34 - Barefoot Boogie

Barefoot Boogie
New York Insight Meditation Center
14 June 2008, 2030

The Barefoot Boogie is a three hour, smoke and alcohol free, free-style dance event that takes place bimonthly at the New York Insight Meditation Center. Imagine a large softly lit room, lots of people dressed in comfortable attire without shoes, a DJ churning out music that you can dance to (well...not techno, hip hop or other traditional club music, but more new age songs, funky covers of popular tunes, and world music), and people moving around any way they like. You might see someone stretching on the floor or two people engaging in some contact improvisation, but overall you see dancers enjoying a setting where they can throw down their best modern moves. It is an event for people who like to dance, but would get frowned upon if they tried any modern-dance inspired moves at a regular club. The Barefoot Boogie is affiliated with Dance New England, which is host to a number of free-style dance events throughout the area.

This was exactly the type of event I have been craving. I used to go to a similar event in Boston called Dance Freedom, but I haven't danced like this in years. It was expressive, friendly, exhilarating, and an absolutely perfect way to release all of my tension. Sharon and I sweat our asses off, met some wonderful people, and will be going back for seconds! Who's with us!?!?

100 in 6 budget: $359