Baryshnikov Dance Foundation

My friend introduced me to Meklit Hadero, and we were excited to try a new venue. The space is very modern, and there was a nice but tight reception held in an area on the 2^nd floor after the performance.
I would say the sound was noticeably poor, even for someone who’s not attuned to sound quality normally. It was hard to hear the lyrics, the richness of her voice. The lights were a little extreme and changed quickly enough to be distracting. I’d think about coming back for a dance performance, but I’m not sure I’d come back to hear someone’s singing voice.

I will be the first to admit that I don’t know much about dance. But watching Baryshnikov dance is like watching perfection in motion. Especially the young Baryshnikov~~ please youtube him. now. Makes me get all fluttery.
Now, in his later years, Baryshnikov’s set up the Baryshikov Arts Center in 37 Arts in Hell’s Kitchen, creating a space for collaboration among the arts (theatre, music, dance, etc.).
I have only been here for the Movado Hour, however, so this review will focus on that. The Movado Hour is a wonderful, wonderful experience. It just started last year, an initiative Baryshinkov himself spearheaded to make classical music informal and pleasurable again. It’s salon-​style seating in a large, black-​walled space, which means round tables with candles. Complimentary wine and snacks abound. The musicians (usually very well established groups or people) gather round, and start off each piece on the program with a short introduction about it, which isn’t a formal speech as much as it is just a casual talk, in tones one would use in conversation with a friend. Overall, the whole thing ends up feeling intimate, special, and totally pleasurable.
The best part: IT’S ALL FREE. One has to check their website regularly for updates, and call one week early to make reservations (up to 2 per person) every time they have a concert, but some diligence is well worth it.
Ideal for a cheap date, too. Cute, kinda romantic without the pressure, and tons of quality stuff (wine, music, ambiance?!) for free. What more could you ask for.
Movado Hour link: