Cain Coleman

New York City has always provided abundant opportunities for LGBTQ artists to showcase their work and talents. Today, by continuing to provide spaces for LGBTQ artists to create and exhibit their craft, self-expression remains core to fostering a sense of community and acceptance For Brooklyn-based artist Cain Coleman, the freedom to express creativity has consistently served as both a means of sustenance and a source of inspiration. In the spirit of diversity, equity and inclusion, The Shed, a cultural independent nonprofit, has launched Open Call, a large-scale commissioning program for early-career, NYC-based artists. As part of its inaugural-year program, the nonprofit is dedicated to promoting art forms, addressing pressing issues, and ensuring that its work has a meaningful and sustainable impact on the local community, the cultural sector, New York City, and beyond. Explore the possibilities of LGBTQ art at The Shed with Cain Coleman at the link in bio!

I had the honor of performing in “Is America Possible?”—a powerful gathering bringing together voices like Krista Tippett, Michelle Alexander, and Rev. Lucas Johnson, with music performed by Langston Hughes II and rooted in the legacy of Dr. Vincent Harding. Held in collaboration with The Riverside Church, Union Theological Seminary, On Being, and the National Council of Elders, it invited us to imagine a more just, compassionate, and joyful world. I performed my work, “Litany and Words in Memoriam”, in response to Howard Thurman’s April 7, 1968 address—the moment he announced that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had been assassinated. A text filled with grief, truth, and spiritual reckoning. But for me, it was also deeply personal. Just two weeks after losing my grandmother—my best friend and my greatest motivation to keep moving in the arts—I found myself on stage not just performing, but being with her. Dancing with her. Remembering her. She is the reason I keep going. The reason I keep dancing. Dance has always been more than movement. It’s memory. It’s spirit. It’s lineage. This one was for her. And for all those who came before us. May we keep building, keep imagining, and keep dancing forward. #InternationalDanceDay #IsAmericaPossible #DanceIsHealing #LegacyInMotion #MLK HowardThurman

I wanna see what you got on the dance floor 😜 Saturday 5/16 ! @danceparadenyc 2pm - 630pm! On the Main stage! Hosted by YOURS TRULY✨💃🏾👑 This stage showcases a variety of genres from incredible dancers from around the world 🌎 ✨💕 . . . Area A: DanceFest’s main stage is off of East 7th streets Ave A & B ✨ . . . Thank you to thee Lead Producer @odessadagawd , Executive Director Greg Miller, Community Engagement Director Carlyle Eckert and the entire @danceparadenyc team for having me ! Let’s dance the night away !!💃🏾✨💎💕

Something about this feels like a good bye. ‘The Night Show’ is full of memories I can’t let go of. I’ve tried. I’ve prayed. I have forgiven myself and others but those moments that brought me here wake up with me every day and I find them in my dreams every night. These past 3 years…flying solo…It’s been hard. It’s been lonely. It’s been extremely emotional. I haven’t been sure of how to continue. Community divided. Gigs gone. Dreams deferred. I’ve tried to press on alone. Push. Move. Keep going. It hasn’t been easy. My love letter to NYC night life hold me tenderly and keeps me humble. I love you all. Especially you Issa! I miss you dearly.

“The Night Show” was born from late nights downtown, long walks home at sunrise, crowded dance floors, dressing room mirrors, corner store conversations, drag shows, after hours, house music shaking the walls, and the feeling that for one night at a time we could become absolutely anything we dreamed of. May 20th

