Our mission, close to our hearts, is to bring the joy of dance to underserved public schools and community centers across all five boroughs of the city. By paying teaching artists above average compensation, we aim to empower the next generation through the art of dance and culminate their journeys with an exhilarating experience at the 18th annual Dance Parade and Festival on Saturday, May 18, 2024. 

Advocating to end the NYC prohibtion on dancing: Our 2024 theme "Dance Free" is a a potent call to action for freedom, inclusivity, and unity within the dance community. Our grassroots advocacy campaign started earlier this year with the 17th Annual Parade & Festival whose theme was "Beyond the Zone" which has successfully influenced the Department of City Planning to propose allowing bars and restaurants to permit dancing in the same way that NYC zoning allows live music in all bars and restaurants throughout the city.

 

Currently this proposal called City of Yes is under public review. We have galvanized support through our website legalizedance.org to collect over 3,100 petition signatures toward our 10,000 goal in February when we will testify at the Land Use Commission Hearing. Will you support us in putting an end to these racist era zoning laws?

 

The Power of Dance: Dance is more than just movement; it's a language, a culture, and a universal expression of freedom. It transcends barriers, offering a glimpse into the souls of those who embrace it. It's a testament to the idea that art knows no bounds, and it's our mission to spread the joy of dance through our Community Engagement programs to ensure that every child in New York City has the opportunity to experience this profound connection.

 

 

Spreading the Joy: In our pursuit of this mission, we're excited to share that we have selected 15 under-resourced public schools and 7 community centers across the five boroughs of New York City to be part of our dance residency programs. These programs, run by Carlye Eckert, offer free dance education led by qualified teaching artists who not only teach dance technique but also inspire creativity, teamwork, and self-expression. With your support, we aim to give participants a platform to discover their hidden talents along with the exciting conclusion of participating in New York City's biggest dance event.

 

 

The 18th Annual Dance Parade and Festival: Our season culminates in the greatly anticipated event that defines the spirit of what we do: The 18th Annual Dance Parade and Festival on May 18, 2024. The theme for this year, "Dance Free," goes beyond mere words. It is a powerful symbol of freedom, inclusivity, and unity. It serves as a call to action for the entire dance community to stand up for what they believe in, inspiring and mobilizing dancers and advocates to ensure that New York City's legislative decisions align with the values of freedom, inclusivity, and respect for diverse forms of expression through dance.

Your role: With your support, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of these dancers of all ages. Your contributions will help us provide the necessary resources, from dance instructors, to stages, to audio rentals. Together, we can fuel dreams, offering a chance for individuals to express themselves freely through dance and create memories to last a lifetime.

 

 

Join Us! As we gear up for #GivingTuesday, we invite you to be part of our mission to spread the joy of dance, nurture creativity, and champion the values of freedom, inclusivity, and unity. Let's "Dance Free" towards a brighter future for New York City's youth and older adults alike, one step at a time.

 

 

And, by pitching in you'll also get a donor perk as a token of our appreciation! Be part of a movement that celebrates the power of dance and the freedom it brings to all.

 

Thank you! Together, we can make a lasting impact,