Pre-registration is now closed. Walk-up participants are welcome.

On summer evenings, the High Line transforms from a park to an open-air dance floor where New Yorkers and visitors come together to enjoy the sounds of local salsa legends and learn dance moves from the masters. Whether you’re an experienced salsa dancer or just excited to learn, come join us for ¡Arriba! and see why it’s the High Line’s longest-running public program. This intergenerational event is open to the public.

On August 17, ¡Arriba! will feature a salsa DJ set by DJ Mickey Pérez followed by a salsa lesson brought to you by George Giraldo & Lilly Colón, the first Latin Rockette. Then followed by a live performance by NYC’s all-women salsa band, Lulada Club, and a Salsa & Cuban music set played by DJ Mickey Pérez for the rest of the evening.

6pm: Event starts with DJ Mickey Perez
6:15 – 6:55pm: Salsa lessons by George Giraldo & Lilly Colón
7 – 8:15pm: Performance by Lulada Club
8:15 – 9pm: Salsa & Cuban Music by DJ Mickey Perez

¡Arriba! is rain or shine—the event is fully covered.

Accessibility
We encourage all persons with disabilities to attend. Program venues are accessible via wheelchair. To request additional information regarding accessibility or accommodations at a program, please contact programs@thehighline.org.

Lulada Club
NYC’s all women salsa band is a collective of vibrant musicians, each brilliant and accomplished in her own right. This group brings excitement and charm to the stage, with contagious energy that will have you on the dance floor all night!

Vocalist and bandleader Andrea Chavarro founded Lulada Club in 2022 with a mission to close the gender gap in female representation in the NYC live music scene. She was inspired by her heritage, with roots in Cali, Colombia, which is renowned as the world capital of salsa.

The powerhouse band pays homage to the icons of salsa by interpreting classics of the vintage tropical genre while offering a fresh perspective through their original tunes.

George Giraldo
George Giraldo is a seasoned choreographer, performer, and educator, whose artistic journey spans over three decades. He has captivated audiences with his talent and passion, while also sharing his knowledge through teaching. Returning to his cherished home in Dortmund, Germany, since 1987, Giraldo has dedicated himself to freelancing as a dancer, choreographer, and performer, alongside his part-time work with the parks department.

Since 2022, Giraldo has been teaching Salsa and ballet at the Chelsea Recreation Center, as well as offering Aqua Aerobics classes. His background in entertainment and his dedication to nurturing talent bring great joy to his teaching endeavors. George Giraldo’s extensive career, marked by his exceptional choreography, captivating performances, and commitment to education, has solidified his status as a revered artist and mentor in the performing arts community.

Lilly Colón
Lilly Colón is a veteran dancer who started her career in the entertainment industry at 16. Currently teaching jazz in New York City, Lillian’s achievements include being the First Latina Radio City Music Hall Rockette and receiving the title of The Puerto Rican Woman of The Year by El Dario in 1997. She has also been a Guest of Honor and Godmother in 3 Puerto Rican Day Parades. Lillian’s journey began at The High School of Performing Arts and led her to perform at Lincoln Center and various Latin night clubs. She later became one of the lead dancers for the 61st Academy Award Show and toured with Olga Breskin in Mexico. Lillian’s career highlights include working with renowned choreographers like Chita Rivera, Alan Johnson, and Michael Bennett. Ultimately, she achieved her dream of dancing at The New York Radio City Music Hall as a Rockette and penned a memoir about her life and dancing experience titled Lilly: The First Latina Rockette.

Photo release:
By attending this event, you agree that photos and/or video footage of you may be taken, and you grant your permission to Friends of the High Line and its agents/licensees to use such photos/footage for promotional and other purposes.