Urban Stomp On the Record Episodes
Created to provide additional information for the exhibition, Urban Stomp: Dreams & Defiance on the Dance Floor, at the Museum of the City of New York
On this episode of Urban Stomp: On the Record, we talk lindy hop and the legacy of Frankie Manning. We welcomed director Laura Jeffers and the Big Apple Lindy Hoppers into the galleries to activate the space and reflect on Frankie’s impact and the story behind the Frankie Manning Quilt
In this episode of Urban Stomp: On the Record, Derrick León Washington is back in conversation with Brad San Martin, this time talking about the legacy of Big Daddy Kane.
They reflect on Kane’s iconic tracksuit by the legendary Dapper Dan (@dapperdanharlem), along with rare footage of him performing at the Apollo with Scoob Lover and Scrap Lover. The footage is rarely seen
On this episode of Urban Stomp: On the Record, we invited Brooklyn Contra to activate the “All Dancing Allowed” interactive floor.
Contra dance caller and teacher Alyssa Adkins (@mixolyssian) joins curator Derrick León Washington to break down what contra dance is, while dancers showcase classic moves in the galleries.
On this episode of Urban Stomp: On the Record 🎶
Dancer and artist Annika Cheng ( @meijia_design ) reflects on her work with Think!Chinatown (@thinkchinatown) and how community, movement, and cultural memory shape her practice. Her story is featured in Urban Stomp: Dreams and Defiance on the Dance Floor, where dance becomes a living archive of joy, resistance, and belonging.
On this episode of Urban Stomp: On the Record, Derrick León Washington sits down with artist Jerise Fogel to explore the first rosette in her intricate papercut work, tracing Yiddish dance history and the Lower East Side garment workers who filled NYC dance halls.
In this episode of Urban Stomp: On the Record, we spotlight the unforgettable style of Celia Cruz, La Reina de la Salsa.
Hear from Alexis Rodriguez-Duarte, her personal photographer, and Tico Torres, her stylist, in conversation with Derrick León Washington as they reflect on her fashion, presence, and lasting impact.
In this episode of Urban Stomp: On the Record, hear Derrick León Washington in conversation with Brad San Martin, Digital Archivist at the Apollo Theater. Together, they reflect on the legendary Gordon Anderson and discuss some of the rare photographs and footage featured in "Urban Stomp: Dreams & Defiance on the Dance Floor."
On this episode of Urban Stomp: On the Record, Cultura Pa’lante and Nostalgia activated the galleries and the dance floor.
As Fabio Puentes shared, the dance floor felt like being in his titi’s house — familiar, welcoming, and rooted in community. Hear curator Derrick León Washington, Maricelly Malave, and Fabio reflect on what it means to bring that feeling into the museum and learn more about Cultura Pa’lante (@cultura.pa.lante)
An early pioneer of the Hustle/New York Hustle/Latin Hustle, Willie and his communities helped shape a cultural movement that began in the Bronx and grew into a worldwide phenomenon that continues to this day. In the early 1970s, he and his peers created Hustle parties at St. Mary’s Recreation Center as spaces of peace, choosing music and movement over violence.
The images and film shared here were given by Willie himself, with the intention of sharing his history with the world. In this episode of Urban Stomp: On the Record, he speaks about music and the power of dance to bring people together.
In this episode of Urban Stomp: On the Record, hear Michele Saunders (@michelesaunders43) reflect on her time as a member of the iconic Paradise Garage — and what it meant to be part of that community.
She shares memories, images from her personal archive, and a collage made from items gathered to commemorate the club’s closing — now on view in Urban Stomp: Dreams & Defiance on the Dance Floor.
Come see it for yourself and learn more about the history of a dance floor that shaped New York nightlife.
Part of the exhibition displayed the legacy of Paradise Garage, the dancers, and the energy that shaped the world of house music.
It is such a reinvigorating time to witness a diverse and universal younger generation showing so much interest in the history of house music.
I remember the sound that beat like our hearts, the lights, the costumes, and the vibrant souls of Paradise Garage like it was only yesterday. We can continue to live in the present and enjoy the evolution of music while still honoring the precious memories of the past.