“Back On The Streets” is the moniker for this year’s return of Dance Parade New York. After a two-year postponement due to the word I need not mention, the parade and dance party is back by popular demand. On Saturday, May 21, 2022, a cavalry of dancers and dance troupes will take to the streets of NYC starting at 12:00 noon at Broadway and 20th Street then traveling downtown to Astor place via 8th Street. Following are a few details for you to get your grove on.
The starting point will have a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:45 am with Mayor Eric Adams in attendance along with this year’s Grand Marshals: Heidi Latsky, Artistic Director of Heidi Latsky Dance; Rich Medina, hip hop DJ; and Eduardo Vilaro, CEO and Artistic Director of Ballet Hispanico.
This year, The Yunist School of Ukrainian Dance will lead the parade with 150-200 dancers dressed in costumes from various regions of Ukraine, followed by 130 dance groups, on foot and on parade floats, featuring over 100 genres of dance, including African, ballet, bhangra, Bolivian, Brazilian, breakdance, Serbian, Mexican, Chinese, contemporary, hip-hop, Irish, Indonesian, lindy hop, salsa, and tango.
It’s worth noting that DanceFest is also returning on this day at Tompkins Square Park from 3 until 7 pm. There will be many performers taking to the Main Stage along with a Family Stage featuring local instructors and teaching artists. There will be an Aerial Stage showcasing the strength and artistic style up in the air. The NYDP (New York Dance Police) will also be on site and passing out violations to those who don’t move. It’s actually a “non-moving violation” with a fine (or $10 off coupon depending on how you look at it) for the after-party at the Lower East Side club, Nublu.
Visit: Dance Parade New York
Photo credits: Chao-Chi Tong, Jim Casler, Peter Cai and Maria Guarriello.
