( ENSPIRE Entertainment ) Dance Parade Returns to NYC Streets Saturday, May 20, 2023, Celebrating its 17th Year With 10,000 Dancers and 100+ Unique Styles of Dance
ENSPIRE Contributor: Cailin Tennis
New York City is buzzing with excitement after the announcement of Dance Parade’s Annual Parade. The beloved and joyous event returns to the streets Saturday, May 20, 2023. Headlining a ribbon cutting ceremony will be Grand Marshals: Ronald K. Brown, Natasha Diggs, and Elizabeth Streb, which will kick off the event at 11:45 am at 17th Street and Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas). This event is consistently a high-energy, eye-opening spectacle that shouldn’t be missed.
Launched in 2006, Dance Parade is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and sustaining dance artistry and cultivating supporters of the dance community. The organization offers collaborative opportunities among established and emerging artists through community engagement, scholarships, performances, and special events. This community-based foundation and excellent support of the arts is precisely why ENSPIRE is actively promoting its events and success. Dance Parade has founding values including diversity, culture, and movement, that are demonstrated through fabulous performance, vibrant colors, and authentic music.
ENSPIRE was excited to talk with Sponsorship Director Dana Humphrey to discuss the parade’s history, importance, and exciting features.
How has Dance Parade evolved since its creation in 2006?
It’s grown in popularity and size! More dance groups, more floats, and more people come out to watch and enjoy the parade too.
What are some memorable moments from previous Dance Parade events?
Last year in 2022 the parade kicked off with a Ukrainian and Russian folk dance group. It was a really beautiful sentiment with everything happening globally at that time.
What are some ways community members can get involved with Dance Parade?
Volunteer! It’s easy to register here on the Dance Parade Website! Or enthusiastic participants can join the virtual pre-party on the international day of dance on April 29th.
Can you expand on the meaning behind the ‘Beyond the Zone’ theme this year?
The best way to describe our theme is with a quote from Dance Parade’s Executive Director Greg Miller. He says, “Our theme, ‘Beyond the Zone’ acknowledges New York City Mayor Eric Adam’s ‘City of Yes’ campaign to reform antiquated Zoning laws related to dance.” He adds, “Updating zoning ordinances in New York City follows the 2017 repeal of the NYC Cabaret License law that restricted dance to a small number of venues licensed to allow dancing. Dance Parade has always been a supporter, as well as an advocate, for dance.” Plus, dancing gets you in the “zone”, also known as the flow state.
What are some challenges that Dance Parade has seen and overcome throughout the organization of this event?
Dance Parade is a non-profit and we have a small team that raises money. We also apply for grants and we depend on the support of many volunteers. There is always help needed to make Dance Parade New York happen. We encourage people to please consider donating.
Could you tell us about the Grand Marshals featured in this year’s parade?
Ronald K. Brown is a choreographer and the artistic director of the Evidence, A Dance Company. He is known for incorporating the African diaspora movement and spirituality into his work and has received numerous awards and accolades for his choreography and leadership in the dance community.
Our second Grand Marshal is Natasha Diggs, who is a DJ and music producer based in New York City. She is known for her versatile style, blending classic hip-hop, soul, funk, and R&B. Diggs has played in venues around the world and has been involved in several music projects and collaborations with other artists and musicians.
Last, but not least, is Elizabeth Streb– choreographer, dancer, and founder of the dance company STREB Extreme Action. She is known for her use of high-flying acrobatic and athletic movements in her work and has been recognized for her contributions to the field of dance with numerous awards and accolades.
This event has shown to be full of life, celebration, and beauty in past years, and that’s exactly what we expect from the event coming up this May. Amazingly, over 10,000 dancers will be participating in the event and using movement to express their culture and creativity. This parade is not only important for the arts but also for the representation of all the identities in NYC and beyond. To learn more about Dance Parade, register for the event, or to donate, please visit their website.
Dance Parade Pre-Party Virtual Link: Join the Pre-party on April 29th
Related Articles: International Museum of Dance Provides Original Experiences, The International Association Of Blacks In Dance Receives New Grants
