Roxy NYC, nightclub on West 18th Street in New York City, now closed
Roxy NYC was a large nightclub in Chelsea with an open dance floor that transformed across several decades. It began as a roller disco venue, later became a hip-hop nightclub, and eventually hosted gay dance nights with prominent DJs like Junior Vasquez and Frankie Knuckles.
The club opened in 1978 as a roller disco on West 18th Street before Ruza 'Kool Lady' Blue transformed it into a hip-hop venue in 1982. It later became a center for gay nightlife, hosting major DJs and parties until its permanent closure in 2007.
The venue became a gathering place for roller skaters, breakdancers, and music fans who came together to share their passion for movement and sound. It hosted competitions and performances that celebrated emerging street culture, allowing different communities to express themselves freely on the dance floor.
The venue occupied a large warehouse space on West 18th Street in Chelsea with an expansive dance floor for crowds. The original building no longer stands, as the site has been replaced by Lantern House, a modern residential development overlooking the High Line.
The club was featured in the film Beat Street, which documented hip-hop performances and helped bring the venue's culture to a wider audience. A documentary called Roxy: The Last Dance later recorded its final party, capturing the importance of the place for those who experienced it.
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