Join Brooklyn Contra for 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!

Wed, September 23, 2026 5:00 PM
Location: Manhattan West Plaza, 385 9th Ave, New York, NY 10001

Works & Process at Manhattan West Performances take place on Wednesdays in September from 5:00PM – Sunset and are free to attend.

https://www.worksandprocess.org/calendar/works-and-process-at-manhattan-west-a-barn-dance-with-brooklyn-contra

ABOUT MANHATTAN WEST:
Manhattan West is New York City’s dynamic destination for food, culture, retail, hospitality, and the modern workplace by BGRE. Spanning eight acres, Manhattan West is located in the center of Manhattan’s new West Side, steps away from Moynihan Hall, Madison Square Garden and The High Line, with seamless access to the theater district, entertainment district, Chelsea art galleries, Meatpacking District and more. Home to diverse world-class office space, Pendry Manhattan West, luxury residences at The Eugene, experiential retail amenities, and unparalleled culinary concepts surrounding a landscaped, two-acre public plaza enlivened with immersive art and entertainment programming, Manhattan West incorporates the best of BGRE’s global placemaking portfolio to create a new district that has something for everyone. Learn more here.

ABOUT WORKS & PROCESS:
The magic is in the process. We let you in on the secret.
Works & Process supports creative process from studio to stage so that performing artists can create with dignity. We produce fully funded residencies and present behind-the-scenes events that blend artist discussion and performance highlights. Our events go beyond the stage, so that audiences can spectate, participate, and continue the conversation at hosted receptions.

Each year, Works & Process produces more than 25 creative residencies with over a dozen partners in seven states. These out-of-town residencies provide 24/7 studio access, on-site housing, access to health insurance enrollment, industry-leading artist fees, and a transportation stipend to facilitate uninterrupted creative process. In over 100 Works & Process residencies, supporting over 1,000 artists, incubated works have gone on to receive awards, grants, and tour nationally—and internationally, with the U.S. State Department.

Beyond Guggenheim New York, we also partner with organizations across New York City, including 92NY, New York Public Library for the Performing Arts Jerome Robbins Dance Division, and Free Food Refettorio Harlem. During the fall, we curate and present free outdoor dance programs with Manhattan West.