A midtown tradition since 2014, Dance Party returns to Bryant Park this summer! Now entering into its tenth year, the beloved series offers park goers in-person dance events in a variety of styles throughout the first three weeks of May. Each of the six free programs of dance instruction, live music, and social dance are open to all to attend with no reservations or waiting list. Just walk up and join the party!

6pm: Pachanga Instruction / 8:15pm: Salsa Instruction

7pm-10pm: Live Dance Music with La Charanga Pacha and Jimmy Bosch Salsa Masters

Cuban percussionist Miguelito “Pacha” Pozo arrived to the United States in 1958 at the age of three. Pacha soon took up percussion, focusing on the timbales. At the age of thirteen, he competed in a Tito Puente contest and earned 2nd place; soon after, Pacha began playing with bassist Glen Vargas in the band La Contraria in New York City. In 1976, Pacha began to play with New Jersey band Orquesta Realidad, then teamed up with flute extraordinaire Jose Antonio Fajardo in 1980. Pacha recorded live and in the studio with Fajardo Y Sus Estrellas until Fajardo’s death in 2000. Pacha rejoined the band playing guiro in 2001 under the direction of Fajardo, Jr. Pacha has shared the stage with many greats in Latin music, including Tito Puente, Machito, Larry Harlow, Tipica ’73, Orquesta Broadway, and many more during his long career.

Ambassador of Salsa Dura Jimmy Bosch is loved and respected by Salseros the world over and highly regarded for his ability to entertain an audience and keep the dancers dancing. As a bandleader with decades of experience, Bosch can turn the heat up at just the right moments. He is a leader, a passionate trombone soloist, a lead singer, a composer, and a dancer. Recorded on over 100 productions as a solo artist in his 45 year career, Bosch has collaborated with such greats as Ray Barretto, Ruben Blades. Eddie Palmieri, Manny Oquendo y Libre, Cachao, FANIA Allstars, and many more. He has traveled the globe performing live Salsa for audiences in over 40 countries. Bosch has the dance bug in him all his life, taking dance classes with Eddie Torres, Yamulee, Adolfo Indanochea, and many other dance instructors globally. He has his own style, mixing the old school and modern techniques, using his experience as a musician to express himself on the dancers floor.