Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
classes work by trade, with fruit, craft supplies, and participation among the instruments of exchange.
Trade School is on the hunt for a permanent home, but in the meantime classes are held around the city; check
the website for details.
Various locations.
www.tradeschool.coop
.
Tango & No Cash
Central Park Tango
Under the Bard of Avon's watchful gaze, couples spin away Saturday nights here.
Meet up at the south end of the Mall, right next to the Shakespeare statue. Tyros can take advantage of free
classes, usually offered at 7:30pm. In inclement weather, dancers seek the shelter of the nearby Dairy. Otherwise
it's alfresco under dusk skies, as they dance their ringlets to the whistling wind.
Central Park, enter around 65th St.
212/726-1111.
www.newyorktango.com
.
June-Sept Sat 6-9:30pm. Subway: F to Lexington Ave./63rd St.;
6 to 68th St./Hunter College; 1 to 66th St./Lincoln Center.
TriANGulO
As a reflection of their confidence in tango's ability to hook new dancers, this studio throws in
free beginner's workshops (usually the first Fri evening of the month, with the occasional Sun reprise). They also
run specials for newbies, like $10 for any class. Check the website for dates and details.
135 W. 20th St., btw. Sixth and Seventh aves.
212/633-6445.
www.tangonyc.com
. Subway: 1 to 18th St.; F/M to 23rd St.
Dancing Days
If you're getting married, or have some other compelling reason to be interested in learning to dance, look into
Dance
Manhattan.
The hustle and Carolina shag are among the offerings and you can get your feet wet for free at their monthly
open houses. At 8pm, there's a lesson, half devoted to ballroom and the other to Latin dance. Lessons are followed by a
party, and a performance after that. If you get hooked then and there, you'll be eligible for a discount on regular registra-
tion. 39 W. 19th St., fifth floor, btw. Fifth and Sixth aves.
212/807-0802.
www.dancemanhattan.com
.
Subway: N/R or
F/M to 23rd St.
If the wedding has already taken place and nature has run its course, you may have children that need entertaining. Bat-
tery Park City hosts a series of
FamilyDances
on Fridays and Saturdays during the summer, usually 6:30 to 8pm. This
being New York, expect an international array of steps. West African, Swedish, and swing dancing are often on the bill.
Neither children nor experience with West African, Swedish, or swing dance moves is required. Esplanade Plaza, Battery
Park City, near South End Ave., just north of Albany St.
212/267-9700.
www.bpcparks.org
. Subway: 1 or R to Rector
St.; E to World Trade Center; 4/5 to Bowling Green.
If Battery Park's locale isn't idyllic enough for you, fox trot on up to
RiversideParkSouth
for sunset lessons. Summer
Sundays provide the backdrop for a series of salsa, cha-cha, and bachata lessons taught by the
PielCanelaDance&
MusicSchool.
There's some group steps, too, if you need a couple of bodies to hide behind—6 to 9pm. Pier 1, the Hud-
son at 70th St.
212/408-0219.
www.nycgovparks.org
. Subway: 1/2/3 to 72nd St.
2 Health Sans Wealth
Sadly, far too many New Yorkers get by on a “just don't get sick” health plan. As many as one-fourth of us are
uninsured, and medical fees aren't getting any cheaper. New healthcare legislation may soon change the insur-
ance landscape (by 2014), but in the short term, folks of minimal means can be thankful for the sliding scale.
Several community-minded organizations provide care at rates commensurate with an individual's income. If
your take-home is low enough, you may also be eligible for subsidized insurance with an HMO. A good website
to check out is that of the
Actors' Fund of America
(
www.actorsfund.org
). The fund has comprehensive list-
ings for actors and artists who don't have the kinds of day jobs that throw in insurance and healthcare. If you're
