Washington Square Park Salsa

Washington Square Park Salsa: A Vibrant Hub of Dance, Culture, and Community

Introduction:

Forget stuffy dance studios and formal lessons. If you’re looking for an authentic, exhilarating, and utterly free salsa experience, look no further than Washington Square Park. This iconic New York City landmark transforms into a pulsating dance floor every week, offering a unique blend of skilled dancers, enthusiastic beginners, and an infectious atmosphere that’s impossible to resist. This post delves into the heart of Washington Square Park's salsa scene, exploring its history, the best times to visit, tips for participating, and the vibrant community it fosters. We'll uncover the magic that makes this free, open-air dance experience so special and why it’s a must-do for anyone visiting or living in NYC.

The History and Evolution of Salsa in Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park's salsa scene isn't a recent phenomenon; it's a long-standing tradition woven into the park's rich tapestry. While pinpointing the exact origins is difficult, the park's long history as a gathering place for diverse communities naturally led to the organic development of impromptu dance gatherings. The vibrant Latinx population of Greenwich Village played a significant role, contributing their passion for salsa and creating the fertile ground for this unique cultural phenomenon to flourish. Over the years, it evolved from sporadic gatherings to a regularly occurring event, attracting both seasoned dancers and curious onlookers, cementing its place as a beloved New York City institution.

The Best Times to Experience Washington Square Park Salsa

The best time to experience the Washington Square Park salsa scene is generally on weekends, particularly evenings. The atmosphere is most vibrant during the warmer months (spring, summer, and early autumn), as the weather allows for more comfortable outdoor dancing. However, even on cooler days, dedicated dancers will still be found showing off their moves. The time of day also influences the experience. Evenings tend to have a more lively and crowded atmosphere, while afternoons can offer a more relaxed environment.

Decoding the Dance Floor Etiquette: Tips for Participating

While Washington Square Park salsa is informal, understanding some unspoken rules enhances your experience and ensures a smooth dance floor flow. First, be respectful of the space. The park is shared, so be mindful of pedestrians and other activities. Secondly, don't be afraid to join in! Whether you're a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, the atmosphere is welcoming and encouraging. Observe the dancers for a while to get a feel for the rhythm and style. If you’re feeling shy, simply watching and enjoying the energy is a perfectly valid way to participate. Many seasoned dancers are happy to offer guidance or dance with beginners. Finally, remember the importance of consent. Always ask before inviting someone to dance.

Beyond the Dance: The Community and Culture of Washington Square Park Salsa

The Washington Square Park salsa scene is far more than just dancing; it’s a thriving community built on shared passion, cultural exchange, and a deep love for music and movement. It’s a place where seasoned dancers can hone their skills, beginners can learn and connect with others, and everyone can appreciate the vibrant energy and contagious enthusiasm. This community transcends age, ethnicity, and skill levels, creating a truly inclusive and welcoming environment. The shared love of salsa fosters camaraderie and creates a powerful sense of belonging for everyone involved. The park itself acts as a stage for this diverse cast of characters, making the experience uniquely special.

The Economic Impact and Tourism Significance of Washington Square Park Salsa

The Washington Square Park salsa scene isn't just a cultural phenomenon; it has significant economic implications for the surrounding area. The increased foot traffic attracts visitors from all over the world, boosting local businesses such as restaurants, cafes, and shops. This free entertainment brings revenue to local vendors, creating a positive economic ripple effect throughout the neighborhood. The park's reputation as a salsa hotspot also contributes to the overall tourism appeal of New York City, drawing tourists who want to experience this unique aspect of the city's vibrant culture.

Conclusion: Embrace the Rhythm of Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park salsa is more than a dance; it's a living, breathing testament to the power of community, cultural exchange, and the universal language of music and movement. It’s a free, accessible, and enriching experience for both locals and visitors, offering a vibrant glimpse into the heart and soul of New York City. So, put on your dancing shoes, embrace the energy, and join the rhythm—you won’t regret it.


Article Outline:

Title: Washington Square Park Salsa: A Deep Dive into NYC's Free Dance Phenomenon

Introduction: Hooking the reader and overview of the post's content.
Chapter 1: History and Evolution: Tracing the origins and development of the salsa scene in Washington Square Park.
Chapter 2: Best Times to Visit: Providing guidance on when to experience the most vibrant atmosphere.
Chapter 3: Dance Floor Etiquette: Offering tips for newcomers and ensuring a positive experience for all.
Chapter 4: Community and Culture: Exploring the social fabric and cultural significance of the salsa scene.
Chapter 5: Economic Impact and Tourism: Highlighting the economic benefits and tourism draw of the salsa scene.
Conclusion: Summarizing the key takeaways and encouraging reader participation.


