Thursday July, 11th, 2024. Pier 83 Midtown — I’m still floating from the amazing Janet and Michael inspired Dance cruise hosted by Circle Line, NYC’s most iconic boat tour. The renowned cruise line is known for curating remarkable high-energy and engaging Summer Dance Cruises themed around various genres, artists and pop-culture music icons.
For 150 diehard fans of Janet and Michael Jackson, Thursday evening offered a special treat, a fabulously curated evening of their biggest hits, with classics including “Thriller,” “Smooth Criminal,” “All for You,” “Escapade” and “Scream” all while sipping cocktails and taking on the chance to learn the classic choreography from Michael and Janet’s most popular videos and live performances. From 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm, the dance inspired cruise is led by Pop Choreography Expert Byron Freeman of B. Free Dance. Byron Freeman is the choreographer for all dance cruises and has been doing so since the series started 3 years ago. The seasoned choreographer who has been dancing since the tender age of 4 years old, brought his high energy to and philosophy of “being set free through dance” on the cool waters of the Hudson River as the guest Moonwalked on 2.5-hour cruise.
“During my first opportunity to travel and teach in LA, I met a dance & wellness therapist who informed me that a 2024 study proved dance to be ‘The Number One Thing’ to aid in curing depression/anxiety, more than any SSRIs, [any] type of exercise, or form of medicines.” Byron shares with the Knockturnal, “When I heard that, it all became so clear why I [innately] chose the expression of dance as my first love. For my entire life, dance has allowed me to truly ‘B. FREE’ in every aspect of the word. From guiding me through health, community, self discovery, life, and so many other things, dance has been my longest friend! Becoming a teacher, which was new for me, is yet another thing Dance has introduced to my life. I just celebrated 6 years on July 10th as a Professional Dance Instructor & Choreographer. My mission is to use the entertainment of performing arts and pure self expression to help anyone, including myself, to truly B. FREE!”
On the cruise, the DJ spun the tunes as Byron showed the voyagers their routines. Once mastered, the party goers were set free to let loose, and dance-battle, on any level of the boat and stage during the free-for-all final hour, and danced the rest of the night away while sailing alongside the best city views at sunset!
The fun doesn’t stop there as Circle Line offers more dance cruises and you will have your chance to attend two more astonishing cruise before the end of the Summer. Upcoming cruises to mark your calendars include “Hip Hop Divas” in partnership with the Universal Hip Hop Museum on August 7 and the “Yeah!” Usher Cruise on September 5. All dance cruises depart at 7:30 PM on their designated day, with tickets starting at $30. For more information on the Summer Dance Series and to purchase tickets, please visit Circle Line.
