Dance Parade 2023 – Celebrating Grand Marshal Natasha Diggs, Elizabeth Streb and Ronald K Brown

above photo by Chao-Chi Tong

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 11:45 am at 17th Street and Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas) at our new starting location.

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/

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 movements 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/

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/.

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 GrandStand 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, performances, 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.

Save the date May 20, 2023 for the 17th Annual Dance Parade and DanceFest, more news coming soon!