(Detailed content for each chapter is provided above in the main article.)



FAQs:

1. Is there a fee to participate in the Washington Square Park salsa dancing? No, it's completely free.
2. What skill level is required to join in? All skill levels are welcome, from beginners to advanced dancers.
3. What should I wear? Comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for dancing are recommended.
4. Is there music provided? Often, dancers will bring their own portable speakers or utilize ambient sounds.
5. What are the best transportation options to get to Washington Square Park? The park is easily accessible by subway.
6. What if I don't know how to salsa? Don't worry! Many experienced dancers are happy to teach beginners.
7. What time of year is best to visit? Spring, summer, and early autumn offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor dancing.
8. Are there any age restrictions? No, people of all ages are welcome.
9. Is it safe? Generally, yes, but it is always advisable to remain aware of your surroundings, as with any public space.


Related Articles:

1. Best Salsa Clubs in NYC: A guide to the top salsa clubs in New York City for a more formal dance experience.
2. Learn Salsa: Beginner's Guide: A step-by-step guide for learning the basics of salsa dancing.
3. Greenwich Village Guide: An exploration of the historical and cultural significance of Greenwich Village, where Washington Square Park is located.
4. Free Outdoor Activities in NYC: A list of other free and enjoyable outdoor activities in New York City.
5. NYC's Best Parks for Picnics: A guide to the best parks in NYC for a relaxing picnic after enjoying the salsa dancing.
6. Latin Culture in NYC: An exploration of the rich Latin American culture present throughout New York City.
7. Affordable Date Night Ideas in NYC: Washington Square Park salsa is suggested as a fun and affordable date option.
8. Things to do in Washington Square Park: Highlights other activities and attractions in Washington Square Park.
9. The History of Salsa Music: A detailed look at the history and evolution of salsa music itself.


  washington square park salsa: The Washington Square Ensemble Madison Smartt Bell, 2011-12-06 Seven men tell their stories of survival on the streets of 1980s New York City in this gritty debut novel by the National Book Award–finalist. Like most New Yorkers, Johnny B. Goode hustles to make a living. His beat happens to be pharmaceutical distribution. His place of business, Washington Square Park. Over the course of one weekend, he and his crew of “retailers” sell their product to students, businessmen, tourists, drifters, and lowlifes, while evading the law and outmaneuvering the competition. It’s a fragile balance that avant-garde saxophonist and all-around nuisance Porco Miserio threatens to upend with his big mouth. As Johnny B. and his crew scramble to maintain their embattled existence, each relates their personal story of life on the fringes of Greenwich Village. Among them are Yusuf Ali, the NBA-sized Muslim whose profession is at odds with his faith; Holy Mother, Johnny B.’s boyhood friend and former Mafia hitman; and Santa Barbara, the Puerto Rican Santeria practitioner who has been deeply spooked. Authentic and original, the chorus of voices captures the streets of New York in all its widescreen splendor and punishing blight. An “atmospherically electric . . . Winning debut,” The Washington Square Ensemble introduced a prodigiously gifted new novelist to American readers (Kirkus Reviews). “The most exotic bunch of sweet characters since some of Jack Kerouac’s ‘holy angels’ first came alive in print.” —Los AngelesHerald Examiner
  washington square park salsa: New York Magazine , 1977-08-22 New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea.
  washington square park salsa: Cue , 1977
  washington square park salsa: Bird of Paradise Raquel Cepeda, 2013-03-05 In 2009, Raquel Cepeda embarked on an exploration of her genealogy using ancestral DNA testing to uncover the truth about her family and the tapestry of races and ethnicities that came together in an ambiguous mix in her features, resulting in “a beautiful story of reconciliation and redemption” (Huffington Post) with her identity and what it means to be Latina. Digging through memories long buried, Cepeda journeyed not only into her ancestry but also into her own history. Born in Harlem to Dominican parents, she was sent to live with her maternal grandparents in the Paraíso (Paradise) district in Santo Domingo while still a baby. It proved to be an idyllic reprieve in her otherwise fraught childhood. Paraíso came to mean family, home, belonging. When Cepeda returned to the US, she discovered her family constellation had changed. Her mother had a new, abusive boyfriend, who relocated the family to San Francisco. When that relationship fell apart, Cepeda found herself back in New York City with her father and European stepmother: attending tennis lessons and Catholic schools; fighting vicious battles with her father, who discouraged her from expressing the Dominican part of her hyphenated identity; and immersed in the ’80s hip-hop culture of uptown Manhattan. It was in these streets, through the prism of hip-hop and the sometimes loving embrace of her community, that Cepeda constructed her own identity. Years later, when Cepeda had become a successful journalist and documentary filmmaker, the strands of her DNA would take her further, across the globe and into history. Who were her ancestors? How did they—and she—become Latina? Her journey, as the most unforgettable ones often do, would lead her to places she hadn’t expected to go. With a vibrant lyrical prose and fierce honesty, Cepeda parses concepts of race, identity, and ancestral DNA among Latinos by using her own Dominican-American story as one example, and in the process arrives at some sort of peace with her father.
  washington square park salsa: Hidden New York Steven J. Zeitlin, 2006-11-25 Thirty-two unusual locations that cover all five boroughs of New York City are detailed in this guide that takes one through the historical and cultural significance of Brooklyn's Empire Roller Disco, Hua Mei Garden on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Coney Island, Arthur Avenue Market, Strawberry Fields, Governors Island, and others. Original.
  washington square park salsa: Spinning Mambo Into Salsa Juliet E. McMains, 2015 Arguably the world's most popular partnered social dance form, salsa's significance extends well beyond the Latino communities which gave birth to it. The growing international and cross-cultural appeal of this Latin dance form, which celebrates its mixed origins in the Caribbean and in Spanish Harlem, offers a rich site for examining issues of cultural hybridity and commodification in the context of global migration. Salsa consists of countless dance dialects enjoyed by varied communities in different locales. In short, there is not one dance called salsa, but many. Spinning Mambo into Salsa, a history of salsa dance, focuses on its evolution in three major hubs for international commercial export-New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. The book examines how commercialized salsa dance in the 1990s departed from earlier practices of Latin dance, especially 1950s mambo. Topics covered include generational differences between Palladium Era mambo and modern salsa; mid-century antecedents to modern salsa in Cuba and Puerto Rico; tension between salsa as commercial vs. cultural practice; regional differences in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami; the role of the Web in salsa commerce; and adaptations of social Latin dance for stage performance. Throughout the book, salsa dance history is linked to histories of salsa music, exposing how increased separation of the dance from its musical inspiration has precipitated major shifts in Latin dance practice. As a whole, the book dispels the belief that one version is more authentic than another by showing how competing styles came into existence and contention. Based on over 100 oral history interviews, archival research, ethnographic participant observation, and analysis of Web content and commerce, the book is rich with quotes from practitioners and detailed movement description.
