Vinyl Nights is a roving, dance party, hosted by Miss Rebecca Lynn, where the hits that shaped New York City’s club culture in the 70s, 80s and 90s are played by Misbehavior, Operator EMZ and other DJs. The music makes it a night to remember. All night long. And then there are the dancers that get up offa that thing. Vinyl Nights attracts a range of dancers from professional to passionate, aspiring to retired. Some dance to feel better, try to release the pressure. It doesn’t matter what you wear just as long as you are there. The dancers come for the music they love, the community of the dance floor. If you know the songs, you are welcome. These photos pay tribute to these dancers who make everyone feel better. Their love and respect for each other and the traditions of New York’s street and club dance is a vital part of our city’s culture. 

Some have formal training like Bernard Dove who studied with the masters and danced at the Palladium. Others like Roger Green and Raymond “Spex Boogie” Abbiw have appeared in music videos with top stars. There are bboys like Danny “Rockit” Nieves and one of the original bgirls, Peaches Rodriguez, who has gone on to be a stand up comic. There are dancers whose specialty is popping, locking, waacking, or house. Some were born in New York and some are new arrivals. When a dancer goes into the cypher, it is about interpreting the music in the moment, making the music visible to paraphrase George Balanchine. As Marc, one of the regular dancers who is a veteran of the legendary Mobile Mondays and often comes to Vinyl Nights with his wife and children, said one night when asked what draws him to Vinyl Nights, “Its about the culture.” 

And if you don’t know, now you know.