Saturday, May 20, 2023
Beginning at 11:45 am

Starts at 17^th Street and Sixth Avenue; heads south to 8^th Street; turns east onto St. Marks Place and onto Tompkins Square Park in the East Village

We’ve been to this parade off and on through the years and it’s always been a treat to return. Last year, in 2022, the temps were hot enough but that didn’t keep all those who participated from having a grand ‘ole time! If you show up then be sure to bring your cameras along since there’ll be plenty photo-taking opportunities what with all the many performers who’ll be there that day.

Following is the official press release:

NEW YORK, NY – February 1, 2023 – New York’s beloved and joyous Dance Parade returns to the streets Saturday May 20, 2023 celebrating its 17th year with 10,000 dancers featuring over 100 unique styles of dance, live bands, and DJs. Headlining a ribbon cutting ceremony will be Grand Marshals: Ronald K. Brown, Natasha Diggs and Elizbeth Streb to kick off the event at 11:45am at 17th Street and Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas) at our new starting location.

Grand Marshals this year are: Ronald K. Brown, Natasha Diggs, And Elizabeth Streb

Ronald K. Brown is a choreographer and the artistic director of the Evidence, A Dance Company. He is known for incorporating African diaspora movement and spirituality into his work, and has received numerous awards and accolades for his choreography and leadership in the dance community. Learn more about Ronald K. Brown here: https://danceparade.org/ronaldkbrown/

Natasha Diggs 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. Learn more about Natasha Diggs here: https://danceparade.org/natasha-diggs/.

Elizabeth Streb is a choreographer, dancer, and founder of the dance company STREB Extreme Action. She is known for her use of high-flying acrobatic and athletic movement in her work, and has been recognized for her contributions to the field of dance with numerous awards and accolades.Learn more about Elizabeth Streb here: https://danceparade.org/elizabeth-streb/

At this year’s parade and festival, Dance Parade will celebrate its 17th year under the theme “Beyond the Zone” with 10,000 dancers from 160+ dance organizations who will present over 100 unique styles of dance down Avenue of Americas, parade across West 8th Street, perform before the Grand Stand at St. Marks Place before reaching Tompkins Square Park.

“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,” says Dance Parade’s Executive Director Greg Miller. “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.”

If you want to dance in the parade, or get involved and volunteer with Dance Parade, please register here: https://danceparade.org/team-reg/

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, performance and special events.

Dance Parade and Festival is made possible in part with private support as well as public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the New York State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

2022 Dance Parade Photo Gallery: