10 dance

MQ- how much do the broadway shows cost? do you know anything about Tufts? where do you dance?

Saludas- I definitely want to go to BOF! My friend's apt is on 16th so that's pretty close, right? lol- I just ordered shoes from World Tone, and I admit I am a shoe freak and would love to go there. I would go to the studios in NJ, but I am going with my non-dancing friend and her family (to save $$ for going to interviews), so I have to compromise and stay in NYC. They did agree to take me to a couple of studios though. The guy I might have a try-out with is Diana McDonald's student at Roger's, but she is going to be in Blackpool that week. I don't have tons of money to spend on coaching, but since Diana won't be there, I don't know whether I should have a coaching with this guy to see if we are really compatible. Since I have no official partner, I was wondering about socials as well.

I'm kind of nervous about the try-out since although I'm excited, a lot is riding on it. I have a recurring nightmare/daymare about showing up and not being at my full potential (basically sucking). argh- I put too much pressure on myself.

[mamboqueen]

I haven't been to a B'way show in about 3 years, but I think we paid around $75/ticket back then (Swing!). I think if you can go as a "last minute" thing, you can score cheap tickets. Someone down there will know how to go about doing that. There also might be some good off Broadway shows that are less expensive. And if you can't get to any, go to the Starlight Diner where they have actors/waitresses who sing while you eat. It's quite an experience; just don't hope to have a meaningful conversation during the meal...it gets loud.

My husband could probably tell you whatever you need to know about Tufts (except anything dance related). PM me with any specifics. He was a pre-med/engineering major.

My former teacher used to coach the Tufts team (he may still; I'm not sure). I now dance at a studio in New Hampshire....There is a decent dance scene here, although not quite on the level of New York.

[latingal]

Hey dancesportgirl21, here is the link for the tufts university ballroom team: http://www.tufts.edu/as/stu-org/ballroom/team.html

I met one of the captains (and I believe the president of the ballroom club also) at a dance camp last year. Great guy, Robert Cole. There is a contact email listed on the site so perhaps you can get some information on what's going on at Tufts that way!

[Sagitta]

Go to Times Square where they sell cheap tickets for Broadway. Downside is you got to choose from what they got so if there is one particular show that you must see don't do this.

[dancesportgirl21]

How cheap is cheap? I heard everything in New York is expensive:rolleyes: How much should I expect to pay for meals? I just e-mailed Robert Cole, so I'll see what he says about Tufts.

[dancesportgirl21]

I just looked at the site for dance studio 101- the list of coaches is incerdible! and everything is like 5 minutes from my friend's apt!!

[saludas]

If Diana's student is who you are trying out with, I really suggest the field trip to Fairfield NJ - it is a big and beautiful facility and you will for sure have a good experience there.

Perhaps you should call RDSC and see who is visiting as a coach. Ieva P coaches out of there all the time, also, so she is also a good bet.

B'way is THE tourist destination in NYC so don't be surprised if NOBODY in the audience is from NYC (there is an old cliche that you can always tell a true New Yorker by what they HAVEN'T been to - Empire State Building, Statue Of Liberty, etc). The Times Square area is indeed full of those kinds of places for the "New York" experience, catering to the visitor who does not have access or interest to go outside the 'theme park' area that is the midtown "Square" area, but PLEASE have your hosts show you the real NYC - the Village, LES, Tribeca, etc. You won't see the fannypack/sandals with socks/sweats crowd, and you'll get much more of the flavor of NY than you will with the touristy themed 'experiences' like the House Of Blues Restaurant and such (sorry - singing waiters is w-a-y too 'Branson Missouri' for a New Yorker - I'll bet your hosts have no idea that these places are pitched to the tourists, much less visit them - sorry, MQ, next time in NY try Joe Allen's or Gallagher's).

Ther is so much OFF Broadway activity it would be a shame to see the stuff that is pitched to tourists - see them in Vegas but don't waste the $$s to see the latest crop of Bway titles - they are not usually original shows, and the trendy "songs by XXX' shows are so overproduced and packaged that you really aren't seeing a performance. Why not try Off Broadway or a play? You'll see the stars of tomorrow and support the real theatre.

Finally, take a class at Broadway Dance, sit in Bryant Park, have a bite at the Shake Shack, and explore - you'll love NY....

[saludas]

I just looked at the site for dance studio 101- the list of coaches is incerdible! and everything is like 5 minutes from my friend's apt!!

Rememebr that EVERY studio in NYC has the same list - these coaches are always at different studios every day. For instance, Paul and Olga live in NJ so you can find them out there too -

[Chris Stratton]

I'd recommend just dropping into some of the studios to look around. All of the ones in the city are quite accessable by public transit, and for the midtown cluster you can walk between them in a few minutes. Things will empty out a lot in terms of the top coaches and stronger students during the week of Blackpool though (some of the studios lose serious money that week).

[alemana]

agree with chris. i dance at a studio in Times Square and would be happy to point you there and/or meet you there and show you around - although it's one big ballroom, it's not like you'd need a 'tour.' side bonus, you could 'see' Times Square on your way there or back.

i have to say that i am of a similar mind regarding the tourist experience of Times Square itself. it is hideously overpriced, scrubbed and disneyfied and has virtually NO new york flavor - it is a self-contained district created to help tourists part with their money, and lots of it. and it's mostly full of chain superstores, the exact same ones you can find in buttcrack, ohio - a big sephora. a big foot locker. a big gap. to me, worth seeing ON YOUR WAY somewhere but hardly interesting for more than five minutes.

[standardnut]

Rememebr that EVERY studio in NYC has the same list - these coaches are always at different studios every day. For instance, Paul and Olga live in NJ so you can find them out there too -

Paul & Olga most likely will at at Blackpool during your visit, but Dance Studio 101 also has Andrew Winett & Spiro Marko, both very nice Latin instructors.

[icering]

NY is crazy man...beware....they go by different rules than the other 49 states and US territories...

[alemana]

um, ok.

[mamboqueen]

NY is crazy man...beware....they go by different rules than the other 49 states and US territories...


That's what makes it so great. There is nothing to beware of...New York is safer than a LOT of major US cities!

[cornutt]

I'd include a trip to the Guggenheim Museum on my NYC list. While you're there admiring the exhibits, take some time to admire the building itself -- it's the only Frank Lloyd Wright design in NYC.

If you at all a baseball fan, even if you aren't a Yankees fan, go to a Yankees game. Every baseball fan should see Yankee Stadium at least once. (Before they tear it down. :-| )

The Statue of Liberty is neat, but the lines are outrageous. Don't go unless you have a whole afternoon to burn.

I agree with saludas on Times Square. My favorite area of New York to just walk around and sightsee is downtown. My dad used to tell me about spending his evenings studying in Battery Park, back when he was taking some training classes in New York in 1967. Then, for a long time, Battery Park was a no-go area for unarmed people :rolleyes: Then, they cleaned it up a few years ago. When my wife and I went there in 2001, I made a point to go down there one evening. I told my dad that I did that, and he got a kick out of it.

Speaking of which... our visit was about six weeks before 9/11. The next time I go to NYC, I'll be sure to go down to the site and pay my respects.

Being a musician, I always have to swing by Sam Ash and see what they've got.

If you have the bux, do dinner at Tavern on the Green.

And I actually think that everyone who visits New York for the first time should go see the Empire State Building. You don't actually have to go to the observation deck. Just walk around in the lobby and pay attention to the architecture. This will give you a feel for what New York is all about.

And no New York visit is complete without at least one subway ride. :D

Speaking of off-Broadway... is "Contact" still playing anywhere?

[mamboqueen]

They're tearing down Yankee Stadium???? Seriously?

[GJB]

I just looked at the site for dance studio 101- the list of coaches is incerdible! and everything is like 5 minutes from my friend's apt!!

Dance New York has an even longer list! Check this studio out as well.

[Chris Stratton]

And I actually think that everyone who visits New York for the first time should go see the Empire State Building. You don't actually have to go to the observation deck.

Sure, turn around and look while waiting for them to buzz you in across the street ;-)

[icering]

That's what makes it so great. There is nothing to beware of...New York is safer than a LOT of major US cities!


not just in a dangerous way but, in a habits way, in NY they park by touch...that something you won't find everywhere, that will shock some people when they see someone hit there car to make sure that person is lined up right and thats normal.

[DancingJools]

"Coaches" in NYC usually don't belong to a studio. They rent space there to teach, so the same person could be available at more than one location, and may or may not be "listed" on the studio's website. That's really up to the marketing people at the studio.
What I'm trying to say is, these coaches don't work at the studio and don't hang out there. They're there if they're teaching someone. So if you want someone in particular, you need to make arrangements with that person. You are not likely to just find him/her at the place when you show up.

[cornutt]

They're tearing down Yankee Stadium???? Seriously?

Well, Steinbrenner keeps twisting the city's arm to give him a bazillion dollars of tax money to build a new stadium in Lower Manhattan. Where the heck this is actually going to occur is not at all clear to me. But just prior to 9/11, the state legislature was actually getting pretty close to approving it. You know, one of those new-fangled stadiums with restraunts and clubs and spas and water slides and beaches and secluded desert islands and casinos and showgirls and gymnasiums and poker pits and 3-D motion simulators and heart-shaped beds and big screens and jewelery stores and wedding chapels and motocross trails and wax museums with hundreds of life-like animatrons of Brittney Spears singing all of your kids' favorite songs. And, oh yeah, there is a ball field in there somewhere, just in case you should happen to feel like watching a ball game while you're there. :rolleyes: Pencils are extra, though.

[mamboqueen]

Well, Steinbrenner keeps twisting the city's arm to give him a bazillion dollars of tax money to build a new stadium in Lower Manhattan. Where the heck this is actually going to occur is not at all clear to me. But just prior to 9/11, the state legislature was actually getting pretty close to approving it. You know, one of those new-fangled stadiums with restraunts and clubs and spas and water slides and beaches and secluded desert islands and casinos and showgirls and gymnasiums and poker pits and 3-D motion simulators and heart-shaped beds and big screens and jewelery stores and wedding chapels and motocross trails and wax museums with hundreds of life-like animatrons of Brittney Spears singing all of your kids' favorite songs. And, oh yeah, there is a ball field in there somewhere, just in case you should happen to feel like watching a ball game while you're there. :rolleyes: Pencils are extra, though.


That really sucks. I've been a fan for over 35 years and there is just so much tradition and "presence" in that stadium (especially the wall with the plaques and tributes). I'm going to have to get my kids there this summer.

Really...when they super-size that stadium, it will lose so much of the essence of the history of that team....not to mention they're going to pretty much price out the entire middle class. Going to have to type a letter to my pal, George!

[saludas]

That really sucks. I've been a fan for over 35 years and there is just so much tradition and "presence" in that stadium (especially the wall with the plaques and tributes). I'm going to have to get my kids there this summer.

Really...when they super-size that stadium, it will lose so much of the essence of the history of that team....not to mention they're going to pretty much price out the entire middle class. Going to have to type a letter to my pal, George!

Agreed, and more:

Let's get back to this thread but in answer to the hijack:

All that is going wrong with middle america's economy and why it is becoming a desperate situation and 'way of life' can be summed up in the reasons you should NOT have a sports stadium in the middle of a thriving urban area like NY; the way a big complex sucks the life out of main street and small businesses, they way that everyone assumes that it is for everyone (how can 8 MILLION people enjoy a stadium with 50,000 seats? and who wants to anyway; and anyway, is the alternatibve 'destination' (shopping) needed in an urban place like NY? They've kept out Wal-Mat successfully... who needs more chain stores, anyway?) and the assumption that walking somewhere is bad for you (the only way to get to a stadium complex of that size is transportation - and probably needing lots of parking for the 'soccerwagons' that will invariable come in from the 'burbs, carrying the inevitable 1 or 2 passengers and using up gas and resources.

rant over...

[dancesportgirl21]

lol- fascinating rant there...i figured about the list of coaches not being resident- but it's still impressive from where I'm looking at things (Florida is not exactly ballroom capital of the world ;) ). I'm still in awe of the fact that everything is within such a reasonable distance! My studio that I dance at now is 25 miles away in the direction that everyone commutes for work.

as far as NY being safe or not- my parents already warned me about 10 billion times about not making eye contact and carrying things so as not to get mugged. I think the mugging in Miami (where I've been plenty of times) is as bad or worse!

I'm writing a list now of things I want to do on my trip- its going to be a long one! thanks!!!

[Chris Stratton]

Well, Steinbrenner keeps twisting the city's arm to give him a bazillion dollars of tax money to build a new stadium in Lower Manhattan. Where the heck this is actually going to occur is not at all clear to me.

Maybe they could build it on a really big barge and just float it out of the way when not in use...

[mamboqueen]

Maybe they could build it on a really big barge and just float it out of the way when not in use...

hah! a real live water park!

[cornutt]

Maybe they could build it on a really big barge and just float it out of the way when not in use...

I was thinking of that roller coaster in Vegas: balance it on top of a really tall building. That way, it doesn't take up any real estate, and it adds a completely new dimension to home runs. Hit it out of the park, it lands in central Jersey. Cubs fans, eat your hearts out. :shock:

[Laura]

I lived in Hoboken, NJ, right across from NYC for many years. I went into NYC about three times a week.

If I had but one afternoon to spend in NYC, I'd go up to the top of the Empire State Building, and then go down to Greenwich Village and poke around some record stores (is Bleeker Bob's still there?) and have a Caffe Borgia and a sweet treat in a cafe (my favorite was La Lanterna, just off Washington Square park, around the corner from the NYU library).

I can't believe I'm saying this but I kind of miss New York. My hubby is there right this second on business...sigh.

Oh, cheap thrill: I think you can get tickets to the Upright Citzen's Brigade for $5. They are a bizzare sketch comedy troupe, they used to have a show on Comedy Central. Amy Poehler, the blonde "anchor" on Saturday Night Live's "Weekend Update," is one of the Upright Citizens. My husband says she still performs with them.

And in the summer, there's a place that shows movies outdoors. I can't recall if it was in Central Park or what.

Food wise, you can get anything in New York, but my suggestion would be to try Cuban-Chinese. Unless you're sick of Cuban food from living in Florida. My favorite Cuban-Chinese dish was duck tacos :)

I'm getting a little nostalgic. Sigh.

[alemana]

(not sure i would recommend new york cuban to a floridian - it's like night and day. but, to each her own. )

[saludas]

hah! a real live water park!

Currently the plans for a 'real live water park' are for Governor's Island. It has been approved by the city council.

[DancingJools]

[The abridged version of my post :-)]
I'd rather visit in NYC, than live there.

[alemana]

strongly hope we can keep this thread on track. thanking you in advance.

[dancesportgirl21]

I honestly think the world is out to get me. So I finally get an opportunity to go to NY and have a try-out with a high-level 10 dancer and it turns out he is going with Diana McD to Blackpool. Unless I can get my friend's mom to stay longer and change the return date on the plane ticket , they're planning on coming back the 30th, while this guy is getting back the 1st of June. Even if I do, it will be almost 2 weeks w/out real dancing/lessons (unless I find a coach to have like 1 lesson and practice by myself in a place I've never been) and the try-out would be the last day before I would leave. Since no one has seen me dance since I haven't been able to compete, I would be completely judged on that day. Not to mention the fact that this guy is going to Blackpool and could find a partner and decide at the last minute to scratch the try-out.

What to do?:confused: I feel right now like the most unlucky person in the world. :(
If I can extend my stay, how can I best keep my dancing up and further improve it while in NY w/out a partner or money to splurge on lots of coaching to dance at my full potential at the try-out? I need help!!!

[mamboqueen]

There's gotta be *someone* left in Manhattan to dance with! Max Chermovisky doesn't have a partner yet, right? You need to make some calls to see who will be around. If nothing else, maybe some nice NY DF'ers can keep you dancing while you're down there. *looks for volunteers*

Also, this guy is competing in Blackpool? He's probably not going to be on the top of his game after all that either....jet lag and all....

[dancesportgirl21]

MQ- he's not competing, he works for the studio. It's funny though since Diana wants me to try-out w/another guy my friend used to dance with bec no one wants to dance with him. He's 20 and cares only about drinking and partying and hates to practice. lol- but he'll be there! :rolleyes:

make some calls to who? I'm up to practice with anyone who's willing, but I really need help with this- MQ I'll pm you back. The thing is that I'm basically doing this all on my own and have no experience w/the NY dance scene and have been out of the state once. I don't mean to sound stupid, but I am quite ignorant on this sort of thing.

It feels as if FL and NY are worlds apart!

[GJB]

Don't get stressed out over a single tryout! There have to be potential partners in the area that are your age. Princeton, Rutgers, Columbia, and NYU all have ballroom dance teams. If you don't mind practicing with an old buzzard (I'll be forty) I'll practice with you. I'll even let you share my lesson (probably with Michelle Officer) in exchange for some practice time.

[mamboqueen]

It feels as if FL and NY are worlds apart!


It's funny because about 1/3 of your population is probably transplanted from New York!

[star_gazer]

It's funny though since Diana wants me to try-out w/another guy my friend used to dance with bec no one wants to dance with him. He's 20 and cares only about drinking and partying and hates to practice. lol- but he'll be there! :rolleyes: If this is the guy that got 4th at the OSB it might not be a bad idea to do the try-out. I've heard he's not such a bad guy.

[dancesportgirl21]

really? my friend got sick of him fast- lol! i guess its worth a try ;)

[star_gazer]

Yes, if for no other reason than the try-out experience and having some dance time.

[dancesportgirl21]

Isn't this just fabulous? The e-mail I just received from Diana:
Michelle,

I don't think we will be scheduling any try-outs with you. Goodluck.

Diana


***???????

[Katarzyna]

wow, sorry to hear this.. this sucks

[alemana]

yeow.

[Katarzyna]

Just don't understand why she would do that. Did they find partners or something?

[dancesportgirl21]

she didn't say- I'm assuming no or she would have said so. Like I said me=unlucky. This happens with every pro I talk to. They get my hopes up, but I end up nowhere.

[Katarzyna]

Why? did they ever see you dance?

[dancesportgirl21]

that's not what I mean. Look, it's hard to explain. Kat- you dance open standard, right? any guys looking for partners?

[Katarzyna]

there are always a few looking...

not sure what you mean?

Just totally confused why would you get such a response.. ?

[alemana]

just take care, after all this forum is public and visited by lots of guests. keep that in mind.

[Katarzyna]

I'm with alemana... Sorry you have to experience this... I am just totally confused.. Take care and good luck. (and pm me if you need any help)

[Pebbles]

MQ- he's not competing, he works for the studio. It's funny though since Diana wants me to try-out w/another guy my friend used to dance with bec no one wants to dance with him. He's 20 and cares only about drinking and partying and hates to practice. lol- but he'll be there! :rolleyes:



Hmm your first reaction to a potential partnership is to say things like this about him in a public forum?? That would explain why you may have trouble finding a partner then.

[dancesportgirl21]

hmm..I didn't even think about that response since I wasn't even thinking about trying out with him- rather the 10 dancer. I guess I let my frustrations get the best of me. I meant to say that is what I've heard about him. arghfl

[LXC]

sorry to hear this try out didn't work out. i'm sure there'll be plenty opportunities later. good luck and if you're still going to new york, enjoy yourself!

[dancesportgirl21]

Thanks! I'm not giving up! This is my chance to go to NY, so I'm going to make something out of it ;)