Alegria Pride 2011: Angels in New York

Last year, Alegria debuted at the Nokia Theatre, on West 44th Street right in the heart of Times Square. This year, Alegria returns. The name of the space has changed corporate hands. But the Best Buy Theater is still one of the best dance spaces on New York City.

Unfortunately, given the triage that has decimated club life in the city that supposedly never sleeps, it's one of the very few large venues left in the city. That it also happens to be one of the nicest, with easily the best restrooms and lots and lots of well-functioning air conditioning, only adds to its allure.

Don't discount the importance of the latter. Alegria began at Pacha over 10 years ago. When the a/c malfunctioned, producer Ric Sena ran out and bought dozens of fans. That helped cement Alegria as an instant hit, and the party has been riding the wave of success ever since.

When you enter Best Buy, it's reminiscent of the old Palladium. A steep, blue-lit tunnel leads to the dance floor itself, along with plenty of chill-out spaces. But don't expect a normal club night. Alegria has made its reputation with over-the-top extravaganzas.

This year, the theme is "Angels and Demons." Expect some heavenly bodies to be go-go dancing; Sena is famous for getting the absolute, bar-none, hottest men on the planet to take it off and shake it for the adoring multitudes.

Sena said he chose the theme to be upbeat and reflect the tradition of Pride. The party falls on the late evening of Sunday, June 26, after the march down the avenue and the Pier Dance. It extends well into the morning of Monday, June 27, and probably onward, so prepare to call in sick for work!

Also reflecting Pride, Sena said there would be plenty of rainbow colors. Alegria Pride is always uplifting, and expect plenty of melodious but driving music from the duo of Rosabel --�Ralphia Rosario and Abel. Abel himself takes over the DJ booth around 7 a.m. until close. This is a DJ as closely associated with Alegria as any, and he knows what keeps this crowd on their feet.

About that crowd: Alegria has developed a reputation for reliably having the hottest single aggregate of men anywhere. Don't expect anything different for this party, which will attract between 2,500 and 3,000 revelers.

Bring your wings and prepare to take off!

Alegria will take place Sunday, June 26, from 11 p.m. until about noon June 27. Tickets are $95, available at Universal Gear (Eighth Avenue and West 17th Street) or Wear Me Out (West 47th Street a few doors east of Ninth Avenue) or online. Saturday night, June 25, tickets will only be available via the two retail outlets or the night of the party at the Best Buy ticket window.