Dance On The Pier

  • Address:
    Pier 54 (13th St. at the Hudson River)
    New York, NY 1001
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The traditional "Dance on the Pier" is a truly splendid event. With the dance floor located just above the water on the Hudson River Piers and the Manhattan skyline dominated by the Empire State building in the background, the setting of this party is nothing short of awe inspiring.

The large crowd of over 7,000 revelers brings a wonderful uplifting vibe to this evening of music, making it a joyous celebration of our community dancing and bonding in the spirit of Pride.

The music traditionally leers over the soulful and the classics, bringing back the tunes that have defined the many eras New York's gay scene. The opening DJ is usually a young up-and-coming talent who is given the opportunity to shine his skills in a high profile event, while the latter part of the evening is placed under the helmed of a long time figure of the gay dance scene.

In 2006, the studly black DJ DeMarko opened the event, followed by the legendary DJ Susan Morabito who took over the decks and spun a beautiful set of Fire Island classics, new remixes of old-time favorites interspersed with a few uplifting trance tracks in her signature style.

The blend of light, uplifting dance tunes with a certain nostalgic edge, combined with the incredibly diverse and friendly crowd, and the beautiful colors of the sun setting over Manhattan's skyline make for the perfect celebration of Gay Pride.

The party culminates with a live performance from an artist dear to the gay community. Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Jennifer Lopez have all graced the stage of the Pier Dance.

In 2006, the Bronx born diva Jennifer Lopez performed draped in an angel like immaculate garment, singing a medley of her hits along accompanied by her cast of hunky back up dancers. To say that the pier queens were living it would be an understatement. The grand finale of the evening is a magnificent firework shot from across the New Jersey bank, illuminating the night sky with beaming, multicolor flares.

Pictures from Dance on the Pier

Videos from Dance on the Pier

DJ Jonathan Porter at the 2007 Pier Dance

DJ Jonathan Porter played the amazing Trouser Autoerotic Decapitation mix of the Pet Shop Boys' "A Red Letter Day" at the 2007 Pier Dance in New York

Jennifer Hudson soundcheck and live performance at The Pier Dance 2008

Jennifer Hudson was the featured artist at the 2008 Dance On The Pier, delivering a flawless rendition of her hits "Spotlight" and "I am telling you I'm not going". The torrential rain from the early afternoon had fortunately subsided, and the diva sang her tunes under a gorgeous starry sky, to the delight of the thousands gathered on the Hudson river piers to celebrate gay pride in New York city.