Bachata Dance Night is a Dairy Market Sensation
While other vendors inside Charlottesville’s Dairy Market close up shop for the evening, the Forbes-recognized steakhouse South and Central transforms into a fun and safe space for people to dance socially every Thursday from 9 p.m. until midnight. Come experience traditional bachata and other Latin dance styles with production by the Foreign Playerz, who enjoy promoting dance and supporting artistic talent. Not only is the restaurant known for an elevated South and Central American dining experience, but it also deepens the immersion with song and dance.
The Dairy Market is located at 946 Grady Avenue and is home to an array of brick-and-mortar “stalls.” As far as food goes, they have something for everyone. Take It Away sandwich shop, Dino’s Wood-fired Pizza & Rotisserie Chicken, and Bee Conscious Baking Company all cater to gluten sensitivities. Grab coffee while a friend finds a bite to eat, and together, you both can indulge in those well-deserved treats. Another stall, Manila Street, often has their Filipino food truck, Little Manila, parked outside PVCC during the school year. Retail shops, Starr Hill Brewery, and MooThru have stalls here, too. Among all of the enticing aromas and offerings is South and Central, the Dairy Market’s premier restaurant and steakhouse featuring a wood-fired grill and open-kitchen atmosphere with a chef’s table.
When arriving for Bachata Night, walk to the farthest end of The Dairy Market away from the parking lot (free for the first hour and then $2.50 for each additional hour). I arrived around 10 p.m. and ran into Dairy Market’s Milkman’s Bar manager Abigail Fowler who was leaving after a post-shift bachata moment. She said, “I just got done dancing my heart out.”
Bachata is a social dance that originated in the Dominican Republic and is typically danced with a partner. It is not the only style of social dancing to be expected on Thursdays. Other styles include salsa, zouk, reggaeton, and merengue, all representing various Latin cultures and their influences. The consensual and sophisticated dancing is exciting to watch and participate in. Entertainment and conversation are enjoyed around the dance floor, with plenty of places to sit and stand. Honduran executive chef and grill master Kelvino Barrera shared his favorite part of Bachata night: “The way everybody comes together. Everybody respects each other. There’s no hate.” Wear sneakers or dance shoes. While there’s plenty of water to stay hydrated, late-night snacks and drinks are also available to purchase. The cover charge is $10, or $5 if you have a student ID. If you want to know more about the restaurant itself (menus, reservations, specials, and events), you can visit their website: www.southandcentralgrill.com.
