Dance Parade New York 2019

    Photo taken at a past year’s celebration at the NY Dance Parade.

    Dance Parade New York 2019

    Saturday, May 18, 2019

    10,000 Dancers, DJs And Live Bands Will Light Up New York City!

    Followed by the Dance Festival at Tompkins Square Park, the destination of the parade at Avenue A and Saint Marks Place

    Further down on this page you’ll find a parade route map.

    New Yorkled’s been at this parade numerous times over the years and if you still haven’t taken part in witnessing all the fun then you’re making a big time mistake. It’s exhilarating, entertaining, a great thrill to see all the many dancers parading down the street carrying out their dance styles with some wicked costumes to match. Should you show up then be sure to bring along a camera!

    Visit the official Dance Parade NY Site here…

    Also, check out some of the many photos taken by us in past years at this page here…

    Dance Parade New York is the world’s only parade to exclusively celebrate and showcase the diversity of dance. This annual celebration of eclectic dance styles from around the world boasts tens of thousands of dancers and spectators, more than 80 styles of dance and nearly 200 dance groups.

    The parade is a colorful explosion of beautiful dancers. A family and community favorite, the yearly parade is a one-of-a-kind display of New York’s richly diverse artistic community and the cohesive impact it has on the international community.

    Here’s a video as featured by the organizers of the 2019 Dance Parade NY:

    The parade commences at Broadway and 21st Street, travels south through Union Square and University Place, and turns East onto 8th Street. As it passes through Astor Plaza, Emcees Jerry Goldman and Rhina Valentine announce each group with choreography at our Grandstand at 4th Avenue. We call this “40 Second” street because each group has 40 seconds to strut their stuff. The parade continues on Saint Marks Place and finishes at Avenue A.

    As the parade filters into the park, it transforms the space into a world of spirited dance displays and interactive activities. At DanceFest hours of on-stage performances, dance lessons, workshops, kids’ activities and dance parties await those attending this post-parade festival.

    Both the parade and festival are excellent ways to educate the community about the evolution of dance, the vital role it has played in cultures around the globe, and the importance of supporting the organizations and individuals who work so hard to preserve and promote this vital art form.

    TRADITIONAL AND MODERN DANCE FORMS

    Dance Parade New York showcases cultural vibrancy with ethnic groups, including: African, Middle Eastern, Latin American, Asian, as well as social dance styles, including: Swing, Salsa, Tango, Hip Hop, club dancing, and more. Traditional dance forms such as Ballet, Modern, Tap and Jazz are also heavily represented during the parade. Modern forms include dancers from the New York Nightclub soulful house, electronic and burning man style performing artists along with hip-hop, whacking, voguing, popping and locking dancers.

    WATCH OUT FOR THE NEW YORK DANCE POLICE!

    A brigade of 30 uniformed men and women “NYDP” patrol the parade playfully seeking participants to join the dance. Continuing a fan favorite tradition started in 2007, audience members, onlookers or others not dancing are approached by the dance police and asked a few questions. Non-dancers are given a summons stating that they must report to a dance school or nightclub to serve time: dance lessons or practice. The summons is accompanied with a discount or free offer for entry to a club or school. The Dance Police’s vigor brings smiles to those being ticketed… maybe the NYPD should follow suit.

    GRANDSTAND aka 40 SECOND STREET

    It’s named that way because groups with choreography have 40 seconds to perform. The grandstand is located in Astor Place Plaza, where Fourth Avenue meets St. Mark’s Place. Seating more than 300 spectators, the stands are the best seat on the parade route as 10,000 dancers stop and perform. Tickets are available for purchase and all proceeds go to offsetting the cost of the parade.