The Midland Beach splash plaza sits right on the FDR Boardwalk, which means an hour of Latin dance cardio with the Atlantic behind you and no gym fee attached. Madeline Morales leads it for Shape Up NYC, and the routines alternate fast and slow rhythms with steps built for people who have never taken a class. If you want a free, unpretentious way to start the last real beach Saturday of the summer, this is it.
What to expect
Turn up at the splash plaza on the Midland Beach stretch of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk for an hour of Latin, international and pop-driven dance fitness. The routines combine aerobic interval training with easy-to-follow steps, so newcomers can join without prior experience. The boardwalk and beach are right there for afterwards.
Good to know
- Free through Shape Up NYC, though NYC Parks asks you to register through its listing
- Held outdoors at the splash plaza on the FDR Boardwalk, so bring water and sun protection
- The splash plaza sits on the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk at Midland Beach, reachable by bus from the ferry terminal
- No dance experience needed; the steps are built to be easy to follow
- Wear trainers you can pivot in rather than sandals
- Stay for the beach and boardwalk afterwards, both free and open
Get Saturday planned every Thursday
One email a week — the best of the NYC weekend board. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
Do I need to register?
NYC Parks lists a registration window for this class that closes on the day itself, so signing up through the Parks listing is the safe route.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes. Shape Up NYC describes the routines as fitness interval training with easy-to-follow dance steps, suitable for people new to Zumba.
More this weekend
