. DANCE

Dance Is Everything!

Dancing in the mid-Hudson Valley, NY (and nearby)

Look Ma, no hands!

A free-style swing dip with MYM, one of my favorite partners

people have waltzed through here since 2 March 1999.

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

Mostly swing, C&W, Cajun, Zydeco and Latin --
Contra dancers, please go to the Fiddle and Dance News Dance Calendar

updated 18 May 2013
I update the page much more frequently than I remember to update this date!

Some Hudson Valley dancing

No partner necessary for most of these dances!

Regular Dances

(Special Events below)

If you don't know the venue, it's best to call first, as I'm not always notified when a dance goes extinct.

= live music

Every other Tuesday West Coast Swing & Salsa at the Ukrainian American Citizens Club, 1 Pulaski St., Cohoes, NY. $10, 8:30pm, lesson 8pm. (Call on this one!) For more info call 518-782-0608.

Every Wednesday West Coast Swing Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church of Highland, Grove St., Highland, NY. Dance 8:30-11pm, $5 or $2 with lesson; Basic lesson 7-7:45pm, $10; Intermediate lesson, 7:45-8:30pm, $10. For more info swingdance@earthlink.net or call 845-679-4464.

Every Wednesday Salsa and Hustle at Globe Bar & Grill, 1879 Palmer Ave., Larchmont, NY. 9pm to midnight $5, plus one lesson $10: hustle lesson 7-8pm, salsa lesson 8-9pm; they say there's a large dance floor. For more info call 914-833-8600.

Every Wednesday California Mix at the Ukranian American Citizens Club, 1 Pulaski St., Cohoes, NY. For more info call 518-233-9265.

Every Wednesday Latin Night at Appletinis Cafe, 1118 Central Ave., Albany, NY. 8pm, $7 includes lesson. For more info Christine@albanyhotspots.net.

Every Wednesday East Coast Swing Dance at Daisy Bakers, 32 Second St., Troy, NY. 9-11pm, $8. For more info call 518-266-9200.

Every Thursday West Coast Swing Dance at The MAC Fitness Center on 9W (743 East Chester Street), Kingston, NY. 8:30pm dance, $10; 7pm basic lesson, $7; 7:45pm Beyond the Basics, $7. For more info call 914-475-0803.

Every Thursday Swing at Sunspot Cafe, 212 Quail St, Albany, NY. $7, 9:30-11:30pm, free lesson 8:30pm. For more info call 518-331-0820.

Every Thursday Blues Jam at Daniel J's, 2970 Rte. 22, Patterson, NY. 9pm, no cover. For more info call 845-878-3838.

Every Thursday Ballroom at the Ukrainian American Citizens Club, 1 Pulaski St., Cohoes, NY. $10, 7:45-11pm, lesson 6:45pm.

Every Friday Latin at the Copa Lounge at the Quality Inn (formerly Holiday Inn), 90 Rt. 17K, Newburgh, NY. 10pm, lesson 8:30pm $10. For more info call 845-561-6797.

First Tuesday Blues with Big Joe Fitz (June 4) at the High Falls Café, 12 Stone Dock Rd. (off Berme Rd.), High Falls, NY. You can West Coast to some of it, East Coast to some of it, and some of it is just plain Rock. 7-10pm, $5 or eat/drink there. For more info call 845-687-2699.

First Friday Albany Swing Dance (June 7: Josh Fialkoff's Band; July 5: Don Young Mix; Aug. 2: Reggie's Red Hot Feetwarmers; Sept. 6: TBA; Oct. 4: Peter Davis & Friends) at the Albany Elks Lodge, 25 South Allen St. (just one block South of Rt. 20 -- So. Allen is where Western and Madison meet), Albany, NY. 8:30pm, $15 except Dec. 7: $20, basic workshop at 7:30pm. For more info jdolen@att.net or call 518-292-0133.

First Friday Salsa at Aesthetics, 63 Broadway, Kingston. 9pm, $10. For more info call 845-340-4278.

First Saturday Swing Dance Mix (June 1), at the First Presbyterian Church of Highland, Grove St., Highland, NY. 8pm, $10, free lesson at 7pm. For more info swingdance@earthlink.net or call 845-679-4464.

First Saturday Swing Dance Party (June 1) at MAC Fitness/Group Fitness Studio, 743 E. Chester Street (Route 9W), Kingston, NY. $10, $6 students w/ ID, 8-10:30pm, 7:30pm basic workshop. For more info call 845-236-3939.

First Saturday Woodstock Milonga (June 1), at Mountain View Studio, Mountain View Ave., Woodstock, NY. 9pm-1am, intro lesson 8-9pm, buffet, $15. Afternoon workshops -- see website above. For more info call 845-246-1122.

First Saturday Club-style Ballroom Dance at The Fuze Box, 12 Central Ave., Albany, NY. 8-10pm, lesson at 7:40pm, $2.

First Sunday Poughkeepsie Swing Dance Jam (June 2: live music with Shorty King's Clubhouse) at the Arlington Reformed Church, southeast corner of EASTBOUND Route 44/55 and Raymond Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY. Lindy and West Coast to favorite CDs. 6-6:30pm beginner's lesson, 6:30-9 dance, $8. For more info call 845-519-7585.

First Sunday Schenectady Swing Dance at 1020 Barrett Street, Schenectady. West Coast, Lindy Hop, East Coast, Jitterbug and Foxtrot to a "request-responsive" DJ. 6:30-10:15pm, $8 ($4 students), air-conditioned. For info call Jana at 518-435-8042.

First Sunday Ballroom at the Ukrainian American Citizens Club, 1 Pulaski St., Cohoes, NY. $10, 7-10pm, lesson 6:15pm.

First Sunday Ballroom at Danceland, Latham Circle Mall, 800 Loudon Rd., Latham, NY. For more info call 518-785-3888.

Second Wednesday WestChester Tango "Milonga" (Argentine Dance Party), at Eagles, 7 Old Albany Post Rd, Ossining, NY (directions at website). 8-11pm, one hour lesson begins 8pm, dance party 9-11pm, $10. For more info tangoWNY@yahoo.com or 914-528-9771. For carpool call 845-229-7269.

Second Friday Swing (call on this one, they sometimes change the day) (June 14) at The New Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia St., Hudson, NY. 9pm, $12, beginner lesson 8:30pm, intermediate workshop 6:45-8:15pm. For more info call 518-828-4800.

Second Saturday West Coast Swing Dance (June 8) at MAC Fitness Center, 743 East Chester Street (Rt. 9W), Kingston, NY. $10, 8:30pm, afternoon Workshop information varies -- see website for details. For more info HudsonValleyWCS@Yahoo.com or call 914-475-0803.

Second Saturday Milonga (June 8) at Strictly Ballroom, 5208 Rte. 9W, Newburgh, NY. $10, 8pm-midnite. For more inf call 845-783-6002.

Second Saturday Ballroom, Latin & Swing at Liberty Fitness Center, 85 North Main St., Liberty, NY. $10, 8-10pm, 7:30 free lesson. For more info call Cindy at 845-292-0756.

Second Saturday Noche Latina at Appletinis Cafe, 1118 Central Ave., Albany, NY. 8pm, $7 includes Salsa Shines & Styling lesson 9-10pm. For more info Christine@albanyhotspots.net.

Second Sunday Waltz & More (June 9) at The Hudson Valley Dance Depot, 733 Freedom Plains Rd., Poughkeepsie. $15, 3:30-6pm, lesson 3pm. For more info call 845-204-9833.

Second Sunday Albany Dance at DDB, 724 Watervliet Shaker Rd. (Albany Med. Prof. Bldg.), Latham, NY. Swing, cha cha, mambo, samba, waltz, foxtrot, etc. to recorded music, 7-10:30, $10 ($7 students). For info call 518-786-7780 or 518-783-9829.

Second Sunday Ballroom at the Ukrainian American Citizens Club, 1 Pulaski St., Cohoes, NY. $10, 7-10pm, lesson 6:15pm.

Second Sunday Ballroom at Danceland, Latham Circle Mall, 800 Loudon Rd., Latham, NY. For more info call 518-785-3888.

Third Tuesday Blues with Big Joe Fitz & Special Guests (June 18) at the High Falls Café, 12 Stone Dock Rd. (off Berme Rd.), High Falls, NY. You can West Coast to some of it, East Coast to some of it, and some of it is just plain Rock. 7-10pm, $5 or eat/drink there. For info call 845-687-2699.

Third Saturday California Mix Dance Party (call on this one, they're looking for a new venue) at [someplace], NY. $12, 8:30-11:30pm, beginner lesson 8pm. For more info denisandlee@hvc.rr.com or call 845-569-7192.

Third Saturday Club-style Ballroom Dance at The Fuze Box, 12 Central Ave., Albany, NY. 8-10pm, lesson at 7:40pm, $2.

Third Sunday Kingston West Coast Swing / California Mix Dance (June 16) at Reformed Church of Port Ewen,160 Salem St., Port Ewen, NY. 7-9pm, $8; beginner lesson, 6:30-7pm, free; intermediate lesson, 5:30-6:30, $12. For more info call 914-475-0803.

Third Sunday Ballroom Dancing at the Polish Community Center, Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY. Class 6:15-7:00pm; Dancing 'til 10pm; Members-$9; Non-$12; College-$5; Free under 18.

