To the 10,000 dancers, 160 dance organizations, DJs, musicians, volunteers, and supporters who filled New York City with movement, music, and joy this past Saturday: THANK YOU!

 

Under perfect skies, the 20th Annual Dance Parade & Festival became one of the largest and most joyful dance celebrations in NYC history. Over 110 unique styles of dance came alive along Avenue of the Americas and at DanceFest in Tompkins Square Park, featuring more than 120 performances throughout the afternoon.

 

From a New Orleans brass band and Pirate Ship to 50 floats and vehicles, from Flamenco, Belly Dance, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lindy Hop, Bolivian Caporales, Serbian, Bulgarian, Shot of Scotch, Classical Chinese and Indian dance, Mexican folkloric, samba, voguing, and so much more, you showed the world that dance belongs to everyone.

 

A special thank you to Mayor Mamdani for proclaiming Saturday, May 16, 2026 as “Dance Parade Day” in New York City in recognition of Dance Parade’s 20 years of advocacy, artistry, and community building through dance. See the official proclamation below.

 

Together, you transformed New York into a living celebration of rhythm, freedom, culture, and community.

 

The Beat Goes On!

With love and gratitude,