Marcy Clark 212-729-9619

 

For two decades, Dance Parade has brought together 10,000+ dancers, DJs, and live bands representing more than 150 dance organizations and 100+ styles — from ballet to bhangra, salsa to street styles — creating an explosion of color, rhythm, and freedom through the heart of Manhattan. The day culminates with DanceFest in Tompkins Square Park, which hosts several stages for performances and dance classes in a wide variety of genres, inviting thousands to mix, mingle, and continue celebrating the art we love, all free and open to the public.

 

The parade kicks off at noon at West 17th Street and Avenue of the Americas (Sixth Avenue), with moving choreographies headed south through the Flatiron and Greenwich Village neighborhoods. Turning east on Eighth Street, the procession passes through Astor Place and the Grandstand at Saint Marks, where each group performs for 40 seconds before concluding in Tompkins Square Park for DanceFest.

 

As a nonprofit, Dance Parade Inc. has also been at the forefront of dancer rights and cultural advocacy — leading the repeal of the Cabaret Law (2017), championing the creation of the NYC Office of Nightlife, and helping drive 2024’s City of Yes zoning reforms. For decades, New York City’s “Cabaret Law” restricted social dancing in restaurants and clubs without a special license, effectively banning dancing in thousands of small venues. The organization’s ongoing advocacy helped overturn these outdated laws, allowing dance and live performance to legally thrive once again across the five boroughs.

 

“Our theme ‘The Beat Goes On’ reflects both our resilience and our freedom to express ourselves through dance,” said Greg Miller, Executive Director of Dance Parade New York. “As we celebrate twenty years, we continue to advocate for inclusive nightlife laws, expand our dance education programs in schools and senior centers, and honor the power of community that keeps New York moving.”

 

Board Chair Jerry Goldman added, “By restricting dance in nightlife venues, our laws have long stifled the cultural richness that defines New York. We applaud recent progress under City of Yes and look to state leaders to modernize outdated State Liquor Authority policies so that dance and music can once again flourish as First Amendment rights.”

In a special honor, Dance Parade’s video celebrating two decades of dance will be featured in LOOK UP TIMES SQUARE, a public art initiative spotlighting creators whose work inspires connection and hope. The piece, linked here, will premiere November 27th on multiple Times Square billboards, offering a global audience a glimpse into Dance Parade’s mission to uplift communities through movement.

 

“Appearing in Times Square is a tribute to every dancer who has danced, performed, or taught through Dance Parade’s history,” said Miller. “It shows that our collective beat — of joy, justice, and community — truly goes on.”

LegalizeDance is a campaign of Dance Parade Inc. uniting advocates, artists, and venue owners to end unjust restrictions on music and dance culture. The movement has achieved milestones including the creation of the NYC Office of Nightlife (2017), the repeal of the Cabaret Law (2017), and City of Yes Zoning Reform (2024). Over 100 venues and 4,000 supporters have signed the petition urging the State Liquor Authority to modernize its policies. Sign the petition and join the movement at LegalizeDance.org

Founded in 2006, Dance Parade Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that celebrates the unifying power of dance through education, performance, and advocacy. Its community engagement programs bring dance instruction to schools, older adult centers, and community groups across the five boroughs.

 

“Dance opens pathways to the soul and heals us, making us whole,” says Funmi Chesney, Artistic Director of Fusha Dance.

 

The organization provides two dozen schools, community and older adult centers with dance education classes that culminate in the 20th Annual Dance Parade and Festival. Programs are supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Harkness Foundation for Dance, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and the New York State Council on the Arts. Join the generosity movement by pitching in to our Year-End Giving Campaign here.

#DanceParadeNYC  #TheBeatGoesOn   #LegalizeDance

 

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