This Dance Party Hopes to Build Understanding Through Art

On Thursday of last week, artist and musician Nick Cave celebrated his first major project in New York City since he collaborated with dancers from the Ailey School at Grand Central Terminal in 2013. Held at the Park Avenue Armory, the Freedom Ball served as the opening reception for “The Let Go,” a dance-hall atmosphere where visitors are immersed in Cave’s newest installation: two kinetic, 40-foot-tall, multi-colored Mylar sculptures referencing social-justice issues. Through this hybrid, multi-sensory project — which includes performance, installation, and dance-based encounters — audiences are encouraged to dispel negativity and uplift one another as they “let go” on the dance floor.

Thursday night’s party included a “Dress to Express” competition judged by fellow creatives Mickalene Thomas, Racquel Chevremont, Mickey Boardman, Bob Faust, Megan Rejman, and Adam van Eeckhout. The competition gave art fans the opportunity to win $20,000 in cash prizes for the most expressively dressed: Lil Gayboy Ladosha won the State of the World prize for being dressed in an American flag ballgown complete with a long train and crystal tiara. But it was a pair dressed in fuzzy neon costumes — Boogie Monsters — who took home the grand total prize of $10,000. Swipe through to see New York’s art and fashion glitterati in full swing.

“The Let Go” is on view at the Park Avenue Armory until July 1. Click here for tickets and installation hours. Weeknight installation hours include a special Up Right performance at 8 p.m.