Today was the final day of the 10 day series, Fall For Dance Festival 2011, hosted at the New York City Center. Created in 2004, the Fall For Dance Festival aims to bring dance to wider audiences, at affordable prices. With world class talents performing for $10 tickets, this Festival is an unbelievable opportunity to see critically acclaimed performances at a bargain basement price.

Located at  W. 55th street at the New York City Center, visitors have the opportunity to discover a piece of New York history. Opened in 1943 as the first performing arts center in New York City, the New York City Center was created as “an accessible, affordable home for the best of theater, music and dance.” Saved from destruction by Mayor LaGuardia, this former gathering place for the Ancient Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, is now a public center for performing arts, and provides an interesting canvas of Moorish design and architecture.

Before each show, visitors and public passerby were invited to the FFD Lounge, a public arena in the Center, where DJs spun tunes and mini appetizers and drinks were available.

Every two nights of the Festival featured 4 different acts and performers. On October 29th, the night that I was able to attend, the four featured acts were Vertigo Dance Company, Drew Jacoby, Jessica Lang Dance, and Richard Alston Dance Company. The performances ranged in size, technique, style, and music, yet piece was full of heart and conviction.

My personal favorite was Among the Stars, choreographed by Jessica Lang Dance. Performed by dancers Clifton Brown and Yuan Yuan Tan, this piece tells the story of a Japanese star festival called Tanabata. The story revolves around two stars who are fated to stay on opposite ends of a river, The Milky Way, except for one night each year when they are reunited. These two dancers create an emotional and touching moment, as the lovers enjoy their one night together.

While the Fall For Dance Festival may have ended this year, the Festival will return next year, so make sure to mark your calenders. It just may be the best $10 you have ever spent.