Here's a terrific recession busting tip:  If you'll be in New York during the summer of 2009, be sure to take advantage of the smorgasbord of free outdoor dance events -- some to watch and some that give you the chance to join the fun!  Here are links to my picks:

The River To River Festival's Sitelines Series
These site specific performances feature world premieres in public places.  Artists and companies include Zvi Gotheiner's Zvidance, Jonah Bokaer and Judith Sanchez Ruiz, American Ballroom Theater, Merce Cunningham Dance Company, Nicholas Leighter, Naomi Goldberg Haas and Gabrielle Lansner & Company.

CityParks Dance
The season's line-up in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens has offerings from many disciplines: African by Kulu Mele Ensemble, hip hop by Generation Next, a modern/Caribbean fusion by Tania Isaac, praise dance by Cecilia Martin Dance Co., ballet by Morphoses/The Wheeldon Company, modern by Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, break dancing by Illstyle & Peace Productions, and abstract expressionism by nathantrice/RITUALS, plus the Dancewave Kids Company.  Dance master classes will be featured for audiences of all ages prior to the performances.

Lincoln Center Out of Doors
Choose from Ben Muisteri Dance Projects and Dendy Dancetheater, LaMora's Pyo Oro Afro-Cuban Dance, Harlem Samba, Buika and Urban Bush Women, and Contra-Tiempo and Abakua Afro-Cuban Dance.

Central Park SummerStage
Dance Rioult kicks off the Manhattan season followed by some of the same companies scheduled by CityParks Dance in the other boroughs: Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, nathantrice/RITUALS dance theater, and Morphoses/The Wheeldon Company.

More events after the jump!