Gather Round: Let’s Dance! (2026)

For the fourth year, Works & Process, known for its performing arts programming at Guggenheim New York, brings its captivating pop-up dance and music series back to Manhattan West. With live bands, DJs, dance lessons, and performances by celebrated New York artists, each week offers something different: from Afro-Latin Dance to Swing, from Contra to Freestyle! 

Free performances take place on Wednesdays in September from 5-6:15pm on Manhattan West Plaza! 

SCHEDULE:
+ September 9: LayeRhythm
+ September 16: Sekou McMiller & Friends: Mambo Dance Party
+ September 23: Brooklyn Contra
+ September 30: New York Swings with Josh Lee and the Family

9/9: LAYERHYTHM:
Join LayeRhythm for a performance of live music and street dance, ending with an open dance floor for all! Founder and house dance specialist Mai Lê Hô brings together artists historically under-recognized in the traditional performing arts landscape. Rooted in the raw energy and creative brilliance of freestyle movements like house dance, litefeet, flexN, breaking, and locking, LayeRhythm creates street/club music and dance experiences built on live improvisation, where the audience’s energy and ideas shape what happens on the floor in real time, dissolving the boundaries between spectators and artists. Learn more about the artist at layerhythm.org

9/16: SEKOU McMILLER & FRIENDS:
Learn how to mambo like they used to in New York’s legendary Palladium Ballroom, where the social dance movement was born! Sekou McMiller and friends host an intergenerational Mambo social dance party and lesson featuring elders from the Palladium with a live music performance by the Palladium Mambo Band.  All are welcomed for this intergenerational celebration of Dance and community. Learn more about the artists at sekoumcmiller.com

9/23 BROOKLYN CONTRA:
Join us for A Barn Dance With Brooklyn Contra, presenting New York’s most approachable social dance! There will be live music from the Some Assembly Required Quintet playing joyous, dynamic, interpretations of traditional Appalachian and Irish tunes to help you whirl away the night. Contra dance is an easy-to-learn folk dance similar to square dancing with some swing dance flair. Originating in northern Appalachia based on English and French formal dances, contra is now danced around the country by multi-generational communities. No partner necessary and all dances are taught before the dance! Learn more about the artist at brooklyncontra.org

9/30 NEW YORK SWINGS with JOSH LEE AND THE FAMILY:
New York Swings brings the excitement of Lindy Hop and Authentic Jazz dance to stages around the world. They share their signature playfulness, athleticism and historically-grounded dedication of the craft to new audiences. Led by choreographer and community driver, Gaby Cook with a cast of New York’s most talented dancers in the field. Learn more about the artist at nycswings.net

Josh Lee and the Family is a Philadelphia based ensemble dedicated to honoring the musical and dance traditions of the swing era. Led by Grammy-Winning saxophonist Josh Lee, the band plays classics from composers like Basie, Ellington, Buck Clayton and more, as well as original music inspired by those historic bands. As a member of the Count Basie Orchestra, Josh has devoted his life to keeping this incredible music alive for generations to come. Learn more about the artist at www.joshleeandthefamily.com

ABOUT WORKS & PROCESS:
Championing performing artists and their creative process from studio to stage, Works & Process features artists from the world’s largest organizations and amplifies underrecognized performing arts cultures. Works & Process commissions, provide longitudinal and fully-funded LaunchPAD creative residencies, and present programs that illuminate artistic process at the Guggenheim Museum, Lincoln Center, and the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, with the Jerome Robbins Dance Division. Each summer, Works & Process curates and presents free dance programs with City Parks Foundation’s SummerStage and NYC Parks. Learn more HERE.

Interested in sponsorship or event rentals? Contact Rentals@Brookfield.com for more information.