Celebrate Brooklyn! Bridge Dance Party

DJ Rekha and dancers - Brooklyn Bridge Park - May 26, 2011The summer hasn’t officially started, but Mother Nature doesn’t seem to know that.  With temperatures soaring into the low 90s, it felt more like Labor Day weekend than Memorial Day.  I have certain markers that indicate the official beginning of summer: The FIGMENT festival on Governor’s Island, a Cyclones game down in Coney Island and the events associated with Celebrate Brooklyn!  This summer-long festival spans the borough and lasts throughout the warm weather.   Generally, the season is in full swing before I participate in an event, but this year I seem to be a bit in tune with Mother Nature.

This year, the season kicked off with the Bhangra Bridge Dance Party.  It took place not under the Brooklyn Bridge, but adjacent to it in a park space set against the water.  As the sun set, we were treated to breathtaking views of downtown Brooklyn and the lower Manhattan skyline.   But the views were just a bonus.  The evening was a treat to the sense.

If you’re not familiar with Bhangra music, it’s a beat-heavy Indian style found in many Bollywood films.  The beat is nothing short of infective, you must dance along.  The night featured a warm-up DJ and dancers who taught basic steps to the crowd.   Dance with wild abandon.  There is no fear of looking silly. You are meant to enjoy yourself. The audience turned into one large dance party.  The headliner was DJ Rekha, host of Basement Bhangra at S.O.B.s.  She usually ignites the crown into a frenzy, but something about the fresh air added to the party atmosphere.  It was the perfect way to welcome the upcoming season.