NYC Dance Parade - May 17, 2025

NEW YORK, NY — The spirit of movement and expression took over the streets of Manhattan on Saturday, May 17, 2025, for the 19th Annual NYC Dance Parade and Festival.

The theme for this monumental year was "Freedom to Dance," a powerful message that celebrates dance as a fundamental First Amendment right and continues the tradition established by the parade's founders who fought to repeal the city's restrictive Cabaret Law.

Highlights of the Day:

• A Kaleidoscope of Styles: Over 10,000 dancers from more than 150 organizations showcased over 100 unique dance styles, ranging from classical ballet and Afro-Haitian to voguing, breaking, Lindy Hop, and Bollywood.

• The Route: The procession began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:30 AM at 17th Street and Avenue of the Americas, then moved down Sixth Avenue, across West 8th Street, and concluded with a grand finale festival in Tompkins Square Park.

• Distinguished Grand Marshals: The parade was led by a group of dance luminaries who were honored for their profound contributions to the art form:

  • Mercedes Ellington (Dancer, Choreographer, and Educator)

  • Danny Tenaglia (Grammy-nominated House and Techno DJ/Producer)

  • Funmilayo Chesney (African Dance expert and Artistic Director of Fusha Dance Company)

  • David Parsons (Choreographer and Founder of Parsons Dance)

• DanceFest in the Park: The parade culminated in a massive, free festival in Tompkins Square Park, featuring multiple stages with live performances, free dance lessons for the public, and a dedicated social dance party area.

The 2025 Dance Parade was a vibrant and joyous manifestation of New York's cultural diversity and an enduring commitment to the right to express oneself through movement.