  washington square park salsa: Duende Quincy Troupe, 2022-07-26 The selected poems from over fifty years by the great poet and biographer and friend of Miles Davis. Quincy Troupe writes poetry in great waves. The words are just notes. It's the music you make with them that matters. He's not a wordsmith, he's a shaman conjuring long repetitive lines, cadences of looking across the sea towards Africa and haunted by the legacy of slavery and racism, or of remembering fellow conjurers, poets and musical artists, celebrating, always celebrating, but never only that. In the fifty-page, incantatory poem, Ghost Voices, there is a longing to be reconnected to the past, and a longing too to be free of it. In the short title poem, Duende: For García Lorca and Miles Davis, there lies, nakedly, Troupe's credo: ...secrets, mystery infused in black magic / that enters bodies in forms of music, art/ poetry imbuing language with sovereignty / in blood spooling back through violent centuries... The version of the great poem Avalanche (number 3) that appears here is different from the version of the same poem he published nearly 25 years ago--in exactly the same way that a jazz artist picks up his horn to play the same song a little differently every time. Troupe is a generous and gregarious poet in this giant offering that includes many new poems, as well as a selection chosen from across his eleven previously published volumes. What's remarkable is the constancy, the energy, and how he's always looking right at you in the here and now, and at the same time sees something over your shoulder that others don't see yet, maybe a distant storm gathering over the waters, something we're going to need to rise up and face soon enough.
  washington square park salsa: Identities and Place Katherine Crawford-Lackey, Megan E. Springate, 2019-11-01 With a focus on historic sites, this volume explores the recent history of non- heteronormative Americans from the early twentieth century onward and the places associated with these communities. Authors explore how queer identities are connected with specific places: places where people gather, socialize, protest, mourn, and celebrate. The focus is deeper look at how sexually variant and gender non-conforming Americans constructed identity, created communities, and fought to have rights recognized by the government. Each chapter is accompanied by prompts and activities that invite readers to think critically and immerse themselves in the subject matter while working collaboratively with others.
  washington square park salsa: New York Magazine , 1981-08-03 New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea.
  washington square park salsa: New York Magazine , 1995-08-28 New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea.
  washington square park salsa: Billboard , 1977-05-07 In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends.
  washington square park salsa: New York Magazine , 1986-08-04 New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea.
  washington square park salsa: Night + Day San Francisco Julianne Balmain, Kate Chynoweth, 2006 This sleek guide emphasizes the details that busy and discerning travelers need to know: the very best venues and activities, the prime time to be in every spot, and packed with insider tips. Structured around styles (hot&cool, hip, classic) that make up San Francisco's unique character, the guide's easy to use format gives travelers a selection based on the city's array of personalities. With the most accurate information available in any guide, three 72-hour itineraries, insider hot tips and equal billing for both nighttime and daytime activities, Night+Day San Francisco is the quintessential guide to the city.
  washington square park salsa: New York Magazine , 1986-07-28 New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea.
  washington square park salsa: Cheap Bastard'sTM Guide to Washington, D.C. Rob Grader, 2009-11-24 Living big—for less—in America's capital Living big in America’s capital takes just the sort of big bucks that fewer and fewer folks have at their disposal these days, right? Think again. Washington, D.C., is full of free and ridiculously cheap stuff—one just needs to know where to look. Leave it to “The Cheap Bastard” to uncover all the ins and outs and exclusive bargains to be had, and to set forth the real deal with wit and humor. The Cheap Bastard’s Guide to Washington, D.C. contains hundreds of ideas for living on the cheap without sacrificing necessities or luxuries. It shows: • How to gain free entrance to plays, films, concerts, and museums • Where to find free classes in anything from yoga to sailing • Where to find half-price meals and free, filling, scrumptious food • How to get a free haircut, color treatment, manicure, or low-cost massage • When and where to find great furnishings in other people’s trash With The Cheap Bastard’s Guide to Washington, D.C., anyone—from students and recent graduates to frugal businesspeople, not to mention the capital’s millions of recession-weary annual visitors—can enjoy the good life . . . for less!
  washington square park salsa: The Rough Guides' New York City Directions Martin Dunford, Rough Guides (Firm), 2004-08 Provides information on dining, accommodations, nightlife, shopping, landmarks, and side trips.
  washington square park salsa: Chess Queens Jennifer Shahade, 2022-03-03 'Like The Queen's Gambit, this isn't really about chess, but power' Sunday Times What does it take to make it to the top of your game? As a chess champion, Jennifer Shahade has travelled the world playing major tournaments. At the top, she finds rivalry and friendship; sexism and feminism; ecstatic highs and excruciating losses. Chess Queens invites us behind the scenes of this ultra male-dominated sport. We meet today's elite, as well as the pioneering female players in history who fought against the odds to get to the top. An essential guide for all aspiring chess queens, Jennifer's story reveals what it takes to break through the glass ceiling. 'Jennifer Shahade is a brilliant, insightful thinker who never fails to entertain and engage' Maria Konnikova 'An astoundingly intimate, thoughtful and inspirational book by a person who has seen it all from the inside' Angela Saini
