In case you haven’t heard, New Yorkers have been very outside this summer. So much so that, lately, virtually any open space – a grassy park, a vacant sidewalk – feels like an invitation to release inhibitions, turn on a speaker and break out in dance. There’s no need to ask “what’s the move?” when, after the Knicks won and the World Cup arrived, the move is an omnipresent mindset. 

Recently, that frenzied energy was brought to the queer-owned Outbox Gym in Brooklyn, where, on July 9, Dazed and tech company Nothing came together to host Club Nothing (R), an event that celebrated the launch of the Ear (3a) Proving this summer’s the-club-is-all-around thesis, the party took place in a literal boxing gym, with attendees enjoying Moth Cocktails and shimmying inside an actual ring. 

Surrounded by punching bags and pink strobe lights, partygoers were the first to experience Club Nothing, Nothing's new global series of nightlife events centred around dance music and community. Alongside the event series, the company launched the Club Nothing (R) Fund, a $40,000 initiative that will give four emerging creatives $10,000 to bring their own club nights, event series or festivals to life.

Between dance breaks inside a wrestling ring and DJ sets from some of the city’s favourite acts, Club Nothing (R) was a night to remember. Here’s what went down.

NEW YORKERS SHOWED OUT

If one thing’s for certain, it’s that New Yorkers love a good time. And at last week’s party, plenty of familiar faces were in attendance, making the jam-packed club feel more like a reunion between long-lost friends. Among the attendees were some of the city's most-recognisable creatives, including Destiny Joseph, Jean-Luc, Lee Mosely, Elizabeth Eats, Talia Goddess, and Kai McPhee.

NO DRESS CODE NEEDED

There are no rules when it comes to New York dressing, which makes going out here all the more fun. Leather vests, micro shorts and baggy -shirts all saw themselves represented in the room, making for a dress code that read, “wear whatever you want”. New York designer THETWINKNEXTDOOR, for example, came fitted in – what else? – a furry dress and doughnut headpiece.

FCUKERS BROUGHT THE HEAT

Fcukers, the electronic duo of the moment, headlined the night, much to the delight of every club kid in attendance. Fellow NYC artists like Tygapaw, Umru and Princess Peggie also had their turns on the deck. 

THE DANCE FLOOR STAYED ACTIVE (LITERALLY)

With a venue literally built for movement, it’s not surprising that the dance floor never got a break. Armed with fans and larger-than-life boxing gloves, attendees moved and grooved into the wee hours of the morning.