Dance Parade New York 2022

On Saturday, May 21, New York City celebrated the diversity of dance with the Dance Parade. More than 100 different dancing styles performed by more than 1000 professionals were presented: Hip Hop, Break Dance, Cheerleading, Salsa, and Contemporary Ballet - all of these were showcased during the parade!

The Dance Parade started at 11:45 at 20th and Broadway and go to Tompkins Square Park. Each group of dancers performed with their choreography for 40 seconds before two Grandstands in Astor Plaza. There was also some fun visual parading, including a pirate ship and a rainbow unicorn. 

At the parade's finale, dancers showed curated performances on five stages. The public also participated in dancing masterclasses and dance parties. The best part is that was all free! 

This year featured the 16th edition of the Dance Parade. The first one was held in 2006 in response to the New York State Supreme Court ruling that upheld the 1926 NYC Cabaret Law. The law denied social dance as an expressive activity under the first amendment. 

Since then, the parade has been held every year. This event is a chance for the dancers to introduce their work to broader audiences, show their cultural heritage, and collaborate with other dancers. For the audience, the Dance Parade is a chance to learn more about dancing culture, fall in love with it, and maybe even start dancing themselves! 

What can be better than a sunny late spring Saturday with great music, bright costumes, and breathtaking dancing?

Article by Joseph R. Fraia