  washington square park salsa: Style Eruptions Henrik Vejlgaard, 2012-10-02 The full story of how changes in style and taste take place Why do millions of people end up wearing the same style of clothing? Or have the same style in electronics, cars, and furniture? It's because of trends-the powerful process of change that takes place in the same way again and again across the globe. Drawing on his own and other sociologists' groundbreaking research, trend sociologist Henrik Vejlgaard unearths what happens when a new style emerge and go mainstream and examines the influential individuals who make trends happen. He documents that 6 very different groups of individuals play a huge role in the trend process. Style Eruptions is a follow-up to Anatomy of a Trend, his first book on the trend process which presented trends from a business perspective. With Style Eruptions he completes the story of one of the most puzzling mysteries of modern culture: how do changes in style and taste come about?
  washington square park salsa: New York Magazine , 1983-08-01 New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea.
  washington square park salsa: New York Magazine , 1988-05-30 New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea.
  washington square park salsa: New York Magazine , 1987-08-17 New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea.
  washington square park salsa: New York Magazine , 1988-08-01 New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea.
  washington square park salsa: New York Magazine , 1985-08-05 New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea.
  washington square park salsa: The Grey House Performing Arts Directory , 2004
  washington square park salsa: New York Magazine , 1982-07-26 New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea.
  washington square park salsa: Ultimate Food Journeys DK Eyewitness, 2011-10-03 Want to know what the best things to eat and drink in the world are and where you can find them? The World on a Plate takes you on a gastronomic tour of the globe to find the best food experiences. Whether it is the most delicious street food in southeast Asia, or the best clam chowder in New England, this beautifully illustrated book includes every must-try treat in some of the world's best destinations, and places them in their cultural and geographical context. Structured by continent, the best or most interesting things to eat in each area are chosen by expert authors. Be it bouillabaisse in Marseille or dim sum in Hong Kong, they recommend the best places to eat the dish, both in its place of origin and beyond. The restaurants recommended are chosen for the quality of the cooking as well as for the experience of dining there. The World on a Plate is an ideal planner for foodie travelers who want to experience authentic food in its original setting, giving you a different way to see the best regions, towns, and cities in the world-through their food.
  washington square park salsa: New York Magazine , 1993-02-15 New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea.
  washington square park salsa: Inside New York 2008 James R. Williams, 2008-05-27 Bookstores are filled with guides that tell you where to eat, where to shop, and what to see in New York, but can you really rely on their advice? In the interest of appealing to everyone, these guides recommend everything, regardless of whether the food, the stores, or the activities and events are actually worth your time and money. Written by actual New Yorkers who are committed to discovering the best the five boroughs have to offer, Inside New York provides a unique portal into our thrilling (and occasionally daunting) city. Compiled by a team of fearless students, the guide introduces the neighborhoods and nightlife that make New York truly unforgettable. Inside New York's young writers aggressively search for new trends, the hippest nightclubs, and the best deals. They also visit perennial favorites, offering fresh perspectives on museums, monuments, and iconic landmarks. Inside NY 2008 begins with an extensive city life section divided into such categories as public transportation, finding housing and jobs, eating out, locating the best hotels and hostels, classes and workshops, and LGBT events and resources. Then it breaks down the attractions, nightlife, restaurants, and shopping of seventeen Manhattan neighborhoods and four all-inclusive sections of the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. Detailed color maps pinpoint each location.
  washington square park salsa: Blood, Sweat and Tears David Clayton-Thomas, 2010-09-07 There was a time when David Clayton-Thomas seemed an unlikely success story. As a teenager in Willowdale, Ontario, his frequent clashes with his authoritarian father led to his living on the streets by the time he was 14, then spending the rest of his youth bouncing in and out of jails and reformatories. But when a battered, old mail-order guitar was left to him by an outgoing inmate, Clayton-Thomas discovered a talent for music that allowed him to believe in a different kind of life. This is the remarkable story of his journey to international stardom as the legendary front man for Blood, Sweat & Tears. In his brutally truthful memoir, Clayton-Thomas reveals what it was like to headline at Woodstock, to tour behind the Iron Curtain, to watch brilliant musicians tear their own band apart with in-fighting, and to make his fortune only to lose it all ... and start all over again. This is a story of grit, courage, and determination. It is, above all, a story of survival.
