Boston’s Charles River Esplanade is turning Monday evenings into a low-stakes dance floor, with free lessons and post-class bites on the calendar through mid-August. The series is designed for participants of all ages, so nobody needs to arrive knowing a grapevine from a grand jeté. Comfortable shoes are encouraged; fancy footwork is strictly optional.
International Moves & Food, presented by Boston Dance Alliance and the Esplanade Association, runs Mondays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Hatch Grove near the Hatch Shell and Esplanade Playspace. The Boston Globe reports that the program began in July and continues through Aug. 17, with each 60-minute class followed by a 30-minute social featuring free food from local restaurants.
Three Mondays, Three Completely Different Dance Floors
This Monday’s lesson is Haitian folkloric dance with Jean Appolon and JAE Live drumming, according to the official registration page. Caribbean and soca dancing with Ms. 5678 is scheduled for Aug. 10, followed by bachata and merengue with Anara Frank of MetaMovements on Aug. 17.
Earlier sessions introduced participants to Lindy Hop, salsa and dancehall, giving the series a deliberately wide cultural range. The Boston Dance Alliance says the classes are led by professional teaching artists and culture bearers who connect local audiences with dance traditions from Boston and around the world.
What To Know Before Heading To Hatch Grove
The program fits into the Esplanade Association’s broader effort to enliven the riverfront as a gathering place through free cultural, recreational and community programming. The organization’s events calendar describes International Moves & Food as a chance to learn unfamiliar steps, connect with neighbors and sample food tied to each dance’s culture.
Registration is encouraged so organizers can send timely updates, especially if severe weather threatens a class. The event information also notes that there is no parking on the Esplanade; visitors can walk in from the Arthur Fiedler Footbridge or use nearby MBTA stops including Arlington and Charles/MGH.
