Do you love to dance? Have you ever thought about taking dance lessons? New York is literally overflowing with possibilities for anyone interested in getting into shape while also having an absolutely fantastic time.

Steven Hughes

One such place is “Stepping Out Studios, ” whose stated mission is to “introduce and spread the joy of partner dancing far and wide.” Stepping Out began in 1985, and has always been on the forefront of introducing the latest dance styles to New Yorkers; being the first to bring Argentine Tango and West Coast Swing to the Eastern Coast of the US. They have also played a key role in the exciting revival of Latin, Swing and Country Western dancing which has taken New York by storm over the last decade.

The latest development at Stepping Out has been the addition of Steven Hughes to the studio as the new managing director. Hughes has over 20 years of experience as a business owner, theater director, choreographer, producer as well as a certified professional dance instructor.

Stepping Out offers a lot more than just dance lessons. In addition to both private and group lessons, Stepping Out can provide wedding planning, corporate programs, teacher training programs and lots more. Check it out and come down and dance!

Tim Norton

There is no shortage of places to go to hear some fine music in New York City. But what to do if you would like to be on the giving end of the music scene in New York, rather than the taking end? Easy, just get yourself over to Guitar Cities – New York, located at 1350 Avenue of the Americas, at 55th and Sixth Avenue.  At their location in midtown Manhattan experienced guitar instructors Adam Neely, Tim Norton and Marcel Hamel have put together a talented, and more importantly, effective group of guitar instructors who will personalize a tutoring program in guitar for you which will perfectly meet your needs.

Neely, Norton and Hamel are all graduates of the famous Berklee College of Music in Boston. Their stated goal when forming their amazing team of guitar instructors was to not only have the most knowledgeable and gifted artists as teachers, but to make sure that each tutor was an “experienced communicator and teacher” with the ability to impart their vast knowledge onto the eager student.

Guitar Cities, which also has locations in Chicago, San Francisco and London, provides the instrument gratis, does not charge a registration fee, is open to all students of all ages and backgrounds, and will accommodate any style guitar playing which is desired, from jazz to rock, pop, blues and more.

There is no limit on how long the lessons must last, from a month to years. As long as the student is happy, Adam Neely, Tim Norton and Marcel Hamel are also happy. So stop by and start to learn guitar.

In the mood for some intellectual stimulation? There are a huge number of lectures available for New Yorkers to attend this coming week. One lecture of particular interest will take place at the 92nd Street Y, featuring the retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.

Stevens served for 34 as s Justice, and he now wrote a book about his experiences on the highest court in the land.  The book, Five Chiefs: A Supreme Court Memoir, describes some of the landmark decisions in which Stevens was involved.

The talk will feature a discussion of some of those crucial decisions, including Gregg v. Georgia, which reaffirmed the use of the death penalty as a form of punishment for serious crimes.
Call the ‘Y” for more information and reservations: 212-415-5500.

Fall is a great time to be in New York. The weather is perfect, the leaves are gorgeous, and the events are endless. Here are just a few things to do this autumn which go beyond the usual and are guaranteed to be memorable.

Jane's Carousel

• The restored 1922 carousel at the Empire and Fulton Ferry Park (Brooklyn Bridge Park) will be the centerpiece of the newly renovated and reopened waterside park in DUMBO. September 16 was the opening date, and new lighting at the site will keep the park open into the evening for the first time. Empire–Fulton Ferry Park, Dock St at the East River, Dumbo, Brooklyn (718-802-0603, janescarousel.com). Mon, Tue–Sun 11am–7pm, through Nov 5; Thu–Sun 11am–6pm through Apr 5. $2.

• There is no need to leave the city to see the colorful display of autumn leaves Mother Nature organizes for us each year. Check out the view in Central Park as you stroll down the 1.58 mile track which encircles the Reservoir. You can also see the leaves in Prospect Park. Observe the leaves of ash, tulip and other trees as they turn bright orange and red reflected in the ponds along the ravine trails which are found between the Nethermead and Long Meadow.

Bear Mountain Inn

• Circle Line Cruises is offering a special trip to Bear Mountain until the end of October. Sail up the Hudson, disembark at Bear Mountain State Park, and enjoy a beer and a hike during the three hour stop over until the return trip. Bear Mountain offers over one hundred miles of trails for hikers and bikers, and the beer is flowing at the Bear Mountain Inn where you can catch the celebration of Oktoberfest. Pier 83, W 42nd St at the Hudson River (circleline42.com). Sat, Sun 8:30am–5:30pm; $50, with bike rental $79. Sept 17–Oct 30.