Dance 208
208 W 13th St
New York, NY 1011
Dance 208 is the bi-weekly dance party held at New York’s LGBT community center. This long running event has been going on at the Center for well over two decades, and it keeps drawing a wonderfully mixed crowd of partygoers striving to keep New York’s dance culture alive.
In the fickle world of gay nightlife, Dance 208 succeeds in remaining current, while still holding true to its original spirit. It provides a welcome outlet for all of New York’s gay community to get together and celebrate its diversity, in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere. As such, it constitutes a refreshing alternative to the usual commercial party circuit, and brings back an authentic house party kind of vibe.
Rooted in New York’s rich and long tradition of gay dance parties, Dance 208 features many talents, performers and characters that have come out from this scene. Legendary DJ’s such as Frankie Knuckles, Susan Morabito, Billy Carroll, Johnny Dynell are regular guests, and Dance 208 provides a unique opportunity to dance in an intimate setting to the mix of such dance music pioneers.
Each edition of Dance 208 is centered on a theme, celebrating the many facets of New York’s gay dance culture. Some of the most famous, and recurring events include “Garage Classics” honoring the legacy of the seminal nightclub, “Fur Ball” the annual bear lover extravaganza, and the traditional Valentine’s dance.
The promoters of the event make sure each event is unique and special, drawing inspiration for new themes from the many scenes and sub-cultures New York has spawned. Be on the lookout for the upcoming party is schedule to find out what famous DJ or legendary performer will be featured at Dance:208.
Latest Videos from Dance 208
Upcoming Events at Dance 208
Sat 26.07.08 - Summer Garage Classics
Larry Levan Birthday Celebration!
(Produced in partnership with Gay Men’s Health Crisis)
DJ Carlos Sanchez; Design: David Aviles
9pm-1am $10/$6 (before 10, Center Member, original Garage member (with ID) $8 Online Tickets Pre-Sale at www.gaycenter.org
This summer, GMHC and Dance:208 join forces to celebrate DJ Larry Levan’s birthday with a great Garage celebration in the Dance:208 Garage Classics tradition with legendary DJ Carlos Sanchez (www.carlossanchezmovement.com)! Carlos has played at the Warehouse, Shelter, Body & Soul, and regularly spins at Starlight Lounge & Langstons in Brooklyn. The Garage Classics are always one of Dance:208's hottest parties! Just ask anyone who's been to one of them! Our Garage party this February for the 30th Anniversary of the Garage and tribute to Mel Cheren was legendary! Opening its doors in February 1978, Paradise Garage was home of revered DJ Larry Levan who’s birthday in July is always a celebration of the man, the music and the club that inspired and continues to influence generations of dance lovers the world over. The Garage was one of the most famous and influential clubs the dance world has known, where the likes of Diana Ross, Keith Haring, Grace Jones and Madonna might be seen on any given night dancing to the music of revered mixmaster DJ Larry Levan. 'Heartbeat','Is It All Over My Face?', 'Hot Shot', 'Don't Make Me Wait', 'Instant Replay', are just some of the songs made famous at the Garage. So get your body into it and dance! Expect an amazing evening of classic garage beats and a lot of baby powder! And don’t forget to take a break and chill out in the garden under the stars, while celebrating the man who helped define what we know as Paradise Garage.
Sat 26.07.08 - Garage Classics
GARAGE CLASSICS: LARRY LEVAN'S BIRTHDAY
DJ CARLOS SANCHEZ