Third Sunday Milonga (June 16) at The New Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia St., Hudson, NY. 8pm, $15/students $10, lesson 7pm. For more info call 518-828-4800.

Fourth Wednesday WestChester Tango "Milonga" (Argentine Dance Party), at Eagles, 7 Old Albany Post Rd, Ossining, NY (directions at website). 8-11pm, one hour lesson begins 8pm, dance party 9-11pm, $10. For more info tangoWNY@yahoo.com or 914-528-9771. For carpool call 845-229-7269.

Fourth Friday Poughkeepsie Swing Dance (May 24: Soul Purpose; June 28: Petey Hop & The Jack Rabbits; July 26: TBA; Aug. 23: Girl Howdy; Sept. 27: TBA) at The Poughkeepsie Tennis Club, 135 S. Hamilton St., Poughkeepsie, NY (see link for directions). 8:30pm, $15 / $10 students with ID, 8pm beginner's workshop free, Intermediate workshop 6:30pm, $15. For more info call 845-454-2571.

Fourth Saturday Ballroom by Request (May 25) at The Hudson Valley Dance Depot, 733 Freedom Plains Rd., Poughkeepsie. $12, 9-11pm, tango lesson 8pm. For more info call 845-204-9833.

Fourth Saturday California Mix at the Albany Elks Lodge, 25 South Allen St., Albany, NY. 8pm, $10, free lesson 7:30pm. For more info call 518-860-9010.

Fourth Saturday Swing at the Gym! at Healthplex Fitness Center, 1673 Route 9, Clifton Park, NY. 8-11pm, 7pm lesson, $6, $10 with lesson. For more info hlcoleman2002@yahoo.com.

Fourth Sunday Lefty's Sunday Salsa Socials at Maximum Fitness/Dance Studio, 59 North Plank Rd., Newburgh, NY. $5, 1-5pm, must have dance shoes or sneakers, 17 or older. For more info call 914-527-5075.

Fifth Friday Dance Meet Up (May 31: Big Joe Fitz & The Lo-Fis [blues]; Aug. 30: Too Much Fun [Cajun]; Nov. 29: Saints of Swing) at Unison Arts Center, 68 Mt. Rest Road, New Paltz, NY. 8pm, $15/$10 mbrs ($30/series/mbrs), lesson 7:30pm. For info call 845-255-1559.

Fifth Sunday Albany Dance at DDB, 724 Watervliet Shaker Rd. (Albany Med. Prof. Bldg.), Latham, NY. Swing, cha cha, mambo, samba, waltz, foxtrot etc. to recorded music, 7-10:30, $10 ($7 students). For info call 518-786-7780 or 518-783-9829.

Fifth Sunday Schenectady Swing Dance at 1020 Barrett Street, Schenectady. West Coast, Lindy Hop, East Coast, Jitterbug and Foxtrot to a "request-responsive" DJ. 6:30-10:15pm, $8 ($4 students), air-conditioned. For info call Jana at 518-435-8042.

Fifth Sunday Ballroom at the Ukrainian American Citizens Club, 1 Pulaski St., Cohoes, NY. $10, 7-10pm, lesson 6:15pm.

Fifth Sunday Ballroom at Danceland, Latham Circle Mall, 800 Loudon Rd., Latham, NY. For more info call 518-785-3888.

Other Dances and Special Events

Salsa Dance (dj'd), Thursday, May 23rd, at the Rosendale Cafe, 434 Main St., Rosendale, NY. 8:30-10:30pm, $5; lesson 7:30pm, $5. For more info call 845-658-9048.

Cleoma's Ghost (Cajun), Thursday, May 23rd, at Keegan Ales, 20 St. James St., Kingston, NY. 7-10pm. For more info call 845-331-BREW.

Bernstein Bard Trio (swing plus), Sunday, May 26th, at Water Street Market, 10 Main St., New Paltz, NY. Noon-3pm. For more info call 845-255-3436.

Ballroom Social (dj'd), Saturday, June 1st, at Strictly Ballroom Dance Studio, 153 Temple Hill Rd., Vails Gate, NY. $15, 7:30-11pm, free Fox Trot lesson 7pm. For more info call 845-569-0530.

ZydeGroove, Sunday, June 2nd, at Olive's, 118 Main St., Nyack, NY. 4-7pm, $15. For more info call 845-358-3120.

Kevin Naqui & The Ossun Playboys (Cajun), Sunday, June 2nd, at Let's Zydeco at Connolly's, 121 West 45th St., New York, NY. $22, 7-11pm, lesson at 6pm. For more info zydecolaura@hotmail.com or call 212-685-7597.

Ballroom Social (dj'd), Sunday, June 9th, at J&B Dance Center, 734 Broadway, Kingston, NY. 7-10pm, $12, Mambo/Salsa workshop 6pm. For more info call 845-331-3092.

The Pine Leaf Boys (Cajun), Friday, June 14th, at the Rosendale Cafe, 434 Main St., Rosendale, NY. 8pm, $15. For more info call 845-658-9048.

Swingology & Lindy Hop Heaven, Saturday, June 22nd, at the Ashokan Center, 477 Beaverkill Rd., Olivebridge, NY. $15, 8pm, beginners lesson 7pm, arrive early (6-8pm) for a reasonably priced dinner by Michael Hughes and the Ashokan staff. For more info office@ashokan.org or call 845-246-2121.

The Boot Heel Drag (Honky Tonk), Saturday, June 22nd, at the Rosendale Cafe, 434 Main St., Rosendale, NY. 8pm, $10. For more info call 845-658-9048.

If you know any other dances or events that could be listed here, please contact me at FeatherSite -- questions and comments (I had to link this in to my Poultry Page web form as I was getting much too much spam off the address that was here).

Here's a few links to dance information on the web.

Information on Country Western dance floor etiquette.

Here's a site with a history of Swing Dance.

lindyhopper.com links to several histories of Lindy Hop

Here's Henry Neeman's great Dance Hotlist!

Dance Me Tonight has links to lots of dances and live music, all by area.

Yehoodi.com leans toward Lindy info. There's a calendar here for various areas of the country.

Here's the Hudson Valley Community Dance page of the HVCD. It includes their swing dance schedule, along with contra and English Country Dance information.

MHV Dance Connection has a page of Hudson Valley links.

Ballroom dancing in the Albany, NY, area

Here's the calendar for Danceland, in Latham north of Albany.

Where to go Ballroom Dancing in Berkshire County, MA, and the Capital District, NY.

Ballroom Dancing Resource in the Berkshires, MA: Berkshire County USABDA

This is Aria's list of places to dance in New York City.

Carlos has put together a Calendar of Swing Dance events for New York City.

Here's Swing Out -- another NY swing site.

SwingCraze! is a site promoting independent swing bands. Some great music available here.

And for you Argentine Tango fans, here's the Hudson Valley Tango page.

Here's the Hudson Valley West Coast Swing calendar!!

And a Capitol District (Albany-Troy) Swing Dance calendar.

And since you're in the area, check out the home page of Hudson-Mohawk Traditional Dances.

If you're in the western New York State area, check out the Syracuse dance calendar.

Or check out Arn Burkhoff's Northeast USA Cajun and Zydeco Schedule.

Let's Zydeco! Zydeco and Cajun in NYC.

And here's another site on Cajun/Zydeco Music and Dance.

Somebody Scream NY: Zydeco and Cajun in Ossining, NY.

For summers in NYC, here's where to find out about Lincoln Center's Midsummer Night Swing.

This is the site of the Connecticut Swing Dance Society.

Hartford Country Dance keeps schedules for Contra, Swing, Cajun and Zydeco in central Connecticut.

The Mid-Hudson Valley (and beyond) Dance Calendar covers contra, square, English Country, swing and Cajun dancing. This great listing is part of the Fiddle and Dance News (spam: of which I'm the production editor).

Ashokan: Friends of Fiddle and Dance sponsors three great weeks of dance in the summer: Western and Swing Week, Southern Week (clogging, Cajun and Old-Timey) and Northern Week (contras and French Canadian). Check out their pages for further info on these camps and other dance events held at the Ashokan Field Campus in Olive Bridge, NY, home of "Ashokan Farewell."

More great dance can be found at the Augusta Heritage Center's Dance Weeks.

And finally, here's the Dance Connection -- maybe you can find a dance partner here.

"We are fools whether we dance or not,
so we might as well dance." -- Japanese proverb

And now for some band and music info . . .

For some great radio listening in the Hudson Valley, try tuning in WHVW, 950 AM (Yes! AM!) They play great old music, old country, Western Swing, R&B, some fifties, some Old Timey and "hillbilly." The stuff you never get to hear almost anywhere else.

This is the Cajun & Zydeco Radio Guide - Louisiana's Cajun and Zydeco music resource.

Bob Wills was the King of Western Swing, and here's a page with a lot of biographical info and some discography.

Here's some Western Swing Band history.

Here's the cyberhome of Asleep At The Wheel, a modern Western Swing band.

Fans of old Western Swing music might want to drop by the home page of the Light Crust Doughboys.

Here's the home page of the Cowboy Junkies. This isn't danceable music, but I can listen to Margo Timmins sing for hours.

If, like me, you play a Kay acoustic upright bass, there's now a registry for them.

Back to the home roost

Direct questions and comments to Barry at FeatherSite -- questions and comments