This story is a bit unusual for The Wine Chef in that it takes you into the world of dance where a performance at The 92nd Street Y, New York went way beyond choreographed movement. This fun event wove together dance, serious reflection, wine, and the art of whining—yes, plenty of complaints!

Dancing Since 1935

For decades, The 92nd Street Y’s Harkness Dance Center has supported artists at every stage of their creative journey, both emerging talents and legendary pioneers like Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, Hanya Holm, and Charles Weidman. This dynamic dance hub provides a platform for groundbreaking performances, classes, and workshops.

At a recent event, MeenMoves, a New York-based dance-theatre company, staged a clever and engaging show titled W(h)ine Pairings. Choreographed by Sameena Mitta, the artistic director of MeenMoves and an artistic advisor at The Harkness Dance Center, this interactive experience pairs audience complaints with wine and short dances. Each dance is set to a song from Nico Muhly and Teitur Lassen’s album Confessions, an engagingly offbeat collection of songs.

The wines. labeled by colorful dots, were provided by Astor Wines. The wine producer names were not disclosed, but all of the wines were delicious, including Grüner Veltliner and VIOGNIER for whites, and Nebbiolo and Cabernet Sauvignon for the reds. *Photo: Lisa Denning.*

The evening kicked off with an audience member volunteering a complaint. On the night I attended, the grievances ranged from the woes of the New York subway system to frustration with ads that interrupt movies. And one brave soul even voiced a lighthearted complaint about having, in her words, “boobs that are too small.” Needless to say, there was a lot of laughter along with all the whining!

The performers presented 14 short dances, each paired with specific complaints and a wine (or sometimes just water—a good way to keep us clear-headed!). In addition to the lighthearted fun of W(h)ine Pairings, the dance numbers address more serious, contemporary issues, from gun violence to the #MeToo movement, proving that art can be a powerful medium for reflection and connection.

Although the curtains have fallen on this particular show, the Harkness Dance Center offers a schedule of diverse dance performances throughout the year. The productions may change, but the spirit of innovation and creativity lives on at The 92nd Street Y.

For upcoming dance performances, visit 92NY’s schedule of events.