  washington square park salsa: The Golem of Brooklyn Adam Mansbach, 2023-09-26 The dazzlingly imaginative, ferociously funny story of an art teacher, a bodega clerk, and a five-thousand-year-old clay crisis monster, from the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Go the F**k to Sleep. “A devastating romp through history, a bonkers road trip through America, this novel could not be any funnier—or any more important.”—W. Kamau Bell In Ashkenazi Jewish folklore, a golem is a humanoid being created out of mud or clay and animated through secret prayers. Its sole purpose is to defend the Jewish people against the immediate threat of violence. It is always a rabbi who makes a golem, and always in a time of crisis. But Len Bronstein is no rabbi—he’s a Brooklyn art teacher who steals a large quantity of clay from his school, gets extremely stoned, and manages to bring his creation to life despite knowing little about Judaism and even less about golems. Unable to communicate with his nine-foot-six, four hundred-pound, Yiddish-speaking guest, Len enlists a bodega clerk and ex-Hasid named Miri Apfelbaum to translate. Eventually, The Golem learns English by binge-watching Curb Your Enthusiasm after ingesting a massive amount of LSD and reveals that he is a creature with an ancestral memory; he recalls every previous iteration of himself, making The Golem a repository of Jewish history and trauma. He demands to know what crisis has prompted his re-creation and whom must he destroy. When Miri shows him a video of white nationalists marching and chanting “Jews will not replace us,” the answer becomes clear. The Golem of Brooklyn is an epic romp through Jewish history and the American present that wrestles with the deepest questions of our humanity—the conflicts between faith and skepticism, tribalism and interdependence, and vengeance and healing.
  washington square park salsa: Transcircularities Quincy Troupe, 2002 The best and the newest from one of American poetry's most cool and lyrical rhythm masters.
  washington square park salsa: New York Magazine , 1977-06-27 New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea.
  washington square park salsa: New York Magazine , 1982-08-02 New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea.
  washington square park salsa: New York Magazine , 1987-05-25 New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea.
  washington square park salsa: New York Magazine , 1987-06-22 New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea.
  washington square park salsa: The Rough Guide to New York City Andrew Rosenberg, Martin Dunford, Stephen Keeling, 2014-02-03 The Rough Guide to New York City has detailed coverage of the city's sights and attractions and stunning photography throughout to illustrate its great buildings, iconic landmarks and distinctive neighbourhoods. Up-to-date listings, clear maps and extensive practical information will ensure you make the most of your time in the city. The introduction gives an overview of New York City; itineraries to help you explore neighbourhoods, discover great places to eat and escape the typical visitor's path; and a select list of things not to miss - the best museums, festivals, night-time activities and much more. The guide then goes from neighbourhood to neighbourhood across the boroughs: historic Financial District, Chelsea's High Line park, the churches of Harlem, Brooklyn's Coney Island and the furthest reaches of the Bronx. With essentials on how to get around, boxes on hidden gems in some of the most popular areas, and all kinds of top-5 lists, you'll be sure to find the best the city has to offer, whether you're a first-time or regular visitor. Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to New York City. Now available in ePub format.
  washington square park salsa: Weather Reports Quincy Troupe, 1991 This linguistically innovative collection of poems explores various facets of the human condition around the world, from the sublime to the commonplace. Born of the rhythms of Afro-American and African musical traditions, it offers wonderful reading and cause for reflection with often startling metaphors and imagery--From back cover.
  washington square park salsa: New York Magazine , 1980-06-30 New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea.
  washington square park salsa: Rethinking Urban Parks Setha M. Low, Dana Taplin, Suzanne Scheld, 2009-05-21 A study of public recreation space and how urban developers can encourage ethnic diversity through planning that supports multiculturalism. Urban parks such as New York City’s Central Park provide vital public spaces where city dwellers of all races and classes can mingle safely while enjoying a variety of recreations. By coming together in these relaxed settings, different groups become comfortable with each other, thereby strengthening their communities and the democratic fabric of society. But just the opposite happens when, by design or in ignorance, parks are made inhospitable to certain groups of people. This pathfinding book argues that cultural diversity should be a key goal in designing and maintaining urban parks. Using case studies of New York City’s Prospect Park, Orchard Beach in Pelham Bay Park, and Jacob Riis Park in the Gateway National Recreation Area, as well as New York’s Ellis Island Bridge Proposal and Philadelphia's Independence National Historical Park, the authors identify specific ways to promote, maintain, and manage cultural diversity in urban parks. They also uncover the factors that can limit park use, including historical interpretive materials that ignore the contributions of different ethnic groups, high entrance or access fees, park usage rules that restrict ethnic activities, and park “restorations” that focus only on historical or aesthetic values. With the wealth of data in this book, urban planners, park professionals, and all concerned citizens will have the tools to create and maintain public parks that serve the needs and interests of all the public.
  washington square park salsa: Ear Magazine , 1983