My love letter to the chaos, glamour, heartbreak, freedom, sweat, beauty, music, movement, and magic of New York City nightlife… 💋🌃✨ “The Night Show” was born from late nights downtown, long walks home at sunrise, crowded dance floors, dressing room mirrors, corner store conversations, drag shows, after hours, house music shaking the walls, and the feeling that for one night at a time we could become absolutely anything we dreamed of. This song is for the artists, the dancers, the DJs, the lovers, the performers, the outsiders, the dreamers, the people finding family under disco lights and building community in places the world often overlooks. It is for every body that has ever stepped into the night searching for freedom, release, connection, healing, or transformation. NYC nightlife has raised me, challenged me, protected me, inspired me, and continuously reminded me that joy itself can be revolutionary. There is truly nothing like the energy of this city after dark. The rhythm. The grit. The elegance. The humanity. The pulse of thousands of stories happening all at once. “The Night Show” is my attempt to bottle even a fraction of that feeling and share it with the world. Featuring @masonrosemusic Available everywhere May 20th 💋 See you under the lights. #TheNightShow #NYCNightlife #HouseMusic #DanceMusic #NewYorkCity QueerArt Nightlife OdessaDaGawd MusicRelease DanceCulture House NYCArtists

Everyone stay calm and keep breathing. Seriously, unclench your jaw for a second. Don’t let outside forces disrupt the way you protect and move with your peace. That is yours. Each day, reach for serenity, peace, forgiveness, and patience. These are not just ideas, they are practices. The way you speak to yourself, the way you move through your environment, the way you show up for your community all matter. Be gentle with yourself. Drink some water. Maybe stretch a little. Be intentional with others. Lead with kindness, even when it is hard, especially when someone is testing you like it is their full time job. Because the truth is this shifts everything. It changes your mind. It changes your energy. And yes, it changes your health. So take a breath, roll your shoulders back, and remember not everything deserves your stress.

Join our team at @danceparadenyc today 😍

On this International Dance Day, I’m holding a moment that meant so much more than a performance. I had the honor of performing in “Is America Possible?”—a powerful gathering bringing together voices like Krista Tippett, Michelle Alexander, and Rev. Lucas Johnson, with music performed by Langston Hughes II and rooted in the legacy of Dr. Vincent Harding. Held in collaboration with The Riverside Church, Union Theological Seminary, On Being, and the National Council of Elders, it invited us to imagine a more just, compassionate, and joyful world. I performed my work, “Litany and Words in Memoriam”, in response to Howard Thurman’s April 7, 1968 address—the moment he announced that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had been assassinated. A text filled with grief, truth, and spiritual reckoning. But for me, it was also deeply personal. Just two weeks after losing my grandmother—my best friend and my greatest motivation to keep moving in the arts—I found myself on stage not just performing, but being with her. Dancing with her. Remembering her. She is the reason I keep going. The reason I keep dancing. Dance has always been more than movement. It’s memory. It’s spirit. It’s lineage. This one was for her. And for all those who came before us. May we keep building, keep imagining, and keep dancing forward. #InternationalDanceDay #IsAmericaPossible #DanceIsHealing #LegacyInMotion #MLK HowardThurman

grateful to experience another @odessadagawd masterpiece, “Ah Process, on 55th”. Cain Coleman, you are such a pleasure to work with, be inspired by, and learn from. you bring such a beautiful, uplifting energy to the space and choreography. we are so grateful for you! also, a huge thank you to @sararichter27 & @amyafortunato , for your care, dedication, and passion. and of course to the cast, i love dancing with y’all✨

I’m having the time of my life. This workload is exactly what I needed. Before I even applied to @nyuniversity @nyutisch Iknew I was ready for a shift, something that would challenge my mind, expand my spirit, strengthen my body, and elevate my career. Also just finished my 3rd commission with the professional division at @theaileyschool Since stepping into this program, the possibilities have been pouring in every day. #gradschool #nyu #dance #dancersofig

Wrapping up the semester with @theaileyschool Professional Division🤩So honored to be back in this building. Grateful to work with such talented dancers and to be part of a space with such deep lineage and legacy. It’s been a dream of mine for a long time, and being here feels right. Endless thanks to these incredible dancers for their contributions to A Process on 55th—you made this experience more magical than I could have imagined. Thank you Tracy and Melanie for your guidance, mentorship, and encouragement. So grateful. Massive shoutout to my fantastic choreographic assistants @sararichter27 and @amyafortunato 🤩🤩 #house #housemusic #housedance whatabouthouse