A Dancer’s Hand guide to New York City
By Jessica Innes.
New York City is one of the most vibrant, exciting and culturally diverse cities I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. As a dancer, New York provides state of the art training facilities in an encouraging environment where creativity is nurtured and tenacity is admired. The “Big City” can be daunting due to its density and size, but this hand guide can help the aspiring performer to find all the hot spots. Make sure you get the most out of New York because there is so much to see and experience…it really is the city that never sleeps!
DANCE
Broadway Dance Center – Commercial dance at it’s best with the latest hip hop, street jazz and urban styles. You won’t want to miss Luam Keflezgy and Sheryl Murakami’s classes…they will blow your mind!
322 West 45th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY
www.broadwaydancecentre.com
Steps on Broadway – Elite ballet and theatre dance classes taught in stunning studios with panoramic views of the city.
2121 Broadway and 74th Street, New York, NY
www.stepsnyc.com
Peridance Capezio Center – A brand new, state of the art studio with cutting edge contemporary, modern and African classes.
126 East 13th Street, New York, NY
www.peridance.com
EAT
Ellen’s Stardust Diner – Enjoy dinner and a show as you step back in time with this retro diner. In between serving traditional American burgers and shakes, the talented waitstaff entertain you as they sing the best of Broadway.$ – Well priced with most meals under $20
www.ellensstardustdiner.com
Grimaldis Pizza – Even celebrities brave the long lines out the front of this famous coal brick oven pizza place located under the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. It’s definitely worth the wait for delicious pizzas with a downtown Italian atmosphere.
$ – Pizzas start from $14 and toppings are extra.
www.grimaldis.com
Dean and Deluca – For all those health nuts out there whose mouths water at the sight of fresh produce and gourmet delights. Take a selection from the extensive and exotic salad bar for a quick bite on the go or buy fresh bread, cold cut meats, spreads and groceries from these fine food purveyors.
$$ – It’s a little pricey for your weekly shop but fantastic for gourmet fresh foods and specific items.
www.deandeluca.com
SLEEP
Accommodation in New York City is quite subjective and can range from the very basic to highly excessive. A great option is to rent a house or apartment on a short term agreement as you get the full experience of living in the city and save valuable money on housekeeping and hotel services. It’s best to be located in one of the neighborhoods around the midtown area, however Manhattan is relatively compact and easy to travel around.
Roomorama is a website which allows you to browse properties to rent according to your needs. It’s very reliable and relatively easy to use.
www.roomorama.com
SEE
You can’t visit New York without being swept up in the magic of Broadway. If you’re a performer you will be gob smacked by the variety of shows and the talent they display. Get more for your money by entering the “Broadway Lottery” where you can apply for your choice of shows early in the day. If you’re a student you can make the most of the “Rush” seats which are sold when the Box Office opens on the day of the show [times vary.]
Check out www.playbill.com for information on current shows and ticket sales.
GO
New York is internationally recognised for it’s yellow taxi cabs, however the cheapest and often the quickest way to get around is via the subway. For US $27 you can obtain a weekly subway pass that will drop you within walking distance of anywhere you want to go. Make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes as New Yorkers walk everywhere and with such amazing sights around every corner you’ll be sure to have a spring in your step.
SHOP
With the Australian Dollar so strong at the moment, New York is paradise for the shopaholic. Performers will relish in the halved prices of MAC, Benefit and NARS makeup products and Hip hop dancers will love the fresh street styles and cutting edge fashion. For hot urban wear check out Journeys www.journeys.com or if you’re feeling adventurous, trek into Brooklyn’s Flatbush Avenue for the funkiest hip hop shoes on the planet in stores like Jimmy Jazz www.jimmyjazz.com.
New York is a performer’s playground which awaits you with welcoming arms. So what are you waiting for?
Take a bite out of the “Big Apple” and discover the city where dreams are made.
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