UNION SQUARE— Bollywood cardio, a reggae-based work out and Fuerza Bruta performances are just a few of the free programs hitting the square this summer through the month of August.
The park's annual Summer in the Square, which runs through Aug. 13, is bringing 9 weeks of free outdoor events, including early morning fitness classes, kids events during the afternoon and cultural events in the evening, according to the organizer, the Union Square Partnership.
Along with 7 a.m. yoga and full body barre at 8 a.m., dance-inspired fitness sessions will also be available during the day, such as a Pon De Flo, a Caribbean and reggae dance-based work out that will take place at 5 p.m. on July 16.
Kids events includes arts and crafts, live music by Rolie Polie Guacamole on July 23, and a petting zoo on July 16 at 9:30 a.m. featuring small animals like turtles, rabbits and chinchillas.
Thursdays will offer free classes and a series of evening performances, including a breakdancing show by PMT Dance Company at 5 p.m. on July 16 and a performance by Fuerza Bruta on Aug. 6 and 13 at 5 p.m.
Summer in the Square events date back as far as 1998, but the offerings have expanded significantly since 2002. The Union Square Partnership estimates that in the four weeks since this year's events launched, approximately 4,000 people have participated in its programming, according the partnership.
"The purpose of Summer in the Square is to highlight the strengths of businesses throughout the Union Square area that are offered year-round", says the Union Square Partnership's executive director Jennifer Falk. "Now that summer is in full swing, we anticipate that we will continue to see more and more people come out and join in the activities."
Highlights of this coming Thursday's schedule include:
► A BollyX Bollywood cardio class at 8 a.m.
► A petting zoo by the Upper East Side kids center Art Farm in the City at 9:30 a.m.
► A lunch hour jazz concert with an ensemble of musicians studying at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music at noon.
► Kid's storytime hosted by Strand Bookstore at 2:30 p.m.
► Breakdancing performance by PMT Dance Company at 5 p.m.
