Both the American Ballet Theatre and the New York City Ballet have spring/summer seasons at Lincoln Center. ABT performs at the Metropolitan Opera House while City Ballet dances right across the fountain plaza at the New York State Theatre. In other words, you could take in an ABT matinee, then step outside for a commanding view of the giant Chagall paintings, have dinner al fresco at the plaza, and then settle down for an evening performance of City Ballet -- all without walking more than a few footsteps! Beyond that, you could arrive early and peruse the dance stacks and dance video collection at the Lincoln Center Library and Museum of the Performing Arts. And if you're here in July, don't miss the Lincoln Center Festival, a three-week marathon of dance, opera, theatre, performance art and music. Call (212) 721-6500.

Finally, stick around after any evening performance for the Lincoln Center Midsummer Night swing. I can personally attest to the fact that this is one of the most rollicking events in the city. A huge dance floor is constructed in the plaza, and top bands play everything from swing to Latin to country while ballroom buffs waltz and rhumba the night away. Before each specialty evening, free lessons are given and plenty of people come without partners, so don't be shy. Call (212) 875-5766 for a full season brochure