Shake it at a Latin dance party in Nyack

Thursday July 5, 2012 4:08 PM By Georgette Yacoub

Photo credit: Handout | Victor Gagliardi dances with a partner at the Gagliardi Studio & Gallery in Nyack.

Shake off calories from all those summertime barbecues at a Latin dance party in Nyack. Both dance novices and aficionados are invited to salsa the night away inside the gallery of fine art photographer Victor Gagliardi.

Gagliardi, who has lived in Nyack for 19 years, has been dancing for a while.

“Fourteen years ago, I took a date to see the movie ‘Shall We Dance.’ It was incredibly beautiful. After it was over, my date asked if I’d like to learn to dance,” he said. After agreeing to take lessons in Argentine Tango, “I just fell in love with it."

Now, Gagliardi hosts Latin dance classes and parties once a month in his studio (39 Hudson Ave., Nyack; 845-358-7031; gagliardiphoto.com). The party kicked off on Friday with a 45-minute dance lesson. Then contemporary salsa music will play from the high-quality sound system while dancers, anywhere from 18 to 82 years old, show off their skills.

“It’s a great group of people and everyone gets something out of it,” said Gagliardi. “Even if five people were to show up, it will still be a good time because we have great music and a relaxed atmosphere.”

If you don't feel confident about your dance skills, there will be bongos and maracas available to play. The $20 tickets include admission as well as food and drink (alcoholic beverages, juices and appetizers).

If you didn't make it to this weekend’s party, don’t fret. The Latin dance parties are at 9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. You can purchase tickets on the Gagliardi Studio & Gallery website.

Tags: Nyack , Rockland , events , music , Latin dance