By Bill Parry
The latest dance craze is coming to Hunters Point South Park in Long Island City next Friday night.
Borough President Melinda Katz and City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) are teaming up with Lincoln Center to bring a free night of silent disco dancing to the event space at LIC Landing by Coffeed.
“This upcoming event, the first of its kind in Queens in partnership with Lincoln Center, further illustrates why residents and visitors to Queens never have to cross a bridge or drive through a tunnel to enjoy top quality arts and entertainment,” Katz said.
Silent Disco is becoming increasingly popular at weddings and private parties, allowing different age groups to dance to their preferred music. It became a craze in Britain after appearing at the 2005 Glastonbury music festival.
The program, called Lincoln Center Local’s Silent Disco, will open at 5:50 p.m. and professional dance lessons by instructor Diane Nardone will begin at 6 p.m. Beginning at 7 p.m., participants will start dancing to the music being fed into wireless headphones they will be given upon arrival.
Two different DJs, Bill Coleman and hustle mainstay Bobby Morales, will spin different sets of music in each headphone channel, creating simultaneous and ever-shifting dance parties. The dancing will continue until 10 p.m.
“Together we are bringing dynamic programming that not only engages the community but also brings world-class productions and entertainment to the people,” Van Bramer said. “There’s no better way to enjoy your Friday night than by dancing the night away with family and friends while enjoying sweeping views along the East River in Long Island City as the sun sets.”
While attendance is free, it is on a first come, first serve basis. Personal ID is required to obtain headphones, either student ID if under 18 or government issue such as a driver’s license for adults. Free will donations to Lincoln Center are encouraged to support its free programming and refreshments will be available for sale.
Lincoln Center Local’s Silent Disco will be the first organization to provide public programming at Hunters Point South Park since it opened last year.
“Lincoln Center and its wonderful performances and programs belong in all the boroughs, not just Manhattan,” Jed Bernstein, president of Lincoln Center, said. “Great art for all is not just a pipe dream, it is a goal we are pursuing every day.”
The Sept. 12 event will occur weather permitting. For further information, visit lincolncenter.org.
“I am glad to have partnered with Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer and Lincoln Center in planning what is sure to be a fabulous evening of music and dancing on the spectacular Queens waterfront,” Katz said.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4538.
