They’ll be dancing in the streets — again, at last.
Dance Parade New York, the annual celebration of dance in all its forms, will return live on Sat., May 21, kicking off at noon at Broadway and 20th Street.
The event will see more than 10,000 dancers hoof it down Broadway and on into the East Village, presenting more than 80 styles of dance.
Fifteen minutes before the procession’s start, Mayor Adams will lead out the parade at a ribbon-cutting ceremony that will include this year’s grand marshals, Heidi Latsky, artistic director of Heidi Latsky Dance; Rich Medina, a hip hop DJ; and Eduardo Vilaro, C.E.O. and artistic director of Ballet Hispanico. The opening will also feature dance performances by Ballet Hispanico Palante and 30 dancers from the Yunist School of Ukrainian Dance.
“We believe live performance can help heal from the pandemic and create a more equitable, vibrant society,” said Greg Miller, executive director of Dance Parade New York. “Dance Parade is always a spectacular event in the city’s calendar of parades and festivals. This one is going to be super-special.”
The Yunist School of Ukrainian Dance will lead the parade, with 150 to 200 dancers dressed in costumes from various regions of Ukraine, followed by 130 dance groups, on foot and on parade floats, featuring more than 100 dance genres, including African, ballet, bhangra, Bolivian, Brazilian, break dance, Serbian, Mexican, Chinese, contemporary, hip hop, Irish, Indonesian, lindy hop, salsa and tango.
After wending its way down Broadway to University Place, the parade will then turn east along Eighth Street. Parade groups with choreography will perform for 40 seconds before two grandstands at Astor Plaza before the final stretch along St. Mark’s Place to Avenue A. The Dance Parade will include a pirate ship, a rainbow unicorn named Sparky and other fun visuals.
DanceFest, the parade’s grand finale, will happen from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Tompkins Square Park. There will be curated performances on five stages, “Experience Dance Booths,” two teaching areas of various dance styles and a dance party, all free to the public.
Dance Fest’s Main Stage will feature an array of dance culture from around the city and around the world.
The Family Stage will feature teaching artists and their students from the event’s “community engagement” programs, as well as performances for all ages.
On the Teaching Stages, people will be able to take a free dance lesson from New York City’s best teachers.
The Aerial Stage will showcase high-flying performers and their stamina, strength, artistry and elevated skill.
Last but not least the House of Yes Stage will feature DJ Rich Medina, who will invite all to bring their best moves to the social stage.
Also returning will be the “New York Dance Police” (N.Y.D.P.), who like to see spectators in a dancing mood. Anyone seen not dancing could be issued a “non-moving violation” that comes with a fine — a $10-off coupon for the official after-party at Nublu, starting at 9 p.m. and going until late at 151 Avenue C.
Launched in 2006, Dance Parade is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to celebrate diversity by presenting as many forms of dance and culture as possible. The organization offers free dance programs to schools and community centers throughout New York City. The group helped repeal the city’s 91-year-old cabaret law, which permitted dancing in large nightclubs but banned it in smaller nightlife venues.
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