"CARRY ON" 2026 Dance Show @ Waterside Plaza NYC 8.18.26
About this Event
International dancer, choreographer, and educator Taylor Gordon presents "CARRY ON: an evening of memories thru movement", on August 18, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Waterside Plaza in New York City. Performed outdoors at sunset, CARRY ON is contemporary dance program of 3 original works exploring what we carry forward—the people, stories, and legacies that continue to shape who we become.This marks Gordon's third season presenting choreography at Waterside Plaza.
The Program
Any Other Friday
Inspired by Gordon's brother, U.S. Army soldier Nick Gordon, who served two deployments to Afghanistan before his death by suicide in 2016, this contemporary ballet honors his life while confronting the realities of military mental health. Rather than dwelling in loss, the work celebrates resilience, connection, and the choice to keep living. August 9, 2026 is the 10-year anniversary of his death.
Canzoni Per Papa
A theatrical dance suite celebrating Gordon's late Italian grandfather, Canzoni Per Papa explores heritage, family, and the ways cultural identity is passed from one generation to the next. Blending contemporary movement with Italian charm and theatricality, the work premiered earlier this year at the Spark Theater Festival.
What Stays
Set to an original score by Emmy Award-winning composer Sean Pallatroni, this new contemporary ballet reflects on the enduring impact of mentorship. Inspired by Taylor's mentor, the work explores how artistic wisdom, generosity, and human connection continue to live on through the people we teach, influence, and inspire.
Tickets: https://carryon2026.eventbrite.com
Tax-deductible donations to support the artists:
Waterside Plaza in an outdoor space at East 26th Street & East River, NYC
International director/dhoreographer Taylor Gordon has been based in NYC for more than 20 years. Her performance credits include some of the dance world's biggest stages, including Lincoln Center, Radio City Music Hall, The Kennedy Center, Carnegie, Hall, Jacob's Pillow, international tours, commercials, and film. Amongst other places, she has taught and performed in Peru, Japan, India, China, Indonesia, The Philippines, Taiwan, Cuba, Europe, and the UK. Recent choreography credits include Dance Lab NY's Production Prep Lab & Broadway Choreography Intensive, Princeton University (2 new musicals), CounterPointe13, Carnegie Hall Presents: NYFA Cabaret, Dixon Place, Queens Outdoor Dance Festival, Women in Motion, Uptown Rising, Nacre Dance, and Exit12 Dance Company. She assisted several Broadway choreographers as a Show Supervisor for RWS Global and recently danced in pre-production for NY City Center Encores! She has been a Resident Director for Dublin Worldwide Productions since 2019 and a dancer with Exit12 Dance Company since 2010. Taylor has been featured prominently in The New York Times, CNN, NBC, CBS, FOX5, ABC, The Times of India, Huffington Post, Dance Magazine, Dance Spirit, Dance Teacher, and United Airlines Hemisphere Magazine. www.taylorjgordon.com
The 2026 “CARRY ON” cast will be announced in August.
www.taylorjgordon.com/unpacked
